Ashdown is a family run and orientated home and aims for the highest standards in care and this Statement of Purpose is an acknowledgement by the Managers / Proprietors of the home’s responsibilities to provide a warm, homely and therapeutic environment to people with Learning Disabilities aged 25 and over.             In order to insure the service remains responsive to the resident’s needs and confidence in the service provided, the management welcome any comments for the improvement of the service.                                                                                                                                                                                                    This statement is a collation of several of the homes statements, procedures and policies which will remain separate for use individually are included within this statement folder.

These views would be highly valued and where appropriate acted up.

DAVID ROGERS         Manager / Proprietor                                                     CATHY ROGERS (RNMH) Care Manager / Proprietor

Our aim is to provide the following:

1)             To encourage the individual resident to determine his or her own day-to-day programme.

2)            To encourage the residents to maintain and improve they’re daily living skills.

3)             Residents will be encouraged to exercise their own independence, and to take responsibility for their own actions so long as they are not a danger to themselves or others.

4)             Residents are encouraged to attend to their own personal hygiene so far as they are physically and mentally able to do so, at any time if they cannot or are unable to see to themselves the degree of supervision will increase and help will be given to meet their needs in accordance with their care plan.

5)             Personal dignity will be respected by everyone in every way possible whatever their physical, mental disabilities or frailties they have as individuals.

6)             To encourage each resident on their admission to bring with them items of furniture and as many personal possessions that can be accommodated in their room.

7)             To respect their personal privacy for themselves and belongings.

8)             To respect their wish to have access to confidential advice on finance, wills and rights.

9)            Residents are encouraged to take a full and active part in decisions about daily living arrangements, which will affect them, and they will be consulted about any changes, which they are involved with.

10)       The residents are encouraged to use the facilities and services within the surrounding community such as Medical Practitioner, Dentist, Optician and Chiropodist of their choice, if the resident does not have a personal choice then a service will be found for them.

11)         Encouragement will be given to socialise within the community whether by going out or by inviting people in.

12)        Relatives and friends are encouraged to visit on a regular basis.

13)        To accept and respect each individual’s cultural, religious and emotional needs as well as other accepted needs.

QUALITY OF LIFE

Ashdown will provide a comfortable, relaxed and happy environment where there will be encouragement and support by the Managers / Proprietors and there trained staff so to continue and develop the residents activities within the home and the community.                                                                                         Encouragement will be given to the making of decisions, with assistance if necessary and will be supported in maximising their potential physical, intellectual, emotional and social aspects of their life.

INDEPENDENCE

The resident will have the right to use the resources and facilities of the home and to exercise choice in their access to personal privacy.                           Residents are involved in all decisions affecting their lives whilst living at the home.                                                                                                                       They will be entitled where able, supported and encouraged to manage their own personal affairs.

PRIVACY

Residents are entitled to have the choice of a single or sharing a double room when available and are able to have as many personal possessions within their room that is practical.                                                                                                                                                                                                                    They are entitled to privacy and sensitivity from staff while helping with personal care if needed, and to have access to privacy and space for personal matters when able.

DIGNITY

The staff recognises the individuality of each resident with regard to their personal care needs, personal feelings and wishes and be sensitive to cultural and religious needs.                                                                                                                                                                                                                     Care will be given with agreement and consent where applicable.

HUMAN, EMOTIONAL AND SOCIAL NEEDS

Residents will be provided with a choice in seeking emotional support to meet their needs and help will be offered where appropriate from external counselling if required.

RELIGION

All residents will be able and supported where needed to follow their particular religion and staff will respect this wish bearing in mind their own belief.                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Arrangements can be made for representatives from several denominations to visit the home.

FORM OF ADDRESS

Residents can choose how they wish to be addressed and how they wish to address staff.

RIGHTS

Staff will adhere to the rights of the individual as set out in the Human Rights Convention 1950.                                                                                                 All residents have the rights of any other person living in the community and will ensure confidentiality of race, culture and social background.

HEALTH and CARE NEEDS

Residents are entitled to receive community based nursing care without the need to move into a nursing home and also the full range of paramedical service provided by the National Health Service.

Residents are able to retain the responsibility for their own medication where able; otherwise qualified or trained staff will undertake this for them using a monitored system.

When moving into the home residents can continue with their own Doctor and if a change in necessary then support will be given during this time.

All treatment provided by a member of the Health Care service will be confidential and carried out in private at the Surgery, Hospital or in a designated room at the home. Escorting to hospital or other surgeries appointments will be the choice of the service user. Appointments will be as far as possible be made for local clinics. Where the service user needs to attend an appointment at a hospital the service user has the choice of transportation and will be supported in choosing the best form. The service user will be liable for the cost of the transport while the home will supply the escort. If the service user has chosen a family member to escort them then the home will pay the transportation charge.

Residents will be nursed at home so long as the clients needs remain within the staff and homes capabilities along with recommendations from their Doctor.

All residents will have a care plan drawn up for them which will identify areas that they need help in, these will have been discussed with the Care Manager, Social Worker or Advocate where applicable.

All care plans will be review on a regular basis with the resident and their Key worker on a bi monthly basis or sooner as the need arises.

ADMISSION

On admission all clients will have all information recorded as stated on the admissions procedure and all relevant parties notified of the clients new address and circumstances where needed.

VISITOR

Residents have the right to receive visitors at anytime within reason although prior notice would be appreciated.                                                                Facilities are provided at the home for private discussion.

INSPECTION REPORTS

The latest half and yearly inspection reports made by the inspecting officer are included within this statement folder.

HOLIDAYS

A 7 day holiday was agreed / unobtainable from the purchasing authority, the home in case of the holiday being unobtainable will provide 3 or more day trips per calendar year or where the service user pays for there own holiday and an escort is required this home will provide the daytime escort.

LEGAL, FINANCIAL and ADVICE

When residents wish to consult a Solicitor or Financial Advisor it can be arranged for them and home visits are possible, this will be in private unless the resident wishes then the Manager / Proprietor can be included in these matters.

If advice is wished from an alternative source on service user’s matters then this can be sort from the local Social work department or Community Learning Disabilities Team on 01626 21621

FEELING AT HOME

Ashdown is home to the residents and therefore the management will agree to all reasonable requests from them and look forward to contributions from them. The residents are encouraged to use all the facilities of the home and pets are accepted and help given where needed.                                                            Each bedroom is provide with all the usual amenities and are encouraged to bring with them any furniture that can safely be accommodated within their room.  The home provides a safe for valuables items.                                                                                                                                                                            A conveniently located payphone is provided for the residents use.                                                                                                                                            A nourishing, adequate healthy and appetising menu will be provided and fresh fruit and vegetables will be used when ever possible, variety of choice are important as well as the residents likes and dislikes.                                                                                                                                                              Special dietary and religious requirements will be catered for when appropriate.