Person Centred Wing – Muiriosa Foundation Person Centred Wing – Muiriosa Foundation. New Directions Learning Event, Tullamore Court Hotel, May 18th 2016.

Overall change/reconfiguration brought about: The opportunity to reduce day services self sufficiency within a building. The realisation of the importance of the “good match” when recruiting. The importance of getting to know people authentically does not rely on reports. Asking are we building for the future?

Practical steps taken: Individuals whom had either expressed dissatisfaction with services or individuals whom we felt weren't living a life equal to their potential were approached. Other individuals or their families were very clear in telling us that they wanted something different. Internal cost savings were implemented to facilitate individualised supports. Organisation wide we asked for champions.

Challenges The camaraderie of the day service setting is very powerful. The 9-5 hours of the day service can fit well into family routines. For some families the low risk approach of day service was important. For staff the camaraderie of the day service can be very strong. The expectations that hours worked would remain 9-5

How challenges were overcome Self selecting candidates were interviewed, successful candidates (coordinators) were mentored by Hope Leet Dittmeier. The coordinators worked closely with focus individuals, getting to know them and their families. After a number of months support staff were recruited. The support person and/or their families played a key role in the selection of support staff.

How challenges were overcome It can be uncomfortable/exposing for staff to look to the community to see what supports are available. Often the individuals lack of self esteem and self worth lead to low expectations for themselves. Individuals may have had limited options to make adult choices. Individuals and their families can have differing aspirations.

How challenges were overcome Support staff were not required to have the qualifications or experience usually sought. Advertisements were placed in places specific to the individual. Recognition of the importance of a good personality match.

How challenges were overcome Support workers: Possess an interest or skill that would be beneficial to the person. That they are a “community person” That they have an inherent interest in people that you just cannot “put on” Support was not linked to a day service.

What change means for the service user There is a focus toward identifying the roles a person has and can have. Roles need to be imbedded and can change. There needs to be a focus on community roles that can lead to expanding networks for the individual.

What change means for the service user Greater opportunities for tapping into ones potential. Raises the expectations that focus people have for themselves. The individual is seen as someone who is evolving.

What change means to the service provider The importance of the “good match” The need for flexibility. Be aware of the timelines you put on people as this can stifle or hamper individual work. We have staff that go above and beyond all the time. The importance of concentrating on the individuals, there can be a lot of distraction (e.g. staff issues, family issues)

What change means to the service provider Need to ensure there is ongoing mentoring of support workers. Do not step in the way of community (opportunities can be lost) We have people approach us to provide support. Accept that it is uncomfortable when you know you are not meeting peoples expectations.