SUPPORTING INDIVIDUALS TO MAINTAIN AND … individual is supported to develop a ‘Health Action Plan’ (HAP) and as required, ... We carry out risk assessments to identify all hazards

Health and Wellbeing at Consensus

SUPPORTING INDIVIDUALSTO MAINTAIN AND IMPROVE THEIR HEALTH & WELLBEING

Supporting opportunity, choice and success


www.consensussupport.com 3

With this in mind we make sure we offer the appropriate accommodation and surroundings, matching these to a person’s needs and abilities when first making an assessment, prior to offering a place at any of our services and homes.

We make sure that people are supported fully to have access to money and resources and that we work towards opportunities offering further learning, skills and or work.

We support people to get involved in planning a healthy lifestyle including

the food they eat and the access to exercise and leisure activities.

We help develop levels of independence and confidence enabling access to and use of the community in which people live and are keen to support the maintenance and or development of relationships with family, friends and communities.

In this booklet we are proud to share some examples of where colleagues from Consensus have supported individuals to improve

their health and wellbeing and to share some of ways in which we work with people we support to achieve better outcomes.

Contents

Being health aware 3 Eating well 4 Accessing exercise and leisure opportunities 6

Case Studies: Darren, Fred and Geoff 6 Positive behaviour support 10 Case Study: Nathan 11

Consensus raise awareness 12 Supporting national initiatives 16 Key awareness dates 19

As little as 10% of a populations health and wellbeing is linked to access to healthcare. So, at Consensus we use our person centred approach to look at the bigger picture to help the people we support. We understand that there are many factors that can improve and maintain a person’s health and wellbeing.

Each individual is supported to develop a ‘Health Action Plan’ (HAP) and as required, is supported to access services to ensure their needs and wishes are met. This will include access to their local GP, Community Teams, Optician, Dentist, Physiotherapy, etc. The HAP forms part of their ‘Person Centred Plan’ (PCP).

People we support may not be able to recognise or communicate their ill health. Our colleagues will support individuals to access regular screening and attend well women/men clinics and annual health checks.

Consensus is committed to ensuring that individuals receive effective, safe and appropriate care, treatment and support that meets their individual needs through coordinated assessment, planning and delivery and by ensuring that they are involved as much as they can, or wish to, be in their care and support.

There is more to HAPs than mere performance of physical Health Checks (HCs). It can frequently be appropriate to consider a wider variety of factors which can impinge on health. The development of health action planning may be initiated by the person supported, Community Team or by the health facilitator. Very often however, it is down to a service provider, such as Consensus, to initiate these, and as a quality service provider, we have a regulatory and moral duty to do so.

Areas which are included in our Health Action Plan include:

• List of current health issues/treatment• Review of diagnoses• Physical Checks required at regular intervals • Health promotion needs e.g. swimming on prescription • Review of immunisation e.g. flu, pneumococcal and hepatitis A• Review of medication• Health Screening• Dental Review & treatment• Hearing & Vision• Mental Health• Community Teams & District Nursing• Other Community Services (including podiatry, dietetics, continence, sexual health)• Infection control • List of health professionals involved in the individual’s support

These ‘Health Action Plans’ are reviewed at least six monthly, but more regularly if peoples’ needs change.

Before we offer support on any aspect of healthcare to an individual, we will discuss the level of support and intervention needed and what we will provide, with the person, young person and or child (subject to their age, level of understanding and ability to agree), parent or person with parental responsibility and relevant professionals, e.g. community nurse. We carry out risk assessments to identify all hazards or risks and the corresponding risk reduction actions.

The following are just a few ideas that we use to successfully support people to access health services:

• Use of pictorial information and publications specifically designed for this purpose.• Preparatory visits.• Extended appointment times.• Arranging for health professionals to visit individuals in their home.

We take the opportunity to link with and support national campaigns throughout the year to promote health and wellbeing for people with learning disabilities, autism and other complex needs. Check towards the back of our brochure for some key awareness dates.

Being Health AwareEvery individual supported is enabled to access local health services to ensure they maintain good general health.

See our back page for a checklist



We provide the people we support with access to information on healthy eating including posters or leaflets and discuss this with individuals at their person centred planning meetings.

