Very recently, The Guardian published an article discussing how the lack of innovation in social care was a big threat to care providers everywhere. Here at Stepping Out, we couldn’t agree more. Author Sara McKee mentioned in particular that:
“In the existing model users of residential care are treated as recipients instead of customers. We need turn to turn this on its head with leaders who inspire and staff who are genuinely committed to ensuring the customer gets to make the decisions, keeps control and continues to contribute. This can be achieved by focusing on smaller numbers of people and enabling staff to be close to their older compatriots. That way “person-centred” care and other useless jargon can be thrown away as real relationships are fostered.”
The numerous local authorities who have already worked alongside Stepping Out will know that this was an issue seen by the company some years ago, and actioned upon accordingly. For example, almost all of our semi-independent living homes are deliberately homes fit for the average family in terms of size. In other words, our homes are designed to promote a healthy living environment by creating a more personal approach to care. Less young people in need of support under one roof – as Sara McKee indicates, simply makes for better results.
How Else are Stepping Out Innovating?
Our innovative mindset doesn’t stop there. Stepping Out have been working hard over the last few months to bring creativity to the table, at the “highest” and “lowest” ends of the company spectrum. For example, new computing software, hardware and modern technology are all being implemented into our offices, and into our general staff training. With this, the technicalities of running a successful, result-driven support environment is becoming more streamlined by the day. What’s more is, Stepping Out staff are constantly gifted the opportunity to speak out about their ideas relating to how support is delivered. Regular staff meetings in particular allow this to be done within a more public platform, so ideas can be discussed and absorbed by other members of the company. So, when it comes to innovation in social care, Stepping Out realise the importance, and are doing everything they can to lead the line against aging practises which are simply counter-productive and counter-creative.
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