Warwickshire Reablement Service

Warwickshire Reablement had a holistic approach when working with partner stakeholders and agencies. The provider had a reablement ethos which was, ‘We want them to achieve as much as possible’. This was informed through consultation with people and their family members and robust assessment processes. Continually reassessing people’s needs at key intervals helped form positive risk-based care that facilitated recovery, reablement and rehabilitation. This placed people at the centre of their care and treatment. Important information about people and their care needs was discussed by knowledgeable staff who had people’s best interest at heart. This ensured people received a seamless service when transitioning between other services. Potential risks were minimised in consultation with people and a proactive approach to positive risk-taking facilitated recovery, reablement and rehabilitation.

People’s care information tracked their progress towards them achieving their own personal goals and milestones throughout their recovery journey. Records evidenced staff’s input, the support staff provided and how they worked with other health professionals, which included referrals to other services and working alongside other professionals. In some cases, staff worked closely with suppliers of specialist equipment, so any delays were minimised. This meant people were not put at risk unnecessarily or their opportunity to gain confidence was supported with limited delays.

The service was delivered by a skilled workforce that included reablement assistants, reablement officers and occupational therapy support, alongside office-based staff who co-ordinated peoples care calls and who managed the service. In this report, we refer to them as staff. Regular staff meetings and reviews helped limit people being readmitted to hospital.

Safe recruitment checks made sure staff were of suitable character. Staff kept people safe through effective induction, training and observed practices. Staff had the necessary skills and knowledge to facilitate good outcomes for people. People received their planned care calls at the times they needed and if extra care was needed at a call, this was provided. Continuous monitoring of people’s daily care calls meant they were enough staff to meet people’s needs and flexibility if and when, calls needed to be extended.

The provider researched, invested and utilised new technologies which helped people retain or improve their confidence and independence. Innovation was often led by staff who utilised their professional skills, contacts and knowledge to enhance people’s lives for the better. In some cases, staff themselves led pieces of work and through learning and promoting these technologies, improved care outcomes. Some of that learning was shared by staff across other health agencies so people in the wider community could benefit.

Most people who required a reablement package had capacity to consent to their care and treatment which staff understood and respected. In addition, staff had a good understanding of mental capacity and when to consider if an assessment was required. In all cases, people’s ability to consent was taken into account, and people and their representatives were involved in how their care and support was tailored to them. Deprivation of Liberty (DoLS) applications were not required during people’s packages of care. Through staff conversations we found staff’s knowledge of people, their needs and aspirations were well known and became a solid foundation in how people’s care was provided and documented.

The provider operated a strong and robust quality monitoring system that helped them check, monitor and continuously improve the service they provided. This system included listening to people’s feedback and through staff surveys. Oversight of the provider through internal checks and internal quality teams, verified improvements had been made. This demonstrated a positive approach and attitude to learning lessons which formed part of a positive culture to deliver care to the best standards possible.