Involving people in decisions about their care: good

C2. How does the service support people to express their views and be actively involved in making decisions about their care, treatment and support as far as possible?

Characteristics of services we would rate as good in this area

Staff understand when people need or want help from their families and others important to them when they are making decisions about their care and support. They do so in a way that is sensitive to each person's individual needs and they do all they can to encourage support and involvement.

If families and others have a different opinion to the person who uses the service, staff try to help all involved to understand their decision and see things from their point of view. They ask for external help when needed.

Staff give information to people, their families and friends, about other organisations and sources of general or specific advice, support or advocacy about conditions, care and support. They also help people to contact potential sources of support and advice, and provide advocates or other advisors with any information they need (with people's permission).

The service makes sure that staff and volunteers have the time, information and support they need to provide care and support in a compassionate and person-centred way. This includes designing appropriate routines, rotas, training, supervision and appraisal arrangements.