On Friday 14th March I visited an amazing supported living service in Bendbow Rise that’s home to 6 people with complex physical and learning disabilities.
The service, which is run by a not-for-profit charity called Community Integrated Care, helps people live independently by providing truly personalised care and support.
I met Jamie, who is 24 and has lived with his Dad his whole life, but is now able to live independently because his flat has wide enough doors for him get through in his wheelchair, and a self cleaning toilet which he can use on his own. I also met Martin, who loves dancing, football and animals. Martin can now play lots of music in his flat and go to a local disco, the staff have arranged for him to volunteer at Gorse Hill Farm and regularly take him to see the football too.
I was really impressed with the “One Page Profiles” used by Community Integrated Care to determine the services and support that are provided. These profiles start by asking what the person likes and enjoys doing, and what’s important to them, to make sure the support they get helps them live the life they choose. Every member of staff also fills out a profile, so they can be matched to service users with similar interests, and support each other and work together better as a team.
The service at Bendbow Rise was truly inspirational. I’m determined to champion this model of personalised care and support in my constituency and nationally.
