Stories Archives

Saving lives through non judgmental relationships (2:29)

Under One Roof work towards keeping people safe.

They talk about how this is achieved by building trust through non judgmental relationship where residents feel accepted. The way they work with addiction may seem odd to some people but they understand that people need to and will make their own choices.

They give several examples of how through nurturing relationships with residents it has saved lives. Residents have the confidence to share deeper conversations and share when they need help.

She tells the story of one person who had injected spiked heroin. Only because they felt comfortable enough to say they were concerned for themselves they got the emergency help they needed before it was too late.

Jon talks about what enables his independence at The Great Hospital (2:4

Jon, a resident at The Great Hospital talks about what it is like living there, what he enjoys doing, the support he receives and what this means to him and others who live there too.

He talks about what enables people to be happy living at the Great Hospital from good management to the activities and range of things to do such as bowls, easy access to outdoors and being able to do this with other residents and get support when he needs it.

Jon suggests the flexible support, based on what he needs, is what enables him to live independently enabling him to continue being active and happy.

Removing the barriers of expectation (2:22)

Being real in building relationship is about opening yourself up and removing expectations.

Zena and Angela share how important this in their work as it removes pressure allowing people to be themselves and more likely to feel safe enabling them to be comfortable enough for conversation and form connection.

The only thing they do expect is a certain level of behaviour, people know that its not a place to be abused or abusive, whilst also recognising that many of the people they work with have experienced trauma and will get emotional and talk about how they use creative ways to be alongside that creates safety doesn’t add to the harm they have already experienced.

The Great Hospitals transition from in-house Homecare to external Homecare support. (7:29)

The Great Hospital, has been around for 770 years and taken many differnt shapes in that time. Currently it is a registered social landlord providing supported housing to enable vulnerable people to live independently in their own homes along with homecare support from NR Care for those requiring a little more homecare support.

Gina (Chief Executive of The Great Hospital) sets the context providing an overview of the transition the Great Hospital had to ensure finacial sustainablity from shifting from a full team in house staff providing general support to residents along with 24:7 homecare to those who were more vulnerable to outsourcing homecare that was affordable, met the needs of residents who required greater support whilst maintaining the quality and intamacy. Residents were fully invovled in the commisioning of their new care provider which was taken on by NR Care. Gina reflects on what this now means to the Great Hospital and the residents.

What does being more human mean in the context of care? (2:59)

Christopher reflects on ‘what being more human’ in the context of care means.

He highlights that care plans that care plans should not be generic but tailored to each person’s unique needs and circumstances, they should involve the person actively and are a living document.

He gives examples and notes that key point is that these plans should go beyond just practical tasks to also consider the emotional and mental well-being of the person and acknowledge the inherent risks while supporting individuals transparently and honestly.

Unable to use gardening tools due to it being too risky (3:00)

Harry talks about the frustration of not being able to look after his garden due to his home support staff restricting him from using tools because of the risk.

This is despite having the experience and desire to learn from mistakes, he feels this is overprotective he is being treated like a child.

The conversation touches on broader theme of how disabilities can lead to patronising treatment, and the speaker advocates for the right to take positive risks and learn from them.

Being asked what you would like matters (3:52)

Iris talks about the care she recieves at home. She reflects on the positive impact of being asked what she would like, how she would like it.

She feels comfortable knowing she can ask and this highlights how important a caring approach is for her daily living.

Giving the example of something as simple as drawing the curtains in the moring, being asked if she wants them drawn is the difference to how they feel for the rest of the day.

Trust: Don’t promise what you can’t follow through on. (3:10)

Members of About with Friends talk about care plans from the perspective of providing the things people need so they can do the things they want to do.

Importance of trust and transparency is highlighted through stories of being promised things that later fall through and being let down, creating frustration and disappointment.

Flexibility and positive relationships make a difference. (1:50)

Iris and Sue talk about what a difference feeling comfortable and confident to ask for things without feeling anxious make.Consistency and building relationships with caregivers are highlighted as key factors that make the care experience more comfortable.

Additionally, the company’s attentiveness and flexibility in swapping caregivers who are not a good fit contribute to a positive care environment.

The Real Care Deal: Promises vs Practice (3:08)

Sue is asked what she thinks the Real Care Deal is and means. With her extensive experience working in the care field with Leaning Disability Sue is transparent that she feels cynical about another new name for something that has new words but remains the same.

She emphasises that unless it is followed by substantial action it is meaningless. Sue gives examples of her past experience where ‘new ideas’ have been launched to only experience the same problems, in particular people having to repeat the same information over and over and over leaving people deeply frustrated and exhausted.