Consensus ensures homes provide individuals with menus that offer a clear stated choice, in a format accessible to them. Menus are generally developed over a four week period and aim to offer a wide range of food options to ensure that individuals are provided with nutritionally balanced food as well as food based on their individual preferences.

We encourage meals to be offered three times daily, including at least one cooked meal and a range of drinks and snacks to meet individual needs, available at all times. Colleagues develop a knowledge and record of an individual’s preferences and consumption of food.

Many people will look forward to meal times as landmarks in the day. Food and mealtimes are of great social importance in the lives of all people. This applies to the individual’s setting as much as anywhere else. We constantly review several aspects that may impact including; • Flexibility in the timing of meals and choice/availability of food/snacks

• The environment in which the food is taken

• Facilities, either individually provided or in group rooms, for individuals to make drinks and snacks for themselves. This could mean kettles in rooms (if this has been assessed as an acceptable risk)

• Physical activity routines within the service which can, especially for older people guard against osteoporosis and help to ‘build up an appetite’

• Good oral health (including well-fitting dentures)

• Exposure to sunlight.

Involvement in the process of preparing food is regarded by many as an essential part of life. People we support have regular opportunities to talk to support colleagues about the sort of food they like and to comment on the meals they eat. The degree to which people are directly involved in preparing and serving food, as well as participating fully in mealtimes, will depend on their abilities and, to some extent, legal and health & safety restrictions. Wherever possible, the emphasis is on encouraging individuals to assist in activities that enhance their living skills and enable a greater level of autonomy. We aim for mealtimes to be relaxed, unrushed and flexible suiting the individual’s activities and schedules. We are keen that mealtimes are seen as a social occasion where colleagues and those we support can engage in a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere.

It is important that weight is monitored regularly and records are kept to provide an early detection system of serious weight loss or gain, which facilitates the taking of appropriate action, in turn meeting our duty of care towards all those we support.

Eating well

A good diet is vitally important for a person’s health and wellbeing and so nutrition and hydration are monitored by Consensus support colleagues using our Nutrition Risk Assessment Tool. Where colleagues become concerned about the intake of food or fluids of particular individuals they document their concerns in the person’s daily notes, monitoring and reporting concerns to their managers. Appropriate actions are then discussed and may include steps such as a referral to a GP or dietician.

The Eatwell Guide divides the foods we eat and drink into five main food groups. We should try to choose a variety of different foods from each of the groups to help us get the wide range of nutrients our body needs to stay healthy.

It’s important to get some fat in our diet, but foods that are high in fat, salt and sugar have been placed outside of the circular image as they are not necessary as part of a healthy balanced diet and most of us need to cut down on these.

On average, women should have around 2,000 calories a day and men should have around 2,500 calories a day. Most adults consume more calories than they need.

The Eatwell Guide applies to most of us – whether we’re a healthy weight or overweight, whether we eat meat or are vegetarian, and no matter what our ethnic origin. However, we ensure that anyone with special dietary requirements or medical needs check with their registered GP and or dietitian on how to adapt the Eatwell Guide to meet their individual needs.

Involvement in the process of preparing food is regarded by many as an essential part of life.

Source: Public Health England in association with the Welsh government, Food Standards Scotland and the Food Standards Agency in Northern Ireland © Crown copyright 2016


Accessing Exercise & Leisure OpportunitiesDid you know that over 80% of adults with learning disabilities, engage in levels of physical activity below the Department of Health’s recommended levels?

Improved wellbeing takes flight

As the planes fly overhead Fred feels a sense of calm, rekindling fond memories of his childhood. Together Fred and his support worker organised a trip to Duxford meeting a birthday wish highlighted in his person centred plan.

Exercise is not only good for you but it also makes you happy by releasing endorphins into the body. Regular physical exercise will have a number of health benefits which can help make us feel good, and help us face many of life’s other stresses.

At Consensus we pride ourselves on encouraging the people we support to engage in activities. We explore with each individual their interests and the many opportunities that are available

that would be motivating, manageable and increase their wellbeing. This can range from sports to gardening, from competing in the Special Olympics to taking a trip to a favoured destination.

We are extremely proud that many of the people we support are enjoying activities that combine physical exertion as part of realising their personal goals and ambitions.

