Disability Initiative’s action regarding COVID19
Update from Lucy Brown CEO
To all our Clients, Carers and Supporters.
My amazing team continue to go above and beyond to ensure all our clients are supported in whatever way DI can.
As you know the Government has identified DI’s particular client group as highly vulnerable and that they must self-isolate for a minimum of 12 weeks.
The specialist support our clients and their carers receive from DI is highly significant to their wellbeing, so as an alternative to attending DI Resource Centres, which are only open to keyworker staff, we are now providing essential outreach and home visitsto our Clients and their Carers who are currently in isolation at home. Where possible we will provide support on the days that the clients would normally attend DI.
The support DI staff can provide will include help with:
•Nutrition – Hot food deliveries or meal preparation for clients who do not have alternative arrangements in place. Help with shopping for essential food items
•Medication Administration – Support with picking up prescriptions or administration where requiredfor clients who do not have alternative arrangements in place
•Personal care and hygiene – Support where no other alternative arrangements are in place
•Informal Carers & Family Respite – To enable carers to maintain their own essential tasks e.g. shopping, prescription pick ups
•Mobility – Maintaining and monitoring functional mobility, including indoor/outdoor walking & exercise sessions
•Emotional and psychological well-being – Dealing with concerns & anxieties relating to isolation, mental health and strained family dynamics for both clients & carers. Crisis support.
•Goal orientated activities – Provision of person specific activities e.g. cognitive skills worksheets & art activities
•Social Media/Skype communications – Regular individual or group sessions e.g. virtual exercise sessions & well-being group chats
•Monitoring Safeguarding – Through regular contact & visits
We would like reassure you that DI will continue to work collaboratively with health, social care and others to do all we can to support people in these exceptional circumstances. We are also aware that many domiciliary, health services and social care providers are under tremendous strain in supporting the most vulnerable people and their families. If any of our clients’ experience reduction in their support packages as a result of domiciliary services being unable to maintain visits, please contact us to discuss how we could help.
All DI’s Operational staff have enhanced DBS checks, a minimum of Health & Social Care NVQ level 2 along with all mandatory training including:
•Moving and Handling •First Aid•Risk assessment •Food hygiene •Safeguarding adults •Administration of medication •Infection control
Rest assured DI’s Operational Team rigorously adhere to government guidelines and are currently COVID-19 symptom free. We will continue to monitor the situation and be guided by the Government and the NHS and we will inform you should the situation change. We will give notification of any changes on DI’s website and Social media platforms as they arise.
If there are any other ways you believe DI could help, all suggestions will be considered. Please contact us via usual methods and we will do our utmost to overcome the challenges together.
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At DI your goals are our goals
Our mission :-
"To offer opportunities and support to individuals to enable them to release their potential and aspire to their chosen goals"
DI is an established charity that specialises in the provision of services to adults with complex physical disabilities and acquired brain injury.
We specialise in providing care and slow stream rehabilitation to individuals that helps them achieve their goals, no matter how large or small. This is accomplished through a variety of activities, accredited educational courses and therapies unique to DI. Each programme is specifically designed to meet an individual's needs and aspirations.
We operate from a purpose-built centre that offers a fully accessible environment with easy access to Camberley town centre.
DI provides a high standard of care and social rehabilitation that recognises personal choices, dignity and freedom of the individual whilst the resource centre provides a vibrant, progressive and dynamic setting where everyone is able to thrive.
Ring us today for a tour of our Resource Centre on 01276 676302.
