Promoting 'Independence' as it is done in Coventry

There are not many things that make me angry - but injustice can really set me off. 

At the moment, Coventry social services put me on this 'promoting independence' package , they gave me to understand that if I did not, then I cannot ask for a care package, giving me Direct payments so that I can have some Personal assistance a few hours a week to help me do those things that I need support for - like some personal care (bathing), cooking and other stuff. Coventry only caters for the critical stuff so housework and shopping is not considered essential - they would not cover those.

I was not happy when they gave me support workers that is supposed to 'prompt and assist' me with all aspects of ' her P.I. care which has been assessed by Naheed Khan (Occupational therapist)  - I do find it  extremely demeaning.

Details of care plan -
Assessed needs -
To maximise E's ability to wash and dress independently
Objectives to be achieved :
By the end of the week Eleanor (E) to demonstrate the ability to transfer from w/chair to bath independently

E to demonstrate the ability to wash hair, upper/lower body.

Support workers to encourage the use of a long handled sponge to wash back and lower limbs.

E to demonstrate the ability to dry hair, upper/lower half of body. Support workers to encourage and demonstrate the use of short helping hand/sock aid/ shoehorn to dress lower half.

By the end of week two/three support workers to reduce verbal prompting to encourage independence.

By the end of week four/five to be independent in washing/dressing self.

To maximise E's ability in meal preparation
E to demonstrate the ability to make a hot drink and prepare breakfast (Part of AM call ) for self
Planning  - E to plan recipes for the week and formulate a shopping list
Preparing - E to select and use items needed and prepare /chop vegetables using verbal prompts id required

support workers to assess E' s ability to open packets, carry items and so forth
Cooking By end of week two, support workers to assess E's ability to use Microwave/hob
support workers to assess E's ability and initiation to clean up after cooking activity

Domestic Tasks -  To maximise ability to carry out domestic tasks: 

• Laundry,
• cleaning,
• Ironing

As part of AM call or lunchtime call
By week 2 or 3, E to demonstrate an ability to clean toilet and bathroom area independently
By week 3, E to  attempt carryout out other domestic chores such as ironing. support workers to offer assistance if and when required

by week4 E to demonstrate ability to iron clothes independently.
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I told them I feel like a circus animal being shown the hoops I have to do. I like the sound of the prompts-why not use a cattle prod while they are at it?

People have always said throughout my life that they found me independent but here are some social workers and OTs wanting me to teach me how to be more independent. as though I do not know how to make a shopping list....?

However I did sign because they said they needed it to assess my needs. However i was flabbergasted when said Ms Khan rang me to say she wished to visit me and that if I can strip wash and heat ready made meals in the microwave I am 'independent' and therefore do not need any support workers. I blew my cool -I told her that if she was willing to strip wash herself for a month, I might consider that enough hygiene for my needs and I could also help her to be more 'independent' by taking her car away. surely even prisoners are allowed baths and showers.

I had a good look at Coventry's Better Care Higher  Standards Charter -

I note with interest the principles -

• The principles our services are based on:
• Treating you with courtesy and honesty, and respect for your dignity.
• Helping you achieve and sustain independence.
• Working in partnership with you to provide the services you need.
• Involving you in decisions, and giving you enough information to make informed choices.
• Making sure you have the help you need to express your views.
• Treating you fairly on the basis of need, and not discriminating against you on the basis of your age, gender, race, religion,disability or sexual orientation.
• Ensuring that you feel able to complain about the standard of services you get, and that you will not be victimised because youcomplain.

This is not the end of the story-watch this space.