Quality in social care: achieving excellence in supported living services
What is the video about?
In this film we see several examples of excellence in supported living settings. The film shows people with learning disabilities and mental health problems finding employment, developing skills, and becoming more independent, and looks at the role of social care staff in supporting people to improve their lives. The examples are analysed by a panel of people who use services and social care academics, and they discuss how the services demonstrate concepts of excellence in social care in their day-to-day work.
Messages for practice
- Excellence in residential care means making sure people have choice and control over their lives, that they have good relationships with families, friends and staff, and that they are able to spend their time purposefully and enjoyably.
- Good quality staff support is vital so that staff can really get to know people, to learn about their interests and to develop trusting relationships with them.
- Staff who get to know people as individuals are better able to help identify opportunities for them, such as paid or voluntary work, or leisure activities, that can boost their self-worth and well-being.
- People using services should enjoy full, rewarding lives in which their potential is identified and realised. Excellent services recognise this and act to make it happen.
- Taking risks is important. Excellent support involves trying new things, and taking a positive attitude to supporting people to develop.
Who will find this useful?
People working in, managing, and commissioning supported living services; people using - or thinking about using - supported living services; families and carers.