Five years since its inception, Salutem Care & Education, stands as an emblem of what contemporary supported living should embody. The company’s approach to care, underscored by a profound commitment to co-production, emerges as a beacon of hope for adults with complex disabilities.
Endorsing the REACH standards, recommended by CQC in their ‘Registering the Right Support’ 2017 report, Salutem’s modus operandi is drawn from these nationally recognised guidelines.
Evidencing the standards, Salutem pioneered ‘Salutem Voices’, mirroring the ethos of a people’s parliament. This is committed to co-production and deep-rooted involvement from the individuals in their care. This isn’t just about passive participation. Individuals get to collaborate, make decisions, and shape the services that directly affect them. A significant advancement in this direction is the introduction of a pictorial assessment aligned with the REACH standards. This empowers individuals to make informed choices about their lives.
In the heart of Salutem’s endeavours lies the meticulous design of services. Their approach prioritises personal choice and integrates elements like community engagement, education, and employment. By facilitating independent living, they’ve achieved remarkable successes, with some individuals even acquiring paid work.
Why is this emphasis on happiness, choice, and control so paramount?
- Personal Dignity: Making decisions, and enjoying every day joys fosters self-respect and reinforces personal dignity.
- Cognitive and Emotional Growth: When young adults with learning disabilities are empowered to make choices, it aids their decision-making skills, boosting their confidence, and cultivating emotional resilience.
- Encouraging Independence: Such empowerment means these young adults can navigate the broader world, learn from their experiences, and grow personally and professionally.
- Social Inclusion: This sense of inclusion can significantly reduce feelings of isolation and enhance their sense of community belonging.
- Personal Fulfilment: A life full of choices and control provides countless opportunities to hobbies, and interests, leading to a richer, more fulfilling life.
Their latest, a supported living service in Worcester, is a testament to Salutem’s commitment. The facility offers five tenancies for adults grappling with learning disabilities, physical disabilities, and mental health challenges. Built in partnership with Worcestershire County Council, Inclusion Housing, and Warwick Investments, this state-of-the-art accommodation is conceived to foster independence. Every corner and every brick is purpose-designed to cater to its residents.
Co-production, at its core, is a collaborative endeavour. It involves a partnership where everyone has an equal say. Salutem has embraced this philosophy wholeheartedly, collaborating with a wide range of stakeholders. From housing providers and occupational therapists to nurses, community teams, and families, the objective remains consistent – to design services that resonate with the actual needs of the individuals they support.
For young adults with learning disabilities, this supported living service is nothing short of a sanctuary. It’s a place where they can lead a life characterised by independence, choice, and the right amount of support they need to flourish. And yes, they have their very own front door – a symbol of autonomy and personal space.
As Salutem looks to the future, transition plans, job opportunities, travel, and education access courses remain at the forefront of their vision.
Working in unison with the Lancashire Clinical Commissioning Group, Cumbria County Council, and Lancashire County Council. This partnership is a testament to ensuring that the transition from Beaumont College to their new residences is fluid and well-supported.
Moreover, the transition isn’t just about housing. Salutem is dedicated to equipping these young adults with essential life skills, be it furthering their education, exploring employment opportunities, managing tenancies and finances, or ensuring safety in independent living. In essence, Salutem’s co-produced model for Beaumont graduates is more than just a housing solution—it’s a holistic pathway to independent adulthood.
The ultimate goal? Ensuring that adults availing social care have the autonomy to rent or even own their home. With the right support and an environment tailored to individual needs, settling for traditional care services is no longer the norm. Every individual deserves a life filled with happiness, choice, and control. And as Salutem continues its journey, this vision remains steadfastly at its heart.
