Finalist in Independent Specialist Care Awards
The Independent Specialist Care Awards showcase the very best of UK care services and draw attention to the best performing private and voluntary sector providers working in the provision of social care services for adults with a range of health conditions.
Alzheimer Scotland’s Ayrshire Personalised Support Service has been shortlisted for an award under the personalisation category which is about demonstrating exceptional achievement in making personalisation a reality through ensuring that people receive support which enables them to have genuine choice and control over the shape of their lives.
Ayrshire Personalised Support Service
The service was developed in August 2011 response to people with dementia and their families requesting more individualised support which they could purchase either using their own resources or a self-directed support budget. Our research showed that people wanted more than what was on offer through traditional forms of service delivery, the support they wanted was about who they are as a person and supporting them to have the best quality of life while living with a life limiting illness.
The service currently works with 15 people with dementia and their families. We work with each person to design a personalised support plan that offers them support in a way and at times that suit their needs. Each person we support is matched with a member of our staff who has the skills, qualities and interests to meet what is important to the person with dementia and what is important for them this maximises the benefits of the support provided.
Committed
We have a committed, highly trained and well-supported staff team who understand dementia and the challenges it brings. Our staff provide assistance and support to help people maintain their independence, keep doing the things that they enjoy and stay in touch with their family, friends and community. They also assist the person with dementia to have a sense of purpose, belonging and meaning in their lives.
Person centred planning
We offer to facilitate person centred plans and carry out a review of the plan after 6 weeks and then every 6 months or less thereafter. For many people when and how they wish to be supported changes regularly and for some this is on a week to week basis. The systems and structure of the service enable this level of flexibility.