WCH5. Adaptations and Equipment in the Care service
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Adaptations and Equipment in {{org_field_name}} (Wales) Policy
Policy Statement
The home’s policies and procedures on adaptations and equipment are designed to meet the requirements of Regulation 48: Facilities and Equipment of the Regulated Services (Service Providers and Responsible Individuals) (Wales) Regulations 2017 and accompanying statutory guidance, and other regulations concerning the upkeep of {{org_field_name}} premises.
This care provider works on the principle that its service users should expect their quality of life to be enhanced by the provision of a safe, well-maintained and comfortable environment that is suited to their individually assessed needs and promotes their independence wherever possible.
In its use of equipment and facilities, {{org_field_name}} adheres fully to the Health and Safety at Work, etc Act 1974, the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) and the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 and all relevant health and safety regulations and guidance.
Adaptations, Modifications and Equipment Policy
It is the policy of {{org_field_name}} that its service users should be provided with the appropriate aids, modifications and equipment necessary as required by the service regulations for Wales care services to facilitate their independence and address their assessed needs wherever practical and reasonable.
The home will routinely make the following arrangements:
- arrange an annual inspection from a qualified occupational therapist or another appropriate expert to advise on any modifications, adaptations or equipment required to enhance the comfort, health and independence of its service users
- arrange for all modifications or adaptations to be carried out by a qualified and approved contractor
- ensure that all equipment is assessed for safety before use
- arrange for all electrical devices to be checked and approved by a qualified electrical engineer before use in the home
- provide grab rails and other aids in corridors, bathrooms, toilets, communal rooms and, where necessary, in service users’ own accommodation
- provide aids, hoists and assisted toilets and baths which are capable of meeting the assessed needs of service users as appropriate
- provide ramps, slopes, flat surfaces and handrails to enable service users to have access to all parts of the communal spaces provided, to the gardens and to their own private space wherever necessary
- provide a call system with an accessible alarm facility in every room
- provide storage areas for aids and equipment, including wheelchairs
- ensure that all doorways into communal areas, service users’ rooms, bathing and toilet facilities have a clear opening width of 800mm so as to render them accessible for wheelchair users.
The occupational therapy department responsible for the home is: ____________________
Contact details: ____________________
All electrical fittings and appliances are checked by a qualified electrician prior to use in the home. The electrician who has an annual service agreement with the home and who should be contacted to check appliances or in case of emergencies is: ____________________
Hoists
All hoists are maintained in good condition, fit and appropriate for use, regularly serviced and maintained according to manufacturers’ recommendations, and comply with the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998. On no account should any member of staff should use a hoist that they consider to be unsafe. Staff should never use a hoist to lift or to move a service user until first trained in the use of the hoist and secondly having their practice supervised.
Lifts
The passenger lift installed in the home complies with Regulation 54: Passenger Lifts of {{org_field_name}} regulations, all relevant safety provisions including current building regulations and fire safety requirements. The lift has a fail-safe mechanism to prevent the door from closing in the event of someone falling in the entrance and an emergency call system.
The lift is inspected for safety on a weekly basis and is routinely serviced as recommended by the supplier.
The lift was supplied by: ____________________
The service agreement on the lift (including 24-hour breakdown cover) is held by: ____________________
Advanced Assistive Technology and Telecare
The organisation understands “advanced assistive technology” or “telecare” to refer to advanced electronic devices which can be deployed to remotely monitor people and/or call for assistance where required. Examples include alarm call systems and pressure sensor systems that automatically call for assistance if not triggered by someone moving about, predictive monitoring systems and bed sensors which can be used to help prevent falls at night.
{{org_field_name}} will continue to invest in and deploy such technologies wherever it is clear that their use can increase the safety, quality of life and independence of service users.
Where advanced assistive technology or telecare is considered for use, {{org_field_name}} manager carries out a full impact assessment prior to its use to ensure that it is used:
- in the best interests of service users
- with their full knowledge and co-operation
- only to meet the identified needs of the service user as specified in their needs assessment and plan of care
- in such as way as to not compromise the privacy or dignity of the service user.
Where assistive technology is used, it is specified in the Statement of Purpose of the home.
Training
All staff who are required to operate equipment are fully trained in its operation and given written instructions to follow before they are expected to use the equipment.
All staff are responsible for reporting any health and safety hazards or faults in equipment or aids which might cause them to present a danger to service users, contractors, relatives or staff.
All new staff are given basic hazard identification and risk assessment training during their induction training based on the Social Care Wales: All Wales Induction Framework for Health and Social Care.
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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