All staff use PASS to record visit notes including the health and wellbeing of SU.  In addition any issues outwith the norm are reported to the office who log this in the Daily Log. The log is audited daily and actions identified to redress any concerns.  Where a concern is notifiable then the Care inspectorate, Social Care Direct or Next of Kin are informed.

Additionally, monthly audits apply a weighting to SU needs which can predict whether needs are increasing, decreasing or remain unchanged despite interventions. The weighting is used to evidence change, evaluate interventions, plan support, review packages of care and raise awareness of potential future concerns with all parties in advance.

Social Care Alba (SCA) refers any concerns about a SU’s wellbeing to the appropriate healthcare professional immediately. Within this extended multi-disciplinary team we can share and access training, knowledge and best practise.

SCA conducts an environmental assessment for all new SU where any trip hazards are identified. Where a fall has occurred an accident form is completed and a notification made to the Care Inspectorate and/or Social Care Direct and the next of kin.

Where this is deemed to be progressive a falls risk assessment is completed and a referral made to the falls clinic for advice. We continue to monitor the occurrence of falls and if interventions from SCA or others help reduce the frequency.

SCA recommends SU and families use CAS alarms, fall detectors and PIR lighting.

SCA refers any concerns about a SU’s wellbeing to the appropriate healthcare professional immediately. Within this extended multi-disciplinary team we can share and access training, knowledge and best practise. Most commonly these are due to breathlessness, skin or urinary tract infections.

Preventative measures include promotion of regular vaccinations and good infection control procedures for staff, SU and their families.  Advice on these can be found on our SU/Family and staff websites.

SCA refers any concerns about a SU’s wellbeing to the appropriate healthcare professional immediately e.g. District Nurse or GP. A Waterlow and MUST assessment is made for those where skin integrity is a concern.

This may result in requests for equipment such as pressure cushions and mattresses. Regular training is offered to staff, SU and their families. Advice on this can be found on our SU/Family and staff websites.

SCA refers any mobility concerns to the appropriate healthcare professional such as a GP, Physio or Occupational Therapist. This may result in exercises to build strength, flexibility and coordination being prescribed.

Where SCA is requested to deliver these exercises then a review of the support package will be required. Often aids can be used to maintain independence, which are the responsibility of occupational therapy. Details on support groups for people with Arthritis can be found on our website.

SCA has taken the following actions to promote continence.  

Training

We deliver continence promotion training to staff which is open to SU and their families on a regular basis. Training workshops dates are posted on our website in advance.

Continence Assessment

We conduct thorough, person-centred assessments to identify underlying issues such as medication side effects, dietary factors, or mobility challenges.

Hydration and Diet

Educate staff, service users and families about the importance of hydration and a fibre-rich diet to support bladder and bowel health.

Timed Voiding Schedules

We aim to maintain visit times to promote toilet routines to support users in re-establishing predictable patterns.

Access to Specialist Equipment

We assist in requesting raised toilet seats, commodes, or grab rails to make toileting safer and more accessible.

Professional Support

Work with continence advisors or physiotherapists to tailor interventions.

SCA makes feedback easy through Spot Checks, Visit Feedback, Service Reviews, Open Training Days, Open social events, OpenPASS, phone, email or online feedback amongst others. This allows us to work together to tailor the support plan and package to better meet peoples needs.

EHSCP has cut package sizes and it is important to be aware that whilst we may wish to provide more support, this may not be possible if EHSCP does not agree to support this.

SCA runs several types of training workshops on a monthly basis, including but not limited to Stress & Distress, Medication Management, Convenience Promotion and Dementia Awareness. In addition online courses are available in over 50 different areas.

Courses are open to SU and their families and we regularly post online resources for those wishing to improve their understanding of particular conditions such as through the SSSC Learning Zone.

Staff are trained in recognising the signs of pain, particularly in those who may be unable to voice their distress through cognitive impairment or communication difficulties. Any changes in a person’s wellbeing are reported to the GP whose responsibility it is to assess and manage pain. SCA will follow the GP’s or other professionals guidance, which may include medication or gentle exercises.

SCA will monitor the effectiveness of these interventions and report the outcome back to the SU family or medical professional. Occupation aids, pressure reliving equipment, medication assessments may form part of the pain management plan.  Ongoing pain may result in referral to a pain management clinic via the GP.