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Transport for People in Care Homes (Scotland) Policy

Policy Statement

{{org_field_name}} always tries to meet the transport and mobility needs of its residents, enabling them to maintain their social and family contacts with the community as they wish, and access their appointments and daily requirements.

This policy describes the arrangements the home makes for transporting its residents in line with their personal and social needs. The home is mindful of the importance of ensuring they are always transported safely with risks carefully assessed and managed.

The policy is produced in line with all relevant national care standards described in My Support, My Life and health and safety laws. 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”.

With regard to the safe use of equipment, such as minibuses and care home vehicles, service providers must ensure all equipment and modes of transport safe, suitable and properly used.

• There should be regular health and safety risk assessments of equipment.
• Providers must make sure that they meet the requirements of relevant legislation so that equipment is properly used and maintained.
• Reasonable adjustments must be made when providing equipment to meet the needs of people with disabilities, in line with requirements of the Equality Act 2010 (for instance, wheelchair facilities in minibuses).
• All equipment must be used, stored and maintained in line with manufacturers’ instructions.

{{org_field_name}} recognises that its residents have a range of transport and mobility needs and requirements and that these are of vital importance in helping them to live full and independent lives. Some may have very few needs, only needing transport for appointments, etc.

Others might have very active social lives and require transport for all manner of activities, including shopping, visiting family and friends and attending clubs, etc. Some residents may have their own transport resources, or access to friends and family who have cars, while others will require support from the home.

{{org_field_name}}’s policy is to support the independence of residents with their own transport resources while at the same time providing suitable transport facilities for those that do not. It is the intention of the home to operate such a transport scheme in a manner that is fair, transparent and proportionate to the needs of residents.

Procedures

In {{org_field_name}}:

• {{org_field_name}} manager will ensure that the transport needs of residents are regularly assessed, audited and reviewed so that appropriate transport resources and services can be planned and provided accordingly
• transport arrangements should be considered as part of the individual’s needs assessment process, and will be agreed within a personal Transport Support Plan. The support plan will be regularly reviewed
• if during the planning stage it is agreed that a vehicle is required, then there will be a need for more detailed planning which may include liaison with community transport scheme providers
• facilities will be put in place to support the transport and mobility requirements of residents where these are met by the residents themselves, including those who require mobility wheelchairs, their own cars, adapted vehicles, etc. It will also include such things as sufficient storage facilities, parking facilities, battery recharging points, access to maintenance/servicing/cleaning, etc
• residents with their own vehicles will be expected to ensure that vehicles are road worthy with up-to-date road tax, vehicle registration and current MOT certificates, where appropriate, and that drivers and passengers are properly insured against loss, damage and for personal injury
• where required, hospital or community transport — or specialist transport — will be accessed and facilitated for residents that require it. Where this is provided as part of a contract, {{org_field_name}} manager will review contracts and costs on an annual basis and maintain such records as are required to administer the scheme
• access to public transport will be facilitated where required, including taxis and buses
• an in-house minibus will be provided. In considering a detailed specification, the home will fully consider the requirements of the residents that will use it. The minibus will be run under a Section 19 not-for-profit permit basis, and serviced, driven and maintained according to the Minibus Maintenance and Use in Care Homes Policy
• any charges made for transport should be clear and understood by the individuals involved and the people who support them
• care staff will receive appropriate moving and handling training so they can support people receiving care in safely accessing their chosen transport options, including helping them to access minibuses in their wheelchairs or transfer from a wheelchair to a car seat, etc.

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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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