In the fast lane to success, Darren swims in the Special OlympicsDarren from Consensus’, Clare House in Dunblane, Scotland came 6th and 8th in swimming relay finals held at The Special Olympics in 2017.

As a committed and enthusiastic swimmer, Darren is part of a local swimming club, the Enable Arion Swimming Club and trains with them twice a week. He also trains in his local pool twice a week swimming at least 50 lengths of a 25m pool each time.

The Special Olympics, GB National Games, which took place in Sheffield in 2017, is the country’s largest learning disability multi-sport event. With around 2,600 athletes with intellectual disabilities of all ages and abilities they came together from across the country. They were supported over 4 days of competition by 800 coaches, 1000 volunteers, 200 officials and over 7,000 family & friends.

Participating in this event was a huge achievement by Darren, who lives with Prader-Willi Syndrome and who since moving to Clare

House five years ago, has lost over three and a half stone through a combination of regular exercise and a healthy diet.

Darren progressed his interest in sports by joining a local gym and pool. As he gradually built up his confidence and skills he joined the Arion Swimming Club at the Peaks Sports Village in Stirling. Building up his stamina, speed and overall fitness, he now trains twice a week with them and combines this with two 50 length sessions in his local pool, where he works exceptionally hard in his training.

Darren’s weight, fitness, motivation and wellbeing have all been improved through sports and with the support of his peer group and the team at Clare House he is achieving more and more. He has gained medals and grades in Tae Kwon Do, rides horses, plays football, raises funds for the PWSA through his walks, enjoys ten pin bowling, going on holiday and is a keen actor in his local drama club. With lots on the horizon coming up,

as the swimming galas continue, and his activity at unprecedented levels Darren finds himself also rehearsing for his latest role ‘The Riddler’ and making plans to go away on holiday next year. Darren is rightly proud of everything he is achieving as are those that form the support network around him.

At Consensus we focus on recognising individual needs whilst understanding the challenges that a person with Prader-Willi Syndrome (or other eating support needs) experiences daily. We recognise all the difficulties that this condition can present to individuals; not just a person’s health and wellbeing but also emotionally, physically, cognitively, behaviourally and socially. This in-depth understanding enables our trained team of colleagues to deliver a person-centred approach that is tailored and addresses their specific needs, supporting positive outcomes.

His late father worked for many years at Stansted Airport and used to take both Fred and his brother to watch the planes take off and fly. Since his father’s passing Fred has been prone to experiencing low moods and can be tempted to spend many hours shut in his room watching DVDs.

Just last year Fred made the move from Surrey to Aldeburgh House in Mersea to be closer to his brother, who lives locally with his young family. This move enabled the support team to spend time getting to know and understand Fred and has resulted in them being able to support Fred through his depression and low moods.

The health and wellbeing of people we support is the team’s first priority. They are within relatively easy driving distance to Stansted and Cambridge for Duxford. Visiting Stansted helps Fred both in terms of feeling closer to his father but also encourages him to get out into the community and socialise with housemates whilst enjoying his love for planes.

His brother and family keep regular contact with Fred and they enjoy lunches and dinners together and talk frequently on the phone. The move has meant that Fred has been able to spend time more with his brother, wife and their young daughter and develop their relationship. Having left an Auntie behind in Surrey to whom Fred is also very close,

Fred is supported to also ensure that he maintains regular communications with her. He loves helium balloons and his Auntie could not resist sending a huge balloon for his birthday along with his other favourite passion chocolate in the form of a bouquet!

The trip to Duxford for his birthday was enjoyed so thoroughly that his support worker encouraged and supported Fred to take a trip to nearby Clacton with a housemate to enjoy the annual air show. They spent many happy hours watching the planes dart across the sky and took full advantage of the good weather on the coast on a busy late summers’ day.

Although it’s not always possible to spend time outside viewing the planes the team supports Fred to source YouTube video of the planes taking off at Stansted.

By looking at the areas that can improve wellbeing and health as part of the discussions with Fred such as; housing, resources, our physical environment and social connections the team have been able to identify that ensuring Fred gets out, not just on his own but with family and or friends is key to his wellbeing and when he is feeling in a more positive space he is more able to consider new opportunities and experiences and build on his overall health.

