DCW50-Supporting Service Users with Learning Disabilities Policy
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Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}
Supporting Service Users with Learning Disabilities Policy
1. Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to ensure that {{org_field_name}} provides high-quality, person-centred, and empowering support to service users with learning disabilities. This policy outlines how we meet the Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) regulations and best practices in delivering support that enhances independence, respects dignity, and promotes social inclusion for individuals with learning disabilities.
Our objectives are to:
- Promote independence and self-determination through personalised care planning.
- Ensure the safety, dignity, and rights of individuals receiving support.
- Encourage participation in the community, education, and employment.
- Provide staff with the necessary training to understand and meet the diverse needs of service users.
- Work collaboratively with families, advocates, and healthcare professionals to deliver holistic care.
2. Scope
This policy applies to:
- Service users with learning disabilities receiving care from {{org_field_name}}.
- Families, carers, and advocates who contribute to the individual’s care and well-being.
- All employees, including care workers, senior carers, managers, and administrative staff.
- The Registered Manager and Responsible Individual, responsible for ensuring compliance.
- Healthcare professionals, including GPs, social workers, therapists, and learning disability nurses.
3. Legal and Regulatory Framework
This policy aligns with:
- The Regulation and Inspection of Social Care (Wales) Act 2016, ensuring high standards of care and compliance with CIW requirements.
- The Regulated Services (Service Providers and Responsible Individuals) (Wales) Regulations 2017, setting out the responsibilities of care providers.
- The Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014, promoting person-centred care and support.
- The Mental Capacity Act 2005, ensuring service users are supported in making decisions or that decisions made on their behalf are in their best interests.
- The Equality Act 2010, protecting individuals from discrimination.
- The Human Rights Act 1998, safeguarding the dignity, freedom, and rights of individuals.
- The Welsh Government Learning Disability Strategy, promoting inclusion and equal opportunities.
- The Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) Framework, ensuring that support is person-centred and reduces restrictive practices.
4. Person-Centred Approach to Supporting Learning Disabilities
At {{org_field_name}}, we adopt a person-centred approach that recognises individual strengths, preferences, and aspirations.
4.1 Personalised Care Planning
Each service user has a detailed, individualised care plan that includes:
- Personal history, preferences, and goals.
- A needs assessment, covering health, emotional well-being, social inclusion, and communication.
- Risk management and safeguarding considerations.
- Support strategies for daily activities, mobility, and personal care.
How we manage this efficiently:
- Care plans are reviewed regularly to reflect changing needs.
- Families and professionals are involved in decision-making.
- A digital care management system ensures up-to-date, accessible records.
4.2 Promoting Independence and Choice
Our support enables individuals to:
- Engage in daily living activities, such as cooking and shopping.
- Make their own decisions, with support as required.
- Develop skills and access education, training, or employment.
- Participate in community activities and social events.
How we manage this efficiently:
- Support plans include small, achievable goals to build confidence.
- Adaptive aids and assistive technology are used where beneficial.
- Staff encourage decision-making and provide easy-read materials to support understanding.
5. Effective Communication and Understanding Needs
People with learning disabilities may communicate in different ways. We ensure that:
- Staff use clear, simple language and avoid jargon.
- Alternative communication methods, such as Makaton, picture exchange (PECS), or assistive technology, are used where needed.
- Non-verbal communication is recognised and respected.
- Staff receive training in recognising and responding to communication needs.
How we manage this efficiently:
- Speech and Language Therapists (SALT) provide specialist support where necessary.
- Communication passports document each person’s preferences and are available to all staff.
- Staff use active listening and patience to support effective interactions.
6. Positive Behaviour Support and Managing Complex Needs
Some individuals with learning disabilities may display distressed or challenging behaviours. Our approach is based on Positive Behaviour Support (PBS), which includes:
- Identifying triggers and avoiding unnecessary distress.
- Creating structured, predictable routines to reduce anxiety.
- Providing calming strategies, such as sensory activities.
- Using proactive and least-restrictive interventions to promote well-being.
How we manage this efficiently:
- All staff receive PBS training, focusing on reducing restrictive practices.
- Behaviour support plans are developed for individuals who need them.
- Incidents are reviewed to improve future responses and care strategies.
7. Health, Well-being, and Safety
7.1 Physical and Mental Health Support
We ensure that service users:
- Have access to regular health checks, medication reviews, and specialist healthcare.
- Receive personalised support to manage medical conditions (e.g., epilepsy, diabetes).
- Engage in physical activities to promote well-being.
How we manage this efficiently:
- Staff coordinate with GPs and specialist nurses to manage health needs.
- Medication management follows strict safety protocols.
- Health passports ensure all healthcare professionals understand individual needs.
7.2 Safeguarding and Risk Management
Service users with learning disabilities may be more vulnerable to abuse or neglect. We ensure:
- All staff are trained in safeguarding adults at risk.
- Robust risk assessments are in place to protect individuals.
- Any safeguarding concerns are reported immediately to the Registered Manager and external authorities.
How we manage this efficiently:
- Safeguarding training is mandatory for all staff.
- A Designated Safeguarding Lead oversees investigations.
- Whistleblowing procedures protect staff and service users.
8. Supporting Families and Carers
Families and carers are essential partners in care. We:
- Encourage active involvement in care planning and decision-making.
- Provide regular updates and meetings to discuss progress.
- Offer guidance on additional support services and funding options.
How we manage this efficiently:
- A dedicated family liaison officer provides regular communication.
- Easy-read guides help families understand care processes.
9. Staff Training and Development
All staff must complete specialist learning disability training, covering:
- Person-centred approaches.
- Communication techniques for non-verbal individuals.
- Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) and managing distress.
- Mental capacity and best interest decision-making.
How we manage this efficiently:
- Annual refresher training ensures staff remain competent.
- Supervision sessions provide opportunities to discuss challenges and share best practices.
10. Related Policies
This policy aligns with:
- Safeguarding Adults Policy (DCW13).
- Mental Capacity and Decision-Making Policy (DCW39).
- Person-Centred Care Policy (DCW07).
- Risk Management and Assessment Policy (DCW18).
11. Policy Review
This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if required due to legislative changes, business needs, or CIW updates. The Registered Manager and Responsible Individual are responsible for ensuring compliance.
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}}
Copyright © {{current_year}} – {{org_field_name}}. All rights reserved.