POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

ADMISSION PROCEDURE

We provide and operate an admissions procedure, which follows the guidelines set out in Home Life - The Code of Practice for Residential Care and which is also part of our Quality Control Programme.  Prior to admission a trained member of staff from the Home will carry out an “Assessment of Need”.  A prospective client will only be accepted if the manager feels confident that the Home can adequately meet those needs.

Prior to admission each potential client is given in writing, a clear statement of the terms under which our accommodation is offered, each client is given a copy of our Complaints Procedure and our Residents Charter upon taking up residence.

Every client has the opportunity to visit the Home at least once prior to admission and to reside in our Home on a trial basis for a reasonable period, up to 12 weeks. During the trial period, we familiarise the client with the Home and introduce him/her to staff members and other clients. From the moment the client arrives, we establish records, which are regularly updated as information changes, until such time as the client ceases to be with us.

Each client may have access to their records on request and with assistance from their key worker, in accordance with Access to Information Act 1987.  The company acts and is registered in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1995. The client is always kept informed of ways of obtaining assistance if required. During the trial period, we monitor the client's adjustment to his/her new surroundings, by noting the following: the client's relationship with the staff.  We endeavour to meet the client's personal needs. We assess the need for adjustments in the use of any equipment/adaptations. We observe the client's relationship with other clients living in the home.

It is our policy to avoid unplanned admissions where possible.  There may be occasions when an emergency arises for an individual.  Subject to availability, we wish to be able to act flexibly in order to meet that need.  Emergency admissions will only be accepted on the condition that sufficient information is given to the Manager to assess whether the prospective resident’s needs can be broadly met within the facilities and services on offer at the Home.  The manager undertakes to inform the resident within 48 hours about key aspects of the Home and to complete a full assessment of need within 5 working days.

 

QUALITY ASSURANCE

We are continually developing a Quality Assurance programme and are a member of the Kent Care Homes Association.  The company was granted the Investors in People Award in October 2002 and October 2005.  The opinion of clients, relatives, friends and staff are important.  We endeavour to undertake regular consultation to ensure we are meeting realistic expectations. Regular meetings are held with the clients to discuss matters relating to the running of the Home.  These discussions will include entertainment programmes, menus, staffing, etc. and the minutes are recorded.  We will act upon these recommendations wherever possible.  Questionnaires will be issued annually to residents, relatives and other interested agencies, requesting their views and comments on the operation of the Home.  This information will be available on the premises.  Clients and relatives will be informed of planned CSCI inspections and will be invited to meet inspectors.  The views of service users will be included in inspection reports.

 

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES POLICY

We are an equal opportunity employer.

As such, we: -

Adopt and ensure compliance with employment practice and procedures that are consistent with the Human Rights Act 1998, the Code of Practice issued by the Commission for Racial Equality under the relevant provisions of the Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000, for the elimination of racial discrimination and also the promotion of equality of opportunity in employment.  We also ensure that employment practices comply with the Sex Discrimination Act 1975 and the Codes of Practice issued pursuant to the relevant provisions thereof:  A copy of the Codes of Practice issued by the Commission Racial Equality and the Equal Opportunities Commission are exhibited on the staff notice board on the premises.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

Our Policy is formulated in accordance with Section 2(3) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.

STATEMENT OF INTENT

1, The Company recognises and accepts responsibility as an employer for carrying out   the business in a manner which will not, as far as is reasonably practicable, give rise to an undue risk to the health and safety of the employees and other persons  within the Home.  The Company will further take all reasonable precautions to prevent  any health or safety risks befalling themselves.

2          As an employer, the Company will make every effort comply with their obligations as laid down in the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, by constant vigilance to all aspects of health and safety.

3        The Company will as far as is reasonably   practicable   take action to:

a) Ensure the effective prosecution of this policy

           

b) Define areas of responsibility for safety where appropriate

           

c) Collate a set of Codes of Practice, Instruction Manuals, list of Procedures, Standards, Advice, etc, where they apply to the health and safety at work within  the Home.

 

d) Endeavour to provide the necessary resources for the effective pursuance of this   policy.

           

 e) Where practicable, ensure that any person other than as employee who may be  within the Home is also covered by the protection of this Policy.

 

 f) Ensure that all employees whose participation in the effective prosecution of this  Policy are constantly aware of the contents of this Policy.

4   4 In furtherance of sub paragraph (f) above, the employer will at any reasonable time, be willing to discuss with any or all employees on any aspects of health and safety at work as applicable to the Home and remind them of their joint responsibility for ensuring that the Policy is implemented at all times.

5  This Policy will be reviewed regularly and amended as  necessary.

PROTECTION POLICY

The company care homes are registered for people with mental health problems and the residents are considered by law to be Vulnerable People. The Company has an awareness of the potential long-term consequences for victims, harmful accusations, increasing recourse to litigation and retrospective legal charges and is committed to continually seek ways to maintain and improve the approach to risk management.