Living close to the coast helps offer a calm relaxing environment and the house in which he lives offers personal space in his room and an opportunity to socialise through shared facilities.

Being close to family with support to build relationships is hugely beneficial and the ease of access to local places of interest to Fred are all proving to be important contributors to Fred leading a more fulfilling life with plenty of opportunities to be explored when he is ready.

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Working in and on gardens had provided him a lot of joy and an opportunity for valuable interaction with friends that he had made within the wider community.

After a conversation with his support team, Geoff decided to take control of his destiny and happiness, and do something about this. Geoff felt a bit low after losing his placement and experienced a decline in his self-esteem.

Geoff is a very sociable person that needs to feel he is contributing and keeping busy. He talked to his support team about these feelings and when challenged as to what he would like to do about it, he didn’t quite know.

Geoff, taking the lead, spent some time talking with the team. He asked himself difficult questions about what would make him happier and what he was going to do about it. Having explored a variety of options, Geoff decided upon getting a voluntary job to enhance his social circle. He hoped it would give him something new to do, something that he could call his own, and that would possibly put the happiness back into his day to day life.

Geoff was not sure where to start, and so, with support from the team, he looked on the internet for volunteering options. Together they searched FISH (Friendly, Independent Support and Help) which other people had used previously and had heard positive things about. Accompanied by a support worker,

Geoff dropped in one day, and successfully managed to get to speak to a representative. She asked a few questions about Geoff’s likes and dislikes along with his strengths and weaknesses. She was able to build up a profile of Geoff and then invited him to attend a meeting the following week at the local Tesco community room. Geoff felt revitalised by the possibility of a new opportunity. Geoff attended this meeting, and the same representative went through various options, what they would involve and where they were based. Geoff selected the Phoenix Recycling Centre and so he obtained the relevant contact details.

With support, Geoff telephoned the workplace and arranged a day to visit the place, to see if he liked it

and if they felt he was suitable for the environment and the tasks he would be required to do.

Geoff went with a member of the support team and almost instantaneously, he felt positive about it all, he talked to a representative from the Centre. She showed him around, gave a demonstration of how each area worked and also introduced Geoff to a few of the workers, they were very welcoming. Geoff hit it off with them straight away, talking about a variety of things, from what it’s like working there to more sociable questions, like what they like doing in their free time.

It seemed Geoff fitted in well within the work place, this feeling was shared with Geoff. When asked about his first impressions he said, “When I first got there, they were very kind and made me feel welcomed. I liked what they did there and I couldn’t wait to get started.”

After a discussion with the Centre’s representative, she told Geoff that he could start as soon as he liked. He just needed to fill out some health and safety forms and buy suitable clothing, such as steel toe-capped boots and a high visibility jacket. Geoff was keen to start so he requested to use his one to one time to go and purchase these items straight away.

Initially, Geoff worked there on a Tuesday, but after a couple of weeks he decided a Wednesday would be better and so took control and spoke to all the relevant people to make that happen. Since starting, Geoff has shown great enthusiasm towards the work placement and only ever has good things to say about it.

“I like where I work, the work is fun, and the people are kind and helpful. I am glad I went there, it is much better than the last place I was at.” – Geoff.

“Geoff appears to be happier within himself. The fact he has a wider social circle and achieved something off of his own back has given him a sense of self-worth,” Anthony, Senior Team Lead.

“Geoff is a positive addition to Phoenix, he is always talking to all the different people, whilst working and it helps the day go nicely, everyone likes Geoff here.” Andy Williams, Phoenix Centre.

Geoff is rightly proud of himself, he felt that something was missing from his day to day life, and so he took control of the situation and made positive changes. Rather than let his situation determine his thoughts and feelings, he took positive steps with support from the team to make his life better and cannot be praised enough for this. Well done Geoff!!

Green fingers grow self-esteem

Geoff had undergone a period of change. He was no longer working at his placement in a local country park and due to the winter months approaching, Geoff didn’t have any gardens to work on.

“Geoff is a positive addition to Phoenix, he is always talking to all the different people, whilst working and it helps the day go nicely, everyone likes Geoff here”

“I like where I work, the work is fun, and the people are kind and helpful. I am glad I went there...”

