Our approach is built around listening to the individual, understanding what matters to them and shaping support around their needs, strengths, preferences and desired outcomes.
Support should reflect the individual's life, not simply the tasks being carried out.
Understand individual views, preferences, strengths and circumstances.
Protect dignity, identity, privacy, choice and personal routines.
Support confidence, participation and independence where appropriate.
Respond appropriately as needs, circumstances and outcomes change.
No two people experience life in exactly the same way. Their abilities, routines, relationships, communication, preferences and ambitions are individual to them.
That is why we do not believe good care should begin with a standard package. It should begin with understanding.
We aim to understand what the person wants to maintain, what they would like to achieve, what they can do for themselves and where appropriate support may be helpful.
This understanding informs assessment, planning, delivery and review.
An assessment should not simply identify what someone cannot do. It should also recognise existing strengths, abilities, routines, relationships and what gives everyday life meaning.
We aim to involve the individual appropriately in decisions about their support and create meaningful opportunities for their views to be heard.
A structured process helps us understand the person's circumstances and determine whether we can appropriately meet their support requirements.
We begin with an appropriate discussion about the person's circumstances and the support being considered.
We explore needs, preferences, abilities, communication, relevant risks and desired outcomes.
Agreed information helps guide how appropriate support should be organised and delivered.
Arrangements are reviewed when circumstances, preferences, needs or desired outcomes change.
Personal planning helps translate assessment and discussion into clear information about how agreed support should appropriately be provided.
A personal plan should reflect the individual's preferences, circumstances, strengths, communication and desired outcomes.
It should also provide useful guidance for those delivering support while preserving the person's individuality.
As circumstances change, personal planning should remain responsive and relevant.
Outcomes are personal. Our approach therefore focuses on understanding what matters to the individual rather than assuming the same goal for everyone.
Supporting people to retain appropriate control, confidence and participation in everyday life.
Balancing dignity and choice with appropriate attention to safeguarding and risk.
Creating meaningful opportunities for people to express preferences and participate in decisions.
Appropriate encouragement and support can strengthen confidence in everyday activities.
Recognising the importance of family, friendship, community and meaningful relationships.
Listening respectfully and responding appropriately to views, feedback and changing circumstances.
Care takes place within people's personal spaces and everyday lives. Trust, professionalism and respectful communication therefore matter.
We recognise the value of continuity and aim, wherever reasonably possible, to organise support in ways that promote familiarity and consistency.
Good communication also helps identify changes, coordinate appropriate responses and ensure relevant information reaches the right people.
Continuity does not mean promising the same worker in every circumstance. It means taking a thoughtful approach to staffing, communication and handover.
Person-centred support does not mean ignoring risk. Responsible care considers safety while recognising the individual's rights, abilities and choices.
Our approach includes appropriate assessment, safeguarding awareness, risk management, workforce competence and clear reporting arrangements.
Where support needs change or concerns arise, relevant information should be communicated and acted upon through appropriate procedures.
This helps ensure dignity, independence, wellbeing and safety are considered together.
Depending on the person's circumstances, effective support may involve communication with family members, representatives and relevant health and social care professionals.
We aim to communicate appropriately, respect information governance requirements and keep the individual at the centre of discussions about their support.
We welcome appropriate enquiries from professionals involved in assessing, arranging, coordinating or reviewing care and support.
Earlston & Doune Care Services Ltd is registered with the Care Inspectorate. Our wider governance approach includes quality management, environmental responsibility, information security, ethical management, occupational health and safety and continuous improvement.
Our aim is to provide support thoughtfully, respectfully and in a way that recognises dignity, choice, strengths, relationships and personal aspirations.
If you are considering support for yourself, someone close to you or a person you professionally support, contact us to discuss the circumstances and appropriate next steps.
