Statement of Purpose
Our philosophy at Deafway is a belief that Deaf people have the right to access the same services and information as the rest of the population and we will do everything we can to promote access for our residents and the wider Deaf community. We are striving for excellence and aim to deliver high quality care by continually improving and expanding the services we provide.
We are extremely proud to offer culturally appropriate care and accommodation for D/deaf and Deafblind people with complex needs, including, mental health; learning disability; autism and physical disability. We offer excellent accommodation which is adapted to meet a diverse range of physical and sensory needs within a friendly and supportive environment. We insist that the resident always comes first and that this is their home, which should always be respected.
All staff are required to learn British Sign Language and receive Deaf Awareness Training in order that we can provide an inclusive service for all. To meet the various communication styles and needs of residents, we focus on using total communication methods to maximize understanding.
At Deafway we are committed to providing the standards of care which all residents should expect and deserve. We deliver person-centered care which supports residents in developing the skills, knowledge and confidence to become as independent as possible and attain their own personal goals in life. Residents are fully involved in their care; they are encouraged to make their own decisions and choices to gain as much control over their own lives as possible. Information is provided to residents in their first language which is predominantly BSL.
Staff at Deafway respect each individual’s culture, religion and values; there is a multi-faith room available for residents and staff. Everyone is treated equally, with respect and kindness. We aim to have a positive impact on the lives of those we support, through the provision of a variety of activities and resources to meet individual preferences and needs. We also teach life skills such as cooking, budgeting and English for those preparing to move into the community.
As a specialist provider our residents come from all parts of the United Kingdom; we recognize the importance of maintaining links with family, friends and communities back home and will encourage and support these contacts.
We are committed to the provision of good quality training for all staff: This ensures that they develop the skills to deliver excellent care which meet the needs of our diverse group of residents. All staff receive regular support through formal and informal supervision, appraisals and personal development plans.
Deafway is situated on the outskirts of the Ribble Valley, on the edge of Preston. We are on the A59 just off the M6 junction 31 and are within walking distance of the River Ribble, Brockholes Nature Reserve and local amenities.
The residential service consists of 5 houses linked by external corridors. We have a number of accessible ground floor bedrooms and some first-floor bedrooms. There is a communal lounge/dining area and kitchen in each house, where residents can cook their own meals, with or without support, as an alternative to using the onsite restaurant. Each house has its own laundry and a mixture of bathrooms containing showers and baths, and some wet rooms. We have a hydrotherapy bath; state of the art sensory zone; multi-faith room; a resident’s space named the ‘café,’ where residents can entertain family and friends, which includes a patio area. Resident’s meetings and events take place in the on-site community hub. There are private gardens and a pond, with individual seating area, for residents. Deafway have other areas including a community garden situated at the entrance, which is maintained by volunteers for the benefit or residents and the wider community.
Access to the residential service is only possible through the use of electronic fobs and all residents hold their own bedroom key. All areas of Deafway, including bedrooms, are equipped with flashing lights which alert residents (and Deaf staff) to fire alarms and doorbells. Free Wi-Fi is available across the site and Deaf staff can be contacted via Deaf Alerters which receive text messages and vibrate in response to any alarms that are ringing. Each house has a mobile phone which will allow staff to contact the main office, team manager or make external calls by voice or video.
The Deafway environment is conducive to our residents’ diverse range of needs. There are ramps fitted throughout for people in wheelchairs; there are grab rails in bathrooms; a hoist is available, and emergency pull cords in bathrooms. The sensory room is available to help residents relax and experience sensory stimulation.
Staffing and Qualifications
A dependency tool is completed monthly to determine appropriate staffing levels.
All staff at Deafway are required to achieve a minimum of level 1 in British Sign Language (BSL) within 12 months and level 2 within 2 years. Support staff must achieve QCF Level 3 in Adult Health and Social Care. All staff are required to complete an induction, successful probation and mandatory training.
Team/Care Manager/ Operational managers are required to hold /work towards QCF Level 4/5 in Leadership and Management. The Registered Manager must have relevant experience, knowledge and hold a QCF Level 5 or higher qualification.
The CEO must hold a professional Health or Social Care qualification and experience to become the Nominated Individual.
There is a clear residential structure in place which offers the opportunity for staff development and progression. Support staff can progress to Senior Support (on the successful completion of QCF Level 3 and BSL level 2); Deputy Team Manager; Team Manager; Operational Manager and Registered Manager.
Our aim is to minimise the use of agency staff, in order to support good quality and continuity of care. We have a healthy team of bank staff to assist us in delivering this.