Amber Charlton and Melanie Harmer

members of the Consensus Positive

Behaviour Intervention Team attended

the Tizard Centre at the University of

Kent to complete a course in ‘Talking

Mat’ therapy.

Talking Mats communication symbols

tool, is based on extensive research

and designed by Speech and Lan-

guage Therapists. It uses unique

specially designed picture communi-

cation symbols that are attractive to

all ages and communication abilities

and are used by clinical practitioners,

carers and support workers in a wide

range of health, social work, residen-

tial and education settings. It helps

people to organise their thoughts

and express their views.

The team have been amazed at how

much this communication tool has

helped to understand individual’s views,

aspirations and wants. They have been

able to personalise this tool and used it

in a variety of settings and situations.

It has been particularly useful for

supporting individuals with transitions,

Lesley moved to Valley House in May

2017 and she has been able to express

how the transition went and how

her support is going. Lesley has

communication disabilities and this

tool supported Lesley to structure

her thoughts and views about her

support and aspirations.

Melanie has been using talking mats in

the North. Brian a supported individual

who used the mat with Melanie stated

that he was really surprised at how it

got him to really think about his leisure

activities. He said being presented

with the choices in the form of symbols

helped him focus his mind on one

thing at a time.

After using the mat for the first time,

Brian said that without the aid of the

symbols he wouldn’t have been able

to think about all the things he liked/

wanted to do and the activities he

doesn’t enjoy doing without feeling

pressured to give the “correct” or

“appropriate” answer. The symbols

helped him stay focused on the topic

of discussion without feeling pressured

by the task.

At another service colleagues fed back

that they were finding it difficult to

engage Karen in a structured activity

for any length of time. She appeared

to be upset and distressed for long

periods of time during the day but

was reluctant to engage in any ac-

tivity with the support team. During

the brief period of time when Karen

was settled, she was shown the mat

and the symbols and she perked up

and smiled. Karen took to the mat

very naturally and appeared to enjoy

the interaction and the autonomy the

mat gave her with making choices.

Moving forward Consensus feel it would

be beneficial for colleagues to be able

to use Talking Mats as a tool, to help

identify meaningful goals in a user

friendly way to structure the individual’s

choices as well as our own thoughts

about how we can support people

to achieve their goals.

Nathan, a supported individual, recently created a newsletter to share his achievements and life with family and friends. Here we share a few extracts from it illustrating his obvious joy and increasing confidence.

“These past three months have been exciting for me. I tried several new activities with the support and encouragement of staff. It takes time & lots of effort to prompt me but they did not give up as you can see below:

I had a great meeting with Amber (Positive Behaviour Specialist) to work out strategies on how best to support me. We did ‘Talking mats’ and discussed a lot about my likes & dislikes.

As a result of our chat, I am going to come up with my own personal two-week menu with all my favourite food items in pictures. This way I can get more involved in doing my personal food shopping.

I will also learn about budget planning so I can be more involved in handling my finances.

My next session with Amber will deal with my getting more involved in the house by being responsible for specific chores.

I always talk about getting married and enjoy having a girlfriend. I will be having a session with a nurse specialist who will be explaining to me about relationships and its many aspects.

So, more exciting things to come.I do activities with a friend at Bear Road that we both enjoy, like bowling and the arcade. I even won our last game!

Sometimes, I just chill doing activities at home with friends and the staff team.

I also do things by myself with staff like visiting the airport or London’s Trafalgar Square or just enjoying a bus ride ….

Best of all, my favourite girl had her birthday in June and I was her special guest. We had so much fun.”


Positive Behaviour SupportThrough the skills and interventions of our in-house Positive Behaviour Intervention Team we have increased the quality of life, skills and independence of people we support.

Choices and opinions made easy through Talking Mats

My Life at Bear Road

We have also enabled a number of people with complex challenges to move from very intensive support settings to more independent settings. The team provides crisis intervention support directly to our services and teams, which has resulted in a reduction of placement breakdowns.

The team brings together social care and healthcare professionals with decades of experience in supporting people who display behaviour that others might find challenging.

The work of the Positive Behaviour Intervention Team leads to positive outcomes for everyone involvedThey take a person centred approach to find out the reasons behind each individuals behaviour. They then produce support plans and pro-active strategies to improve the person’s quality of life and reduce any behaviours that challenge.

