Our Philosophy
Approach and Methodology
CHSBC has a clear philosophy and approach to ensure clients maximize opportunities for skill development, community integration and inclusion. These come under three key areas which are incorporated in the following ways:
- Moving Toward Independence - Our Mission, Vision and Values
CHSBC promotes independence through empowering people to take control of their lives and accept responsibility for their decisions.
- “Steps to Independence” - Our Model of Service Delivery
The model of service delivery CHSBC developed entitled ‘Steps to Independence’ has six steps of diminishing support. Our programs are tailored to meet a wide variety of rehabilitation needs as clients work toward their optimal level of independence at home and in the community. Clients move through the steps depending on their level of ability.
- Promoting Independence - Our Approach
CHSBC only employs individuals who understand the concept of empowering clients to learn compensatory skills, tools and strategies rather than disempowering clients by 'doing for'. Positive interventions
CHSBC programs capitalize on an empowerment model that directly involves client participation to take control of their lives and accept responsibility for their decisions. Programs are client driven, and clients are involved in all stages of their rehabilitation program. Clients are expected to participate in action meetings and all team meetings pertinent to them and are held responsible for their progress in their program. This is especially true as it relates to setting achievable short and long-term goals. Any goals that are outlined will be adjusted and timeframes established at team meetings.
There is an emphasis on building positive relationships with the persons served including promoting appropriate and socially acceptable behaviour, empowering clients to change their behaviour and a “do with not for” approach.
“Steps to Independence” - Our Model of Service Delivery
The model of service delivery Cheshire Homes Society of BC follows is entitled ‘Steps to Independence’. The model recognizes six steps of diminishing support directed through programs tailored to meet a wide variety of rehabilitation needs. Clients are placed and moved between the steps, based on their abilities. The programs provide transitional, slower stream, 24 hour supported apartments (shared support programs and tenant support programs) and community support.
During the transitional and slower stream stages of rehabilitation, success requires intensive support as clients are assisted with developing crucial daily living skills such as: community integration, time management, financial management, medication administration, cooking, grocery shopping, housekeeping, personal hygiene, socially appropriate behaviour, communication skills, physical therapy, orientation and public transit use. Within these programs staff provides oversight and frequent prompts to assist clients with developing habits that support successful follow through of daily activities.
An emphasis is placed on the use of positive interventions and allows for natural consequences. For many clients, the supports needed are significant as they relearn the tasks, routines and habits of everyday living. While the ultimate goal is to move successfully through the steps towards independent living, changes in behaviour, physical and mental health status may result in increased support. Providing support while clients perform basic skills, can take time and repetition. Our staff promote client empowerment and independence as they “do with, and not for”.
Promoting Independence - Our Approach
Clients with ABI, cognitive and other disabilities often experience a wide range of barriers. These include, but are not limited to: memory loss, attention deficits, lability (quickly shifting emotions), lack of awareness around the injury, disinhibition (thoughts are expressed without first being filtered for appropriateness), disorientation, addictions, chronic homelessness, physical disability (seizure disorder, impaired senses, hearing loss, impaired sight, one-sided weakness, inability to stand), pain, fatigue, increased risk-taking, loss of problem solving skills, poor executive skills (time management, goal setting, planning, initiation), loss of recreational and vocational skills and knowledge, sleep disturbance, loss of social supports, ineffective emergency response, grief and depression.
CHSBC has a structure that puts the majority of our resources at the front line staffing level in order to facilitate optimum progress for our clients. Significant healing often takes place in the first few years’ post-injury, thus requiring our staff to be familiar with frequently updated client Individual Support Plans. For some clients, the first few months after they are discharged from hospital are difficult as they become aware of the barriers and losses imposed by their injury, and as they struggle to create a new life for themselves.
CHSBC’s has a track record of success with improved cognitive, psychosocial and physical functioning of clients. Our unique empowerment approach which prioritizes client dignity and choice, and our diminishing support model, gained through decades of knowledge and experience, reflect our ability to be a financially viable service provider.
Some factors that ensure a high level of success for CHSBC clients include:
- An approach that inspires clients to participate in reaching their optimal level of independence despite internal and external barriers
- A focus on community integration
- An ability to work collaboratively with all stakeholders.
- An assessment procedure that ensures all available client background information available from the referring agency is applied to each client’s intake ISP to maximize efficiency and direction of support hours.
- A system that ensures regular team meetings are held and comprehensive individualized program planning takes place to help maximize independence and ensure client and staff accountability.
- A proactive approach to staff recruitment to meet client needs and funding expectations.
- An information management system that complies with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA).