Team Focus • Reablement - AHCS How does it work?
There are two referral routes for reablement care: if on discharge from hospital a person is identified as having a social care need; or a social worker in the community teams makes a referral. If the customer meets the eligibility criteria they will be visited by an Occupational Therapist or Home Care Supervisor who will work with them and their family to build a reablement support plan which can last up to six weeks. The plan sets out goals and aims that the Home Carer will work to with the customer. These could be as simple as making a cup of tea independently, or using a shower. The goals are very much tailored to the individual circumstances of the person. Every two weeks the support plan is reviewed, and it may need to change or finish completely.
Case Study A customer’s perspective Ninety four year old Charles* was identified as having complex needs due a number of falls which had limited his mobility. He was unable to dress and shower independently, and was unable to stand unaided. He was referred to the reablement team who assessed how well he was coping at home and drew up a care plan. He was provided with a perching stool at first, but over time was able to stand independently, so he no longer needed the supporting equipment. A specific aspect of his care identified that he was unable to put his socks on, but by providing him with an aid, he was able to dress independently. Charles started his reablement support plan with four calls a day, but is now down to one, with his reablement service due to end very shortly. Charles remains in good spirits and continues to live at home with his 90 year old wife Connie* who says the service has had a positive impact on both their lives. Connie says: “The service has been great. Charles is doing really well and can pretty much do everything himself now including showering which he couldn’t do before.”
*Names have been changed.
Case Study • Reablement Home Carer Sandra London has worked as a carer for 20 years in and around the Nuneaton area. In March this year she was part of the team involved in the first roll out of reablement home care. “I’ve always loved my job, and while the changes were a little worrying at first, now we’re actually delivering reablement care it’s clear to see the difference it’s making. The change from having clients who you see regularly over a long period of time, to seeing new faces every few weeks takes a little getting used to, but it is actually nice to see a steady stream of new faces and ultimately seeing them improve. It’s always hard not to get emotionally attached to people, but because reablement is
offered over a shorter timescale it doesn’t pull you in quite as much emotionally as other types of homecare. Another difference I’ve noticed is that there is more opportunity for interacting with supervisors and to drop into the office. Although I’ve always felt valued in what I do, the changes mean I generally feel more a part of things. I can see the difference in my own personal development too, learning new processes, writing detailed care plans, and even getting a sat nav has boosted my confidence visiting clients in different areas. To do this job ultimately you have to like, and be interested in people. I truly love my job and I feel it’s more rewarding now as you can see how you’re
empowering people to build their independence. Clients are quick to tell you what they’ve done for themselves since your last visit - so it’s clear that when we’re not there the work we do with them continues to build their self confidence and sense of pride.”
Team Stats 1 x Home Care Dev. Manager 2 x Team Managers 20 x Home Care Supervisors 150 Reablement Home Carers 2 x Occupational Therapy Team Leaders 10 x OT, 6 x OT Assistants
Reablement roll out March 2010 – Nun & Bed June – Stratford August – North Warwickshire October - Warwick District End November - Rugby Tough Choices in Adult Health and Community Services As you will have read in this issue’s cover story, the council is facing a challenging time and like all other directorates AHCS, has to make some tough choices to deal with this challenge. But this challenge also brings opportunities. Expectations of social care have changed. More and more people want support to remain independent which is also the more cost effective option, rather than receive intensive care. Reablement is a prime example of a service that meets our customers’ needs by providing a personalised service which helps to make them more independent, but also helps us to make savings by reducing the need for longterm care. 9