The work of the Positive Behaviour Intervention Team leads to positive outcomes for everyone involved – from the individuals themselves and their families, to their key workers and the service they’re supported by.

The team work closely with our referrals team, service manager and support teams and external professionals, as well as the individuals themselves and their families. They undertake an initial assessment of a complex new referral and recommend strategies to reduce behaviour and develop plans to support a person to increase their quality of life and achieve their goals.

The team provides advice, mentoring, training and practical support across a range of areas, including:

• Positive behaviour support

• Autistic spectrum conditions

• Self- injurious behaviours

• Communication strategies

• Intensive interaction

• Person-centred active support




A number of colleagues and people supported by Consensus from the Kettering area, were fully involved at a wellbeing event run by Northamptonshire Learning Disabilities Partnership Board.

Aptly named, ‘It’s all about you’, the event was designed for people with learning disabilities to find out how they could improve their health and wellbeing.

John who is supported by and works for Consensus, also works for the Partnership Board and in this capacity, he was delighted to invite the Mayor of Kettering, Councillor Scott Edwards to the Consensus stand and discuss the accommodation and support we provide, whilst introducing him to the many colleagues and people we support who attended.

John along with Paul, another person supported by Consensus, who also works for the Partnership Board were proud to be on hand to provide support and advice for those attending throughout the day.

When asked to reflect on the day, John said; “I thought it was brilliant, I enjoyed participating, tried Karate and the gym, and thoroughly enjoyed meeting the Mayor and having my photo taken.”

Paul also commented,” Absolutely brilliant day, meeting new people, helping others, and I enquired about a new craft session.”

Meanwhile colleagues hosted a stand, sharing easy read materials created with the people we support on how to eat in a healthy way, make fruit kebabs and exercise. They held an interactive drawing workshop to express and recognise emotions, in which visitors participated during the lunchtime break.

A few ladies we support at the Links, our local day opportunity centre revealed their ribbon dancing skills

to the packed hall of guests. Another shared her talents for singing in the choir, her own enjoyment demonstrated through her expressive hands and face. An absolute joy to watch for everyone present.

Other supported individuals put together a photo album for the event which contained photos, healthy eating recipes, they had put together, and exercises they have tried, all in preparation for the event.

Michelle Christie, Supported Living Manager for East Midlands and North said; “It was a great opportunity for people we support to find out what else is available to encourage improved health and wellbeing in the community. People we support found out about courses, colleges and sporting activities.”

Consensus are delighted to be able to support community events such as these, working in partnership with other organisations. We are committed to improving awareness of and access to health and wellbeing services available for people with learning disabilities.

Consensus raise awarenessHealth and wellbeing event in the community was a huge success.

“I thought it was brilliant, I enjoyed participating, tried Karate and the gym, and thoroughly enjoyed meeting the Mayor and having my photo taken.”



The Manager at Specsavers shared with people what an optician does and how customers can use their servic-es when they need an eye health check and or glasses. Supported individuals were fully engaged and asked lots of great questions.

They then visited the Library and again were pleased to meet staff there. It was a sunny day and they enjoyed taking lots of photos outside too.

Next stop the Police Station at Bexhill. The aim of this visit was to provide supported individuals with clear advice on how they can approach the police if they find themselves in need of help. A few spoke directly the police officer, asking lots of questions. Supported individuals were then presented with a box of pens as a gift, which they were very pleased with.

Ensuring that each supported individual knows their community well is an important goal, so to help, Frinton House facilitate and support guided walks around the community taking in banks, opticians, police stations, health services, libraries, shops’ and talking through why they exist and how they provide important services for them.

Emily and her team have received many positive comments from businesses and the public whilst on these tours, with some saying that Frinton House are the only home to do this locally.

A part of increasing an individual’s wellbeing is being a part of and knowing their community. Emily and the team ensure that they have opportunities to go out and talk to people/professionals and further their awareness of how to access community services, facilities and amenities increasing their independence without any fear.

After a long walk on their latest guided tour everyone enjoyed lunch at the local ‘Weatherspoons’, a welcome reward on a warm summer’s day.

Furry therapySome of the people supported

in Kettering are benefiting from

walking dogs that belong to

members of the support team

at Heatherington House.

