Respect, dignity and transparency: Actions that we hope to experience when receiving care or a service. Here at Cleva, where we protect your supported living clients’ finances, we believe that these values are integral to providing a fantastic service to your clients.
Supported living truly is a balancing act between safety and dignity. Our Cleva experts are all too aware of distinguishing this difference from other care services.
“SUPPORTED LIVING PROVIDES A DIFFERENT LEVEL OF CARE TO WHAT PEOPLE NORMALLY EXPECT FROM A CARE PROVIDER. THE CLIENT COULD BE LIVING WITHIN THE COMMUNITY, OR PERHAPS WITHIN SHARED ACCOMMODATION. TYPICALLY, CLIENTS ARE UNDER THE AGE OF 65 (CONSIDERED YOUNGER ADULTS). USUALLY, THEY WILL ALSO PLAY A VITAL AND THRIVING ROLE IN THEIR LOCAL COMMUNITY AND ECONOMY”.
– SARAH KING, CARE EXPERT.
An essential part of mental wellbeing and confidence for supported living clients is independence. This can be as small as putting away washing, and truly has an impact on a clients’ quality of life.
1. Day-to-day decisions.
Receivers of supported living do not live within the constraints of a planned routine. For example in a care home environment, meals and activities must resonate with a large group of residents. A supported living client can have more choice with their lives, which is essential to maintaining their feeling of independence.
Involving your supported living clients in day-to-day decisions will allow for a mutual care integration. For example: Do they require assistance with food shopping? Sit down with them at the start of the week, to discuss what meals they’d like to have. Another example would be to frequently allot times where the activity or trip is decided by the client.
Involving your clients in as many daily decisions as possible will increase their trust in your service. This will benefit your relationship in the long run and also improve their quality of life as a result.
2. Fulfilment
It may not be the first thought when increasing independence, but your clients may benefit from regular charity work. An average of 40% of adults under the age of 65 volunteer. Therefore, this is a great way to meet like-minded people within a client’s local community. Volunteering can also reduce loneliness by half, triple confidence in socialising, and improve mental and physical health. (royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk)
Often, charity work can include the clients interests, making it an enjoyable experience. Whether it’s baking, arts and crafts, running a till, or even a sponsored event. Your clients may greatly benefit from your support in finding a volunteer path that aligns with their desires.
3. Implement small housing changes
The ultimate aim of increasing independence is to help your clients to handle some of their daily tasks. Supported living clients’ independence can range from receiving a few hours of care a week, up to 24-hour care (prioryadultcare.co.uk). Therefore, changes must be made on a client-to-client basis. If a client receives only a few hours of care a day, a large proportion of their hours are unassisted. They may therefore feel that tasks must be left until support workers arrive, removing their sense of independence and accomplishment.
It is beneficial to make improvements within a client’s home in order to increase their independence. From adapted door handles and kitchen utensils, all the way to seated showers and stair lifts. There are many options out there to discuss! Evaluating these additions with family members (or the client directly) may be an effective way to instantly increase their independence.
Here at Cleva, we know safety.
Cleva’s award-winning technology proudly protect supported living clients in your care, allowing them to retain their independence whilst remaining safe financially. Want to find out more about us? Get in touch, or sign up to our newsletter before the 1st Jan 2024 to be entered into our £100 prize draw!
