supported living

what is supported living?
Supported living is the provision of support to people living in their own homes within the community to enable them to live as independently as possible and to maintain their tenancies. The D.O.V.E Project works hard to promote independence so that support can gradually reduce as the service users become more capable of managing on their own. Service users who need personal care can also be accommodated within The D.O.V.E Project's supported living service using our Domiciliary Care Service. Packages of care can be funded by a variety of means such as Social Services, Health or Direct Payments.

aims and objectives
The D.O.V.E Project aims to provide support at times convenient to the service users and in ways that they find most agreeable. We have sound principles for the way we run our services. Central to these is our belief that the rights of the service users are paramount.

our principles
To focus on service users
We aim to provide support in ways which have positive outcomes for service users and promote their active participation.

To ensure that we are fit for purpose
We review our operations constantly to ensure that we are successfully achieving our stated aims and objectives.
We welcome feedback from our service users and their friends and relatives.

To work for comprehensive welfare of our service users
We aim to provide for each service user a package of support that contributes to his or her overall personal and healthcare needs and preferences. We will co-operate with other services and professionals to help to maximise each service user's independence.

To meet assessed needs
Before we provide services, we ensure that a potential service user's needs and preferences are thoroughly assessed. We aim to ensure that the support that The D.O.V.E Project provides meets the assessed needs of each service user, that needs are reviewed as frequently as necessary and that the care and support provided has the flexibility to respond to changing needs or requirements.

To provide quality services
We are committed to providing top quality service and continuous improvement review in the level of support we offer.

To employ a quality workforce
We place great importance on employing quality staff to provide support. We give supervision and training to develop their skills and abilities. All support staff will be required to undertake a comprehensive induction
programme based on the Common Induction Standards (The first 12 weeks and beyond) developed by Skills for Care. Each member of support staff will either have, or be working towards gaining an NVQ 2 in care and support, NVQ 3 for seniors and NVQ 4 for managers.

what remains important
1. Promoting autonomy, protecting rights and confidential information, risk assessments that allow freedom but also
provide security.
2. The continuation and development of personal social relationships with people's family and friends.
3. Encouraging people to recruit, interview and choose who is going to support them. That the aims, objectives and outcomes are maintained in a clear and understandable way.

what the service user can expect?
A flexible support service

That the support provided can be reviewed at any time at their request

An individual support plan which outlines their support needs, aims and goals and how the D.O.V.E Project will work to meet these

An Emergency out of hours service which they can access for help or support if necessary

An open complaints procedure which they may use if they are unhappy about any aspect of the service.

eligibility criteria for accessing our service
The D.O.V.E project provides a service to people who:
. Are over 18 years of age
. Have mild to moderate learning disabilities (Supported Living only)
. Complex needs (Residential Care and PCSS only)
. Live within the Devon and Cornwall counties
. Have own tenancy or planning to have own tenancy
. Need housing related support

how to access our service:
The D.O.V.E Project has an open referral system, anyone can make a referral.

the referral process:
1. A referral form is completed and returned to us.
2. If the applicant meets the eligibility criteria they are invited to meet with the supported living team to find out more about the services we offer and to complete a needs assessment.
3. If the applicant is suitable for supported living then an action plan is drawn up or they will be placed on our waiting list until we have capacity to offer support.
4.If the applicant is not suitable for supported living then we will endeavour to refer them to a more appropriate service.