Young people and adults with a learning disability and/or autism who display behaviour that challenges, including those with a mental health condition have the right to the same opportunities as anyone else to live satisfying and valued lives and to be treated with the same dignity and respect. They should expect, as people without a learning disability or autism expect, to have a home within their community, be able to develop and maintain positive relationships and get the support they need to live a healthy, safe and fulfilling life, and be an active part of society.

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 The principles which underpin this service model are focused on the individual’s rights, independence, choice/control and inclusion. These principles are;

 

        • Personalised care agenda and Person-centred approach

        • Positive risk assessments and active participation

        • Evidenced-based care

        • Valuing People

        • Valuing people Now

Right Support, Right Care, Right Culture – for people with a learning disability. The phrase “Right Support, Right Care, Right Culture” was published in early October 2020 by CQC following feedback from those who use services, in relation to individuals with a learning disability and / or autism. The purpose of the review and publication was to give a clear and strong guidance, with three key factors, that the regulator (CQC) expects providers to consider if they are or want to care for people with a learning disability and / or autism. Those three key points are:

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1) Right Support

    The model and care setting maximises people’s choice, control and independence

2) Right Care

    Care is tailored and person-centred and promote people’s dignity, privacy and human rights

3) Right Culture

    The ethos, values, attitude and behaviours of leaders and care staff at Core Care Provider Services ensure people using services lead confident, inclusive and empowered lives.

 

 The above guidance, when implemented and practised effectively will ensure that people with complex needs, including those with a learning disability and/or autism will receive care and support that upholds their human rights, is person-centred and outcome-based. So, there is great emphasis on outcomes-focused assessment and outcome-based practice, where the approach to care is to achieve the desired goals for the person through active promotion of choice, freedom and independence, in a safe environment whether in the individua’s own home or out in the community.

 A good service for people with a learning disability and / or autism is structured around nine core principles.

The 9 Principles are:

   1)  A good and meaningful life – inclusion, activity, relationship, empowerment.

   2)  The person is at the centre – Care and support is person-centred, outcome-based planning.

   3)  Family / Carer(s) also play central role – working closely with person and their family/carer(s).

   4)  Support to family and paid staff – training, professional and practical support

   5)  Choice of where the person lives and who they live with.

   6)  Mainstream health services – Annual health checks, health action plans.

   7)  Access to specialist health and social care support in the community – e.g Psychiatrist.

   8)  Support to stay out of trouble – specialist multidisciplinary health and social are support for people            who have come into contact with or may be as risk of coming into contact with the criminal justice            system.

   9)  Hospital – If admitted, High quality care and proactively encouraging independence and recovery.

 

 In a setting where people receive the right support, right care, in a service that has developed and established the right culture, people using services will benefit from the following,

        a) High quality of life: as they are treated with dignity and respect

        b) Safe care and treatment: as people are supported to take positive risks, and protected from                      potential harm

        c) Choice and control: as people are empowered to make their own decisions

        d) Support and interventions: least restrictive / intrusive approach

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REACH STANDARDS

REACH is the name for a set of standards people with learning disabilities would expect from a Supported Living setting.

 

Why is REACH important?

The REACH standards are important because they can help people with learning disabilities and / or autism, as well as their families to understand if the support that they are receiving is good enough.

 

The REACH standards can be used by people, including providers, to check how good a service is, and what can be done to improve it.

 

The standards include:

1) I choose who I live with

2) I choose where I live

3) I have my own home

4) I choose how I am supported

5) I choose who supports me

6) I get good support

7) I choose my friends and relationships

8) I choose how to be healthy and safe

9) I choose how to take part in my community

10) I have the same rights and responsibilities as other citizens

11) I get help to make changes in my life

 

 

The above two concepts, “Right Support, Right care, Right Culture” and “REACH standards” are well knitted together and are particularly helpful for the delivery of high-quality care that is person-centred, support learning and innovation and promote an open and fair culture for people with a learning disability and / or autism to thrive within their local communities.