What Standards Should Adult Daycare Providers Meet?
Q.
The closure of the Day Centre my son, aged 35, has attended for 15 years sounded like an excellent idea when it was introduced 18 months ago. He would for the first time, have the choice of daytime activities that could be tailored to suit him. The reality is that there is little choice and his activities are being led by an organisation that has no previous experience and seems to employ escorts rather than development professionals.
Is there a published standard for the providers of these daytime activities for adults with severe learning disabilities?
A.
As a matter of fact, there are published standards for adult care as you describe. The Care Quality Commission, a newly-created regulatory body, have published standards for many types of care, including the care of adults with severe learning disabilities. The underlying premise is that adults such as your son deserve safety, privacy and continuous development toward independent living.
First of all, the organisation providing care for your son should have created an individual plan that responds to your son's needs and seeks to achieve certain goals. You should have been involved in the creation of this individual plan. So your expectation of activities tailored to suit him is spot on.
The activities provided by the organisation should be focused on his personal development, especially his decision-making abilities. He should be given the opportunity to "develop social, emotional, communication and independent living skills." Activities should be valued and fulfilling and should include appropriate leisure activities. Instead of restricting his choices, care providers should be creating an environment that encourages individual choice and independent living.
Rather than simply being paired with an escort as you describe, your son should be interacting with trained personnel who can provide appropriate support in a sensitive and caring manner. His personal, physical and even spiritual needs should be met by the services provided.
Voice Your Concerns
If you are unhappy with the care that your son is receiving, you should begin by voicing your concerns directly to the provider. All providers should be willing to hear your thoughts and respond appropriately. The standards above provide that users' views should be listened to and acted on. If your son's service provider is council-run or his care is paid for by the council, then you should complain to the council as well. If you are not satisfied with the responses at this level, your next step is to contact the Commission for Social Care Inspection.Recent changes in how care is provided and regulated signal an emphasis on meeting the individual needs of persons who need care. If the services provided to your son aren't leading him toward increased independence and fulfilling self-development, then you should definitely take action to communicate your concerns. There's a very good chance your complaints will find sympathetic ears.
The royal college of speach and language therapists
Speakability
Focus on Disability
Learning Disablilities - Communication
Self Help directory
