‘We do death really beautifully; we think outside the box. Every little detail is considered, like spraying the person’s favourite perfume and dressing people we support in their favourite pyjamas. We work hard to fulfil people’s wishes and make sure that people pass in a dignified way,’ said Registered Manager Neve Lindley.
In 1991, Creative Support began delivering support in Manchester and has continued to expand over the last 35 years. In 2006, we began Creative Support Doncaster Personalised Services. Today, Creative Support now delivers quality support in 31 services in the city. Many staff members have dedicated their time, energy and passion to these services for over 20 years; while ensuring they encompass the six core values of Creative Support: Welcoming, Empowering, Compassionate, Aspirational, Respectful and Effective.
All staff are extremely committed to Doncaster Personalised Services and the people they support here. This is reflected in the 265 formal compliments submitted by family members and healthcare professionals over the past year. Exceptional support is prioritised throughout a person’s life, and beyond.
Getting to know the person
Open conversations are essential and always prioritised at Doncaster Personalised Services. These conversations enable the staff to gain a deeper understanding of each person’s needs, wants and expectations, which build the basis of our person-centred support plans. This knowledge is valued and enables us to tailor our support to each individual, aiming to fulfil each person’s needs, aspirations and dreams.
Difficult topics are an unavoidable, important part of these discussions, allowing staff to gain valuable insight to prepare for all eventualities. Regardless of who is joining the service, staff support the person to complete an end of life care plan, ‘My Perfect Send Off’, in collaboration with anyone the individual wants to include.
De-stigmatising this difficult topic is important, so the services also offer group forums to discuss people’s perfect send off in a comforting environment with friends and housemates. These discussions are often complimented as liberating, being a respectful and approachable exploration of end of life care.
In instances where a person we support communicates non verbally, these group discussions are hosted with the person we support and their trusted support system. This can include families, advocates, appointees and friends, who offer appropriate consultation alongside the person we support. To facilitate these discussions, assistive technologies are also utilised, including visual prompts that enable meaningful participation in these conversations.
Always listening
We empower people throughout this process, encouraging people we support to share their most up-to-date wishes with our support team whenever changes arise. This ensures that each person is confident in their support, knowing that the advocacy and care we deliver will always align with their wishes.
This was the case for Jane*, a person we supported, who passed away unexpectedly. Due to the preparations at Doncaster Personalised Services, Jane was honoured exactly how she wished to be. From the music played, to the clothes she wore and flowers scattered; everything was tailored to her tastes. Not only was this reassuring for Jane before she passed, but also for her loved ones who knew that she was being celebrated as she had wanted to be.
Support in making these arrangements is a valued part of the work we do, with our support not ending when a person sadly passes away. This is a gesture that is always greatly appreciated by family members, who are given space to grieve while being supported in funeral arrangements. Afterwards, families are also regularly invited to future events at the service, always being welcome to return and connect with their loved ones.
‘My auntie was lucky enough to have been supported to live at Doncaster Personalised Services during her last few years. Throughout this time the staff and management have consistently provided the utmost care and support for my auntie. Always strength based, always person centred, always advocating for her and always supporting me as her deputy and niece.
‘My auntie has had the most amazing life despite her deteriorating health. The staff have worked with me to arrange the best birthday parties, trips out, treats and stimulating activities. I have seen this time and time again with others who also live here. The team work closely with those they support, other agencies and also family to facilitate the best outcomes. It is a very special place with very special people,’ complimented the niece of a lady we supported.
Compassionate consideration
Doncaster Personalised Services continuously consider how support could be taken to the next level. Reflecting on previous events is an essential part of this, as is planning ahead. This compassionate consideration ensures that we support people to live their best lives, achieve their goals and receive effective advocation.
Ray*, a gentlemen supported by the team, experienced this consideration first hand. Due to Ray’s rapid deterioration in health, the future appeared uncertain. With his 69th birthday approaching, the team took this as an opportunity to fulfil his wishes and celebrate his birthday with a big bash, as he may not make it to his 70th. With an Elvis Presley tribute booked, friends and family invited, and a delicious cake delivered, a 69th birthday party of dreams commenced.
‘It’s a small act, but it was so important to Ray. It’s important to have that forward planning to consider what the next year will look like so that we can ensure that our support is exceptional,’ said Neve Lindley, Registered Manager.
Nothing is too big or too small for our team, who even planned a wedding for a couple living at one of their services. Upon revising Todd’s* perfect send off, he realised that the most important thing that he wanted to do before he passed was marry his partner. At this time, he was terminally ill, so the team set to work. This ceremony of love boosted Todd’s spirits exponentially, allowing him to feel at peace during his final weeks.
A Safeguarding Adults Personal Assets Team worker complimented this compassionate support, ‘I have so much respect and admiration for each and every person who is involved with Grove Court (Doncaster Personalised Services). It is always a lovely, warm, welcoming place to visit, nothing is too much trouble. You are all brilliant.’
The future
Reflection is always prioritised. It is of utmost importance that teams celebrate their successes as well as exploring further areas for growth, ensuring that the support we are delivering remains ‘outstanding’ in all Care Quality Commission (CQC) five inspection areas (safe, effective, caring, responsive, well-led). This is something that the team at Doncaster Personalised Services is always united on, and the outstanding support provided at these services would not be possible without these dedicated, compassionate members of staff.
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Leanne Paterson is Service Director at Creative Support. LinkedIn: @Creative-Support