Achieving better outcomes in supported accommodation

Jim Mansell

What should services achieve?

Principles often very clear: independence, inclusion, choice

Practice often adrift: ‘cared for’, isolated, controlled

What does it take to provide good services?

A supportive context Skilled facilitation by staff A sense of direction and a commitment to

the journey

A supportive context

Arrangements are person-centred, not standardised

They support family and community life They adopt a social model of disability not

a medical model They use a ‘support model’ not a

‘readiness model’

An environment rich in opportunities at home…

…and in the community

Skilled facilitation by staff

Be clear about what values mean in the everyday lives of people

Focus on how staff support people minute-by-minute to achieve this

Key question is “What would you see?”

What would you see?

What would you see?

What is person-centred active support? Providing enough help to enable people to

participate successfully in meaningful activities and relationships

So that people gain more control over their lives, gain more independence and become more included as a valued member of their community

Irrespective of degree of intellectual disability or presence of extra problems

Elements of active support

‘Every moment has potential’ Little and often Graded assistance to ensure success Maximising choice and control

It’s about the quality of

relationship - not about the

paperwork!

Results: enabling assistance

Results: engagement in meaningful activity

What is the evidence?

OK! OK! I believe you – active

support is good!

Active support produces higher levels of engagement in meaningful activity

These lead to increases in independence Especially effective for people with severe

and profound intellectual disabilities Staff training produces dramatic effects On-the-job coaching is essential Maintenance requires ongoing

management commitment and involvement

A sense of direction and a commitment to the journey

We can do better… More supportive contexts and

better active support

We can overcome obstacles Being a movement for

change as well as a support for individuals

A virtuous circle