Service Manager, Margaret

Elliott said; “Not only is it

tremendous exercise for the

people we support, it is also

great therapy.”

It’s clear to see that they love

interacting with Otis and

Winston pictured!

Building confidence in the CommunityDuring August, Emily the Manager and colleagues from Frinton House organised a day for those they support to visit some of the local businesses and services in their community. They paid visits to Opticians, the Police Station, Library and Fire Station in particular, talking with members of staff at each.

“A part of increasing an individual’s wellbeing is being a part of and knowing their community.”


What would you do?

The team at Parklands faced just this issue back in March 2016, with an individual who was not only extremely poorly but was also at high risk of sudden unexplained death in epilepsy. They have multiple and profound disabilities and server Epilepsy that requires rescue medication within two minutes into a seizure.

The team raised concerns with their Hospital and attended a multi-disciplinary meeting (MDT) at the Hospital with their Social Worker, Hospital liaison officer and Doctor.

Due to the staffing level at hospitals, especially at night, Parklands colleagues and the supported individuals family were not happy when the hospital said they would “manage the risk” which meant the individual would remain unsupervised.

They tried as a team to arrange/apply via social services to get extra funding, should the situation ever occur again so that the individual would then be supported. Sadly the doors were closed and a definite No reply was received.

They then applied to NHS /Continuing Health Care to see if they would fund extra hours, as it would come under “Health need.” Again they were told No they could not fund this.

Parklands had been fighting this for over a year. Trying to get the extra funding put in place, if needed, and had been told on each occasion that if this particular supported individual did require hospital admission then it would have to be risk assessed on each occasion. Despite this however it would remain unlikely they would get funding. The family were understandably unhappy with this response, they needed to know a plan was in place prior to an event happening.

In January 2017 the individual’s learning disability/ epilepsy nurse told our Manager at Parklands about a group she had found out about. They had just been set up and are called ‘Learning Disabilities Health Liaison Team.’ They are part of the NHS but are also a separate team who look at putting in “Reasonable adjustment“ for individuals who would require extra support if admitted to hospital.

Colleagues, the LD Nurse and Liaison Nurse met to discuss the concerns, level of support required and the level of risk surrounding hospital admission. It was agreed that the level of need and risk made the supported individual a candidate for ‘Reasonable adjustment’.

Another meeting was hosted then with all parties including family discussing their concerns and addressing all areas for consideration, including;

• Personal care - 1:1 care and hoists

• Support with feeding and drinks – all food blended, thickener in drinks and up to one hours support required with meals

• Equipment would be needed –bedrail/bumpers/hoist

• Washing and showering

• How pain is shown

• How to support emotionally.

All areas of care were explored and a hospital support plan was put together, in addition to a detailed communication and medication passport. This was submitted in March 2017, awaiting the panel to authorise. Finally in August 2017 Parklands received notice that the application had been accepted and the supported individual will now receive 24hrs support via NHS staff if and when she is admitted to hospital.

Outcome

• Support provided will be 1:1

• All needs and risk will be managed

• All details held in the passport and medical information is available at the Royal Gwent hospital, this will also be flagged up via digital records should the individual present at any other hospital.

The individual supported at Parklands is only the second person within the Aneurin Bevan Health Board so far to be assessed and accepted for this funding. our Manager and the team always work with all available stakeholders to ensure the safety and wellbeing of their supported individuals and are delighted with the outcome to this challenge.

We are keen to help share this story and let you know that this service and funding is available. It forms part of the ‘Getting it Right Charter’ and is supported by Mencap.

Should you think you support anyone who would benefit from this funding then please speak with liaison officers from your local hospital to find out how to request an assessment and apply for extra support.

Supporting National InitiativesGetting it Right - Imagine you are required to support an individual who has been taken into hospital. However due to their funding levels and 1:1 support needs you are told, as their support key worker that you are not allowed to stay with them.




STOMP

Self-assessment and Action Planning ToolPledge for Social Care –

Stopping Over-Medication of

People with Learning Disabilities,

Autism or Both – NHS England

April 2017

It is estimated that on an average day in England between 30,000 and 35,000 people with a learning disability, autism or both are taking prescribed psychotropic medication, with serious potential side effects, without clinical justification. This is often despite evidence - based alternatives being available. This is unacceptable and we commit to acting in the best interests of the people we support at all times.

