This house belongs to the persons we support – it is Their home. and as their employee we help create and maintain a comfortable positive atmosphere so that their home is a happy stimulating place where they feel comfortable, loved, safe, and supported as they go about the business of creating a satisfying life for themselves and making good memories. The goal is for their home to be a place where
everyone (staff and the persons we support) is relaxed and smiling, speaking in friendly tones, considerate of each other’s feelings, respectful of each other’s property and space, appreciating each other’s abilities and caring about each other’s well-being. People say: “Please”, “Thank you” and “I’m sorry” and work out their differences in a friendly caring way. They listen to each other – Really Listen – and share kind words of encouragement, support and advice – when it is asked for. Everyone knows what to expect and everyone feels safe and free to be themselves with all their shortcomings and their qualities. Everyone’s successes are celebrated and mistakes are viewed as learning opportunities and an occasion for growth. The house is kept neat and tidy – there’s a place for everything and everything in its place. Doorways and floors are kept clear so that it’s easy to get round. The house is usually filled with smells and sights of appetizing nourishing meals and tasty treats. It is decorated for holidays or special occasions, and favorite objects and pictures of the persons who live there and their family and friends are displayed. You will hear music and pleasant chatter – the television and radio are kept at a low volume. People are busy doing their own things or getting jobs done at their own rhythm, and at other times we will find people just relaxing and taking it easy. Family, friends, and neighbors are welcome and staff are encouraged to introduce and include their family and friends to enlarge the circle of friends of the people we support. In order to ensure the well being of the persons we support, smooth running of the house, and stable consistent quality care, it is important that all staff follow the same routines and procedures. Of course, each employee needs to be familiar with each individual’s care routine, preferences, communication methods, dietary requirements, seating, sleeping positions, etc. These details are included in the profile for each individual we support which is kept at the front of their charts. Because employees spend a lot of hours sharing the living space of the persons we support, it will require flexibility, respect and consideration on everyone’s part for all to work well. Everyone has their own ideas of what they need to be happy, how things should be done, or what is fun and good for them. Understanding and accepting this will certainly help make the atmosphere more peaceful and satisfying for everyone. While employees are not asked to cater to all the whims of the people we support as you provide care to them or support them in their choices, you do need to take into account each individual’s preferences. The scope of choices they have is already quite limited because of their disabilities so it is crucial that they hold on to some measure of control over what happens to them, what they do or won’t do and how care is provided to them. While health and safety must always be taken into account, when there is a dispute about the choices being made, the persons we support have the final say.
