Before Abacus can offer a care plan, we meet with Service Users to carry out an observation and engage with families/support systems to ascertain the level of care and support required. Our assessment allows us to propose a person-centred care plan, informed by all parties involved in the individual’s welfare.

The term ‘person-centred’ is used within health and social care to emphasise a focus on the individual and their unique needs, preferences and goals. Abacus is committed to enacting care plans which value and address the needs of Service Users as individuals, rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach. Providing person-centred support is made possible through relationship building; while we can begin to get to know Service Users at the assessment stage, we recognise that nurturing positive and trusting relationships with those we support allows us to be responsive to changing or newly identified needs.

Absolutely. It’s important that Service Users make choices about the support they receive. We recognise that everybody’s capacity to do this is different. We find that the input of those who know the individual well is really helpful. If an individual’s capacity to make certain choices means decisions must be made on their behalf, we closely follow best-interest practices as dictated by law (and set out in the Mental Capacity Act). Care plans are subject to constant development and Service User input can reflect changes made.

Yes. Care plans are enacted flexibly in line with Service User needs, which we recognise can change. Abacus works closely with local authorities, keeping abreast of significant changes that might affect support intensity (and subsequently funding) and work with involved parties to find sollutions that meet Service User needs.

We try our best to provide consistency and continuity between Service Users and the staff who support them. Each Service User has a Keyworker with whom a trusting rapport can be established. To ensure Service Users are always supported as and when they need to be, it is important that a team of suitable Support Workers are trained and equipped to work with them. All staff within an individual’s team will work to nurture a compassionate, encouraging and understanding relationship with them.