In support, Consensus completed the self-assessment tool based on the STOMP pledge and answered all eight questions about our policies and practice with regards to administering medication to the people we support.

Each of the answers to the questions were scored on the following rating;

3 - We always do this 2 - We sometimes do this, And 1 - We rarely do this.

Completing the form was an operational team effort, drawing on the knowledge and experience of services, operational managers and heads of operations across the organisation.

We are pleased to say that we are able to evidence through the policies and procedures we have, that we meet all the requirements and scored an overall resounding 3 - ‘We always do this’ across all questions and there was no further action to be taken.

The management of medication is everyone’s business and we are delighted to be an active supporter of the STOMP campaign.

Gail Fisher, Lead Behaviour Practitioner Positive Behaviour Intervention Team

Fact: Evidence confirms that people with learning disabilities have a lower uptake of screening services and poorer oral health when compared with the general population.

Fact: Adults and children with learning disabilities are far more likely to have a serious sight problem than other people. Adults with severe or profound learning disabilities are ten times more likely than others to have serious sight problems. Almost 40% of adults with a learning disability will have a hearing loss or impairment.

Consensus actively promote access to health services and opportunities

to increase wellbeing to those we support. People with learning disabilities and other complex needs often experience significant barriers in accessing mainstream services. So, we work collaboratively with health and social care professionals to improve access to appropriate and timely services. 40% of people with a learning disability reported a difficulty in using health services, compared with 18% of people with no chronic health condition or impairment. (Large scale data analysed by Allerton and Emerson (2012) to investigate the access to good quality healthcare for British adults with a chronic health condition or impairment. 309 people in the sample had a learning disability). We believe promotion of available services and raising awareness of the challenges that people withlearning disabilities face to be hugely important. Below are just a few facts:

Fact: In 2013-14 just 44.2% of eligible adults with a learning disability had a GP Health Check nationally. This means that more than half of people who could have one are missing out.

Promoting access to healthcare

Key health and wellbeing awareness dates between Oct 2017 and Sept 2018

2017October• World Mental Health Day• World Food day

November• Mens Health Awareness Month

2018February• National Dignity Day• Eating Disorders Awareness Week

March• Nutrition and Hydration Week• World Autism Week

April• World Health Day

May• PWS Awareness Day• Mental Health Awareness Week

June• Carers Week• Health Eating Week

July• Disability Awareness Day

September• National Eye Health Week• World Heart Day


Supporting opportunity, choice and success

Bradbury House, 830 The Crescent T: 0808 223 5320

Colchester Business Park E: [email protected]

Colchester, Essex CO4 9YQ W: www.consensussupport.com

Consensus Support Services Ltd. Registered in England No 04081379

Registered Office Bradbury House 830 The Crescent Colchester Business Park Colchester Essex CO4 9YQ

Part of MHL Holdco Limited Registered in England No 08585667 Trading as Consensus

AND FINALLY, Consensus are passionate about ensuring the health and wellbeing of those we support. We aim to empower and enable every person to work towards gaining and maintaining a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle.

Following the creation of a Health Action Plan (HAP), we encourage the following checks to be completed periodically by the people we support. None are compulsory, individuals are always asked for their consent.

An Annual Health Check, once a year

This involves checks on physical and mental health, medication, long term conditions and arrangements with other health professionals.

Review of HAP every six months

Creation of a Health Passport

Application for ‘Reasonable adjustments’ should these be applicable to ensure successful access to all health services.

Dental Health Check, once a year (Or sooner if required)

Good oral health contributes to appearance, comfort, wellbeing, self-esteem, self-confidence and social acceptability as well as to good general health.

Hearing and Vision Health Checks, every two years (Or sooner if required)

Regular sight tests and wearing glasses help people stay healthy and get the most from life….

Many people can get a free eye test, so it is worth checking out if the person qualifies. It is important to note that NO-ONE is too disabled to have an eye test.

Documents

SUPPORTING INDIVIDUALS TO MAINTAIN AND … individual is supported to develop a ‘Health Action Plan’ (HAP) and as required, ... We carry out risk assessments to identify all hazards