Description
In Poland there is lack of standards of care in small homes for people with intellectual disabilities (PID). Project objective is to empower this vulnerable group by ensuring high quality of services that are provided to them. The project is a follow-up of a process involving standardization of care in small homes for PIDs, started in 2012 and innovative in Poland. So far, 2 publications with 20 standards and 192 criteria have been developed. This project will kick-start implementation phase, it will cover 7 facilities from 4 voivodeships: 30 people with intellectual disabilities, 40 employees, and 10 volunteers. Project activities, carried out in cooperation with Norway and Polish Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, will encourage participants to co-decide about internal procedures governing the implementation of key standards and they will increase their competence. The Partner will contribute experience in care provision in a small home, together with the best practice in de-institutionalization of care from Norway.
Summary of project results
"In care for persons with intellectual disabilities, Poland is dominated by large state institutions providing 24-hour care. For the past 30 years, many countries have been doing away with large institution models in favour of small or individual forms of support. Legislative changes of 2011-12 allowed organisations to create small assisted living homes for persons with intellectual disabilities. Yet Polish homes follow some standards only (premises, furnishings, meals, clothing, and staff numbers and qualifications - R. Szarfenberg, National Research Report, WRZOS 2011). Quality of life standards (resident rights, rules of receiving newcomers, decision-making participation) are missing. The project purpose was to improve the quality of care in small homes for persons with intellectual disabilities by implementing selected key care standards at Foundation-managed units. Procedures were drafted in 6 standard groups; staff of 7 units were trained. All works continued the process initiated in 2012 to draft standards of care at small homes for persons with intellectual disabilities. Of 20 standards and 192 criteria, key ones were selected, their implementation begun (draft and use of in-house procedures and training programmes). Consultation meetings (71) were organised, 30 persons with mental disabilities, 56 staff members, and 27 volunteers attending, all improving their knowledge of the quality of care and options of co-deciding on new in-house procedures. Many standard groups processes were fine-tuned (i.a. receiving persons with intellectual disabilities into L'Arche homes, home assistant role), in-house training courses (i.a. on accompanying and supporting residents) delivered, support textbooks published. Standards were promoted at 13 meetings with a total of 319 scientists, students, and parents of disabled individuals. Project beneficiaries included 184 residents of 7 L'Arche homes. The partner contributed their experience in small home care and best Norwegian de-institutionalisation practices."
Summary of bilateral results
A study visit to Norway was organised, allowing closer co-operation and further experience exchange with the Mariahuset Foundation. Foundation representatives learned about Norwegian solutions in the field of de-institutionalising social assistance, and optimum methods of supporting individuals with intellecual disabilities. They were also told about the how the Mariahuset Foundation operates so-called sheltered homes for their clients. Study visit participants described the Norwegian experience in a report submitted to four branches of the Foundation and to the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy.