2018-11-29 09:58:28
An “exceptionally caring” service supporting adults with learning disabilities in Bishop Stortford has been awarded an overall rating of ‘Good’ and given an ‘Outstanding’ in one of five key areas and by the Care Quality Commission.
Herts and Essex Domiciliary Care Agency (DCA), which is run by Hft, supports 22 people to live independently in their own homes. A published report following its inspection in October described staff as knowing people “exceptionally well” and found they “often went the ‘extra mile’ for them to help ensure they had outstanding care.”
Adult social care services are inspected by CQC to determine whether they are safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led. Herts and Essex DCA was rated as ‘Outstanding’ in one of the five areas and ‘Good’ in the other four.
As part of the inspection, feedback was gathered from people and relatives at the service who spoke highly of the staff team’s commitment to promoting independence. One person said: “Staff have helped my (relative) to develop more than my overprotectiveness would have allowed and for that I am indebted.” Another relative said: “We are getting older, we have absolute confidence that (person) will be provided for and will be supported to fulfil their potential as much as they can.”
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The report noted the way staff at the service encouraged personal independence. This included using “creative ways” to help people understand important information and supporting people to have their say on the issues that affected their lives. One example included facilitating opportunities for people to share with relevant agencies their suggestion of introducing a crossing close to the service which they felt would help to keep them safe. Another included embracing technology to achieve independence and manage their care needs. For one person this included following videos on a tablet computer to facilitate with regular exercise and to support with the length of time they needed to spend brushing their teeth.
Sylwia Baginska, the Registered Manager for Herts and Essex DCA, said:
“The people we support are at the heart of everything we do. We have a fantastic staff team who are continually challenging themselves to think creatively about the ways we can help people to live with more independence, choice and control to achieve their individual potential. The inspection rating is fantastic recognition of their ongoing efforts to meet our ultimate goal of working to support people to live the best life possible.”
Notes to editors
For further information please email media.enquiries@hft.org.uk
About Hft
Proudly established in 1962 by a group of visionary parents, Hft is a charity supporting more than 2,500 learning disabled adults in England and Wales. Together, we are creating a future where learning disabled people and their families can live the best life possible.
Providing personalised support. Creating solutions for living independently. Coming together to campaign for positive change. Fundraising for new opportunities and a bigger impact.
In 2033, we’ll live in a world where learning disabled people have greater choice. About where they live. The support they need and want. And how to spend their time and money.
Learning disability versus difficulty
A learning disability is different from a learning difficulty but the terms are often confused and used inter-changeably. A learning difficulty does not affect general intellect, whereas a learning disability is a life-long condition characterised by a reduced intellectual ability and struggle with everyday activities.
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For more information about Hft please visit www.hft.org.uk
Location: Hft Hertfordshire and Essex
