CH257. Referral and Admission of People Who are Mentally Unwell in Care Homes and Supported Living Schemes (England) Policy

Policy Statement

This policy outlines the procedures to be followed where it is known that the applicant has a history of mental health issues that require consideration within the service’s admission policies. The policy applies to care homes and some supported living arrangements that are registered to accommodate people with mental health issues on a short- or longer-term basis as part of their rehabilitation or community integration.

Step 1

Referrals should be made in writing by the person needing the accommodation and services or more usually by a named key worker (for example, on behalf of an applicant who is subject to a community supervision order), care manager or care plan co-ordinator, who should forward written information on behalf of the person using the service to the service manager. The referral information should include:

a comprehensive needs assessment (including diagnosis, daily living skills, disabilities, in-patient and day hospital history)
a current care plan or care programme approach summary
a short social report to include social history, criminal history, medical history and psychological history.

Step 2

Referrals will be considered by the registered manager using the eligibility criteria described below.

Note:

These will vary in line with the facility’s registration status and should be amended as required.

Our purpose is to provide continuing care and support for people who have experience of mental illness and other mental health difficulties in line with our Statement of Purpose on a short- or longer-term basis, depending on individual needs. We will always help those who wish for more independent living through support and assistance designed to maximise their skills to live in their chosen setting.

Limitations

Although the service aims to help as many people with serious mental health needs as possible, it cannot accept referrals on behalf of people compulsorily detained under sections of the Mental Health Act 1983 (with the exception of persons on guardianship orders, conditional discharge and extended leave) or people whose behaviour or mental state makes them anti-social, aggressive or on behalf of people with current severe drug or alcohol problems or on behalf of person using the services who exhibit:

serious self-harm or suicide attempts
inappropriate or antisocial behaviours
behaviour which constitutes a danger to self or others
violent behaviour
serious sexual disorders
arson or deliberate attempts to harm others
dangerous or criminal behaviour
severe dementia
severe drug or alcohol addiction
severe learning difficulties.

Step 3

If the referral fits with the service’s eligibility criteria, then a staff member will contact the referrer to arrange an introductory visit. All visits to the service are by prior arrangement. During the introductory visit, the potential person using the service should be offered a chance to discuss with senior staff and with their key workers, carers or relatives, exactly how the service can meet their needs and requirements.

Step 4

All prospective people using the service who complete a satisfactory introductory visit and needs assessment, and who still wish to pursue their application should have their case considered in line with {{org_field_name}}’s admission policies as a result of which an offer of accommodation and support could be made. This should promptly be communicated to the referrer.

Offers of service should be based upon:

successful introductory visits
a full care needs assessment having been completed
the service being confident that it can meet all the care objectives identified.

Initial offers of service should be made on a trial basis during which existing persons using the service might be consulted about the compatibility of the new person. This trial period should be followed by a full case review.

It is our policy that every potential person using the service or applicant should be viewed as an individual with their human rights fully respected. In deciding upon a possible offer of service, discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated. This is in line with {{org_field_name}}’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion policy.

Step 5

During the trial period, each person using the service will be allocated a named staff member who is responsible, as key worker, for ensuring appropriate levels of care are provided. A care and support plan will be prepared in consultation with other mental health and social care professionals, relatives, carers and the individual residents. Therapeutic and rehabilitative aims and objectives will be set and identified within the plan based upon a comprehensive assessment of needs.

Training

All staff receive training in line with their roles and responsibilities in the handling of referrals and admissions.

Responsible Person: {{org_field_registered_manager_first_name}} {{org_field_registered_manager_last_name}}

Reviewed on: {{last_update_date}}

Next Review Date: {{next_review_date}}

CH257. Referral and Admission of People Who are Mentally Unwell in Care Homes and Supported Living Schemes