SCH235. Social Activity and Leisure in Care Homes
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Social Activity and Leisure in Care Homes (Scotland) Policy
Policy Statement
{{org_field_name}} works on the principle that every service user has the right to leisure time and resources which they should be able to use as they wish, doing things that they enjoy.
This policy sets out the home’s approach to leisure activities inside and outside of the home. The home believes that the enjoyment of a rich and active leisure is the absolute right of every service user.
The policy is in line with the requirements of the national care standards, My Support, My Life, which require service providers to ensure that their care users experience high quality care, which enables them to lead social lives according to their interests and preferences. For example, Standard 5.9 states: “I experience care and support free from isolation because the location and type of premises enable me to be an active member of the local community if this is appropriate”.
Social Activity and Leisure Policy
{{org_field_name}} works to the following standards.
- Staff ensure that service users have access to, and can choose from, a range of appropriate leisure activities.
- Service users are encouraged and supported to pursue their own interests and hobbies.
- When they pursue these interests, possible risks to their personal safety are always assessed and well managed.
- Service users have a choice of appropriate entertainment brought into the home in line with their requests and needs.
- Group trips outside of the home are planned and chosen by users who share the same interests.
- Service users take annual holidays in line with their individual statement of terms and conditions.
Furthermore, it is the policy of the home that all service users of {{org_field_name}} should:
- have access to a wide range of social activities should they wish to access them
- be supported by the home and by staff if they wish to develop an interest or an activity that is not currently supported by the home
- be able to remain at the home or opt out of social activities should they wish to do so.
Each person’s interests should be supported whenever possible to encourage individuality and staff should:
- discuss individual needs with each resident and complete a list of their likes and dislikes
- encourage residents to attend social activities by informing them that they are being held but respect their wishes if they do not wish to join in
- help the person remain as independent as possible and offer support and supervision as necessary
- be flexible and patient
- ensure that all activities are safe
- offer whatever support or aid is required for service users who cannot access or enjoy a specific activity that they wish to participate in because of their disability or infirmity.
The Social Committee (where applicable)
Leisure activities in {{org_field_name}} are arranged by a social committee of service users and staff.
- The current service user representative is: ______________________________.
Staff should discuss with the above named person any new ideas or suggestions for social activities.
Social Activities Within the Home
Current activities at the home are composed of both indoor and outdoor pursuits and include arts and crafts, gardening, photography, keep-fit and computing. We also arrange a wide variety of in-house games for the enjoyment of the residents. There are quizzes, word games and at Christmas and New Year, relatives and friends are invited to join in festivities. Every summer, an annual fete is organised which is widely supported and the home also holds barbecues.
For residents who prefer a quieter time, there are also a range of facilities that they can enjoy. They may choose to spend time in the gardens, or read the newspapers, magazines and books provided. Residents may order any magazines or newspapers that they wish to have delivered daily. We also have a large screen television in the lounge together with a music system.
Note:
This section should be tailored to the individual home.
Social Activities Outside the Home
Holidays and short breaks are encouraged as are regular outings to places of local interest and also the organising of small groups for lunch at the local pub.
Note:
This section should be tailored to the individual home.
Training
All staff are required to understand and implement the home’s policy on social activities and leisure, which is in line with our person-centred values and principles.
Staff with specific responsibilities for providing leisure opportunities are encouraged to seek further training and qualifications in any activities that could benefit residents following Skills for Care guidance.
All staff are expected to be able to support service users in following up their individual interests and achieving their personal goals.
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}}
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