Our Approach
Assessment
We recognise the special nature of the relationship that needs to be built between a client and their Companion. Having the correct information is key to ensuring the success of that relationship and the attention to detail that our clients expect. We want our clients to have confidence and trust in the service we are providing.
That is why we visit all new clients and undertake an assessment with them and where possible a family member, prior to agreeing the type and level of service that will be required. Our initial assessment is designed to provide us with a detailed understanding of the client’s background and present circumstances so that we can determine how to structure our visits to best meet their needs and wishes.
Following this assessment we agree with the client the service that is to be provided and the days and times of their choice. We then identify the team member who has the necessary skills to work with the client and with whom they would establish the best of relationships.
Review
It takes time to build a successful relationship with a client. Assessment is therefore an on-going process as a client’s needs and circumstances change and evolve and as we get to know each other better.
We start work with a client on the basis of a month’s trial period after which we reassess the service that we have in place and make any changes that are required.
We regularly update all our client assessments, based on staff and client report and a senior member of the team visits and reviews each client every 6-8 weeks.
Communication
Good communication is central to what we do, be it communication with our clients and their families, with others working with our clients, or within our own team here at MacKenzie's. We recognise that a client’s circumstances can change quickly and unpredictably and that to be able to respond everyone involved with a client needs to know who to contact and when.
As part of our service plan for each new client we identify the team member who will be their main point of contact and the senior member of the team who will be reviewing their arrangements. We also agree the method by which we can best communicate with other individuals supporting the client and what information is to be shared.
We recognise that every person is unique with their own personal history, values and personality. We therefore adopt a person-centred approach to working with all of our clients, as this is the foundation on which a successful Companion relationship is based.
Taking a person-centred approach requires us to have a detailed understanding of a person and their circumstances. We regularly review our assessments, working in partnership with the client and their family, in order to adapt our approach to changing needs and circumstances.
For our clients with a diagnosis of dementia, we adopt a biological, psychological and social model of dementia to aid our understanding and the gathering of information that will inform a person-centred approach to working.
