Download MVACL Summary of Policy and Protocol

Madawaska Valley Association for Community Living
Summary of Policy and Protocol for Families of Supported Individuals
1. Guiding Principals
MVACL offer a full range of supports to adults with intellectual disabilities, these
include day supports, accommodations and community support. We believe that
the individuals we support are citizens with unique needs and make contributions
to their community. Individuals deserve respect for personal choices and
aspirations. Promoting rights and responsibilities of each individual are primary
concerns.
Individuals have the right to:
 Make their own informed choices
 Participate in community to the extent that they wish or desire;
 Have the opportunity to learn and grow
 Experience failure and the natural consequences of their choices.
We value capacity not incapacity, everyone has something to contribute to the life
and development of the community
The wellbeing of the person is the focus of all activity. Supports and services are
planned for and delivered on an individualized basis.
Persons needs and desires should be met by the most natural and least intrusive
means.
Family members may take an active role in supporting individuals through the life
planning process.
Life Planning:
Each individual will participate in the development of their own life plan. They
may choose persons that they wish to have plan with them. When a person has
moved to Barry’s Bay from an institution, the life planning process will be a
continuation of the Essential Elements plan initiated during the transition.
The life plan is a working document which is refreshed annually or may be altered
in the event of a significant change in the individual’s life. The personal
outcomes of the plan are noted, and short and long term goals are developed.
Participants in the life plan are assigned specific responsibilities to ensure that
goals are met. Some items are assigned to support staff, others and family
members who are actively involved.
The life plan will cover all aspects of the individual’s life, including relationships,
accommodation, physical, spiritual and social health. The planning process will
include the likes and dislikes, the capabilities, and history of each individual.
Medical and Physical Health:
MVACL staff will monitor each individual and report any changes, concerns or
precautionary issues relating to physical health. Each individual will have an
assigned physician in the community who will diagnose and make
recommendations for the individual. We are committed to ensuring that each
individual receives the best medical care. Individuals will make an annual visit to
the doctor and other visits as required. All medical appointments are documented
and reviewed by the support team. Physicians and other qualified specialists may
issue prescriptions, and other medical interventions as required. In the event that
a general anaesthetic or complex surgery is required, a substitute decision maker
will be consulted.
Dental:
Each individual has a dentist and will attend visits on a regular basis as needed.
The visits generally occur every six months, unless otherwise recommended by
the attending dentist. Individuals who require a general anaesthetic for dental
work and assessment will be referred to a specialist. In the event that a general
anaesthetic or complex surgery is required a substitute decision maker will be
consulted.
General Wellness:
Individuals are encouraged by the MVACL support team to initiate activities that
will promote a healthy life style. Walking, dancing, swimming and other
activities are offered on a regular basis. Individuals receive supervision and
support where needed to enable their participation in such activities. Spiritual
wellness is appreciated and individuals who enjoy attending church, are
encouraged to do so. Staff support individuals in choosing the church they wish
to attend, the time of day that service suits them and offer assistance where
needed.
There are a wide range of social recreational options offered to each individual,
and support varies according to their need.
Transportation is provided by the staff at MVACL. All staff are licensed and
vehicles are provided by the agency.
Communication:
MVACL staff have a long history of supporting individuals in the area of
communication. We utilize a variety of communication strategies that include,
verbal, written, gestures, sign, body expression, facial expression, behavioural and
physical health.
We employ a number of various strategies to determine that individuals are
making informed choices and provide guidance to them.
Staff communicate with each other and the management team through a log book
and a communication book maintained at each home. Information is
communicated to family members through involvement in life plans, letters, by
telephone or visits.
Personal Care:
Support staff will assist individuals with all aspects of personal care as needed.
This includes maintaining and assisting individuals with selection of clothing and
personal items.
Medications:
All medications are stored in a locked cabinet in the home and staff who are
trained will access and dispense medications in accordance with physician orders.
Any substance that requires monitoring of specific quantitative control will be
handled by the staff. When individuals are visiting with family, the staff will
package required medication that the family will administer at the prescribed
times, support staff will provide the medication and the instruction.
Nutrition:
A nutritionist may be consulted to establish meal planning or best practices for
each individual. Staff generally prepare all meals, some individuals wish to take
part in this process. At Queen St. breakfast is prepared in the morning, the main
meal is usually served at the noon hour and a light supper is offered around
5:30pm. Staff take this into consideration in planning outings and activities as the
meal timing may have an impact on administration of some medications.
Personal Choices
Adults supported by MVACL are encouraged to make informed choices in their
day to day lives. If an individual enjoys reading we strive to identify books that
use clear language are simply understood yet contain age appropriate content.
This applies to any activity of daily living, social, recreational or spiritual
involvement. When introducing a new experience, we will take extra care to
assess the individual’s response for acceptance and signals that they are accepting
or choosing what is offered.
Some things, for example personal hygiene or taking medication are understood
to be essential aspects of daily life and choice may include how and when this
will happen.
Behavioural
MVACL staff are trained in the use of Crisis Prevention and Intervention
techniques. There are many interventions that are utilized in assisting individuals
who are exhibiting behaviours that are undesirable for themselves or others. As a
last resort, staff may utilize physical restraint in extreme situations where there is
great risk to the individual or others.
Clothing:
Staff will ensure that each individual has the appropriate clothing for the season.
This will include assisting individuals with shopping and maintaining their
clothing. MVACL believe that individuals should wear age appropriate clothing
and present themselves as adult citizens in the community. Family members may
inquire about needed items that they may wish to provide as gifts.
Financial
Support staff will assist individuals with managing their finances. Each months
ODSP allowance will be deposited via direct deposit to the individuals own bank
account. Support staff will ensure that the amount required to pay for the
individuals room and board is paid by cheque to MVACL. The remaining funds
will be available for them to spend as they wish. The individuals will be able to
purchase clothing, personal care items, attend social events and make other
purchases as they choose. The staff will keep all receipts for personal money
and reconcile bank account monthly. These records will be provided to family
designate every three months, if requested.
Family Involvement
Individuals who have supportive family involvement are supported in
strengthening and nurturing this bond. Most individuals maintain a scrap book
and photo album and personalize their homes with photos and items received
from their family members. Communication with family members may take a
variety of forms, staff support individuals to make telephone calls, write letters
and visits.
In order to meet all of the commitments of daily living, it is important that good
planning occur for the individuals. When family members wish to visit, advance
notice is needed in order that preparations be made. For visits to the home, the
individual and his/her roommate will need to be advised that company are
arriving. Daily schedules for needed staff support will be adjusted to
accommodate visits as well, whether they are occurring at the individuals home or
in the event that family members are taking an individual on an outing.
Personalize Home
Individuals are encouraged to participate in caring for their home and may
participate in daily household chores if they wish, dusting, laundry, dishes, food
preparation etc. Each home is personalized to reflect the personal tastes of the
individuals living there. MVACL will paint the homes as needed and in the event
that an individual would like to change the colour of their room between
“maintenance” painting, they may purchase paint and arrange decorating.
Wallpaper and borders may be added to suit personal tastes. Staff will assist with
hanging pictures and other personal touches desired.
MVACL will keep track of personal items and furnishings that are the property of
the individual. MVACL will provide furnishings for the common areas of the
home, living room, kitchen, bathroom.