At Step by Step Supporting Independence LTD we aim to support people who need help to live fulfilling lives in the community. The people that we support are called our ‘Service Users’.
What we provide
We offer a range of support services to people in their own homes.
Our support includes:
Support and Care for all areas of household management, including shopping, cleaning etc.
Support with the administration of medication
Support with Communication
Support with Managing finances and paying household bills
Support with accessing community facilities such as sporting facilities and social establishments.
Support with all aspects of managing a tenancy, including applying for housing benefit and liaising with landlords where appropriate.
We offer support to people who have;
Learning disabilities
Physical disabilities
Sensory loss
Mental health problems
Combinations of the above, such as learning and physical disabilities.
Where appropriate and safe to do so we have worked with Social Services in order to reduce dependence on paid support. We have worked with agencies such as Call24 and Torbay Lifeline in order to enable service users to stay at their homes overnight without sleep-in support.
This involves having some or all of the following fitted into the service user’s home; smoke and extreme heat detectors, door and window sensors or movement sensors. The detectors/sensors that are fitted are connected to Tunstall technology which automatically sends a signal to a designated call centre when they are activated. The call centre will then contact step by step or call emergency services as necessary. Service users can also contact the call centre directly by pressing the large button on the tunstall box.
Funding
Our Support costs could be funded by payments from several places, including the NHS and Social Services. You can also purchase support directly from us via a direct payment.
New Service Users
When a new service user needs support from us, meetings take place between our management and the new service user, and those who are currently involved in their support (such as Care Managers and Social Workers). This is so that we can be sure that the services provided by us are suitable. These meetings also mean that new service users’ support needs can be worked out, and a support plan can be drawn up together.
The Support Plan
The support plan explains how the service users needs can be met through support from staff. Our management and staff regularly spend time talking with the people they support, in order to make sure they are receiving the right kind of support and that any needs they have are being met. If this not the case, the support plan would be changed accordingly. Any changes to the support plan are only ever made with the full agreement of the service user.
Service User Privacy
We aim to provide service users with as much personal privacy as possible. Staff only enter a service users property with the service users agreement, and do not interrupt, a service user when it would be wrong to do so – if the service user had visitors or was on the phone for example. Service users may need help with washing and dressing, or using the toilet. Our staff do all they can to maintain the service users dignity, providing a support worker who is familiar to the service user and who knows them well.
Respect for Service Users
Our staff always treat service users with respect, calling them by their chosen name, taking into account any difficulties they may have, and developing relationships which are trusting and warm. Service users are supported to control their own lives as much as possible, and we welcome people’s differences. Service users take part in forming their own support plans, take as much responsibility as possible for their own healthcare and medication, and are supported to be as self-sufficient with maintaining their self and their homes as possible.
Community Involvement
Our service users are encouraged to become involved in the world around them. Service users are supported to participate in elections, participate in community events, access community facilities (e.g. colleges, libraries), and make full use of local health services. We also support service users to access religious and cultural practices they are interested in.
Risk Taking
Service users are advised about situations where their disability is likely to put them at risk, and our support provides sensible protection from danger through identifying and reducing any obvious risks (Risk assessment). We do not believe in a ‘risk-free’ life though; we understand that taking reasonable risks can be interesting, fun and necessary to live life to the full. Our staff do everything in their power to help service users achieve their wishes and ambitions.
Quality
We aim to provide the highest quality support, and to make sure we maintain a high quality service, we take the following steps;
- A senior member of staff or director meets weekly with all service users to hear their view.
- All support workers participate in relevant training, and have regular meetings with their supervisor to address any difficulties/concerns.
- Service users have annual reviews where they have an opportunity to express their views/opinions.
- All service users have files and timesheets, and other records, and these are regularly checked.
- We have a set of policies and procedures which all staff are aware of. They outline what should be done in certain situations, such as how to administer medication, and how to handle money and financial matters on behalf of a service user. Service users can read these policies/procedures if they wish.
How to Contact Us
We support our service users over a 24 hour period, however we can be contacted during office hours weekdays 9am – 5pm on 01626867624
We operate an emergency on call situation that can be built into a Service Users Package of needs, this covers 24 hrs emergency cover.
Details of Insurance Cover
Public & Employers Liability