ID Service FAQ

Intellectual Disability Services - Frequently asked questions

Questions commonly asked and concerns by family members answered by MASH.

STAFF:

Recruitment and training of suitable personnel:

-MASH Interviews - with consumer services on panel

-Core skills training

-Training specific to support people with Intellectual Disability

-Positive links with outside agencies such as behaviour support and education as required or health related.

-Essential that all staff have drivers licences and current first aid certificates.

Supporting people with challenging behaviours

-We provide safe and secure homes that meet the needs of the person.

-Strong and active linkages with other organisations providing support for people with challenging behaviour

-We provide appropriate staffing numbers and qualified staff that meet the needs of the person.

-The home design reflects the need of the person

-Staff training in non-violent crisis intervention - where de-escalation is the emphasis

Necessity of Registered Nurses

-MASH employs Registered Nurses

-We feel this is beneficial and essential because in a lot of cases people leaving Kimberley Centre need a high level of support around their physical health needs and this is increasing as the people get older.

-Education and support to General Practitioners of people with intellectual disabilities by people with specialist knowledge in such disorders as epilepsy.

Staff qualifications

-Support staff must have or be working toward the NZ Certificate in Human Services.

-MASH as part of the National Residential Intellectual providers group (NRID) is working towards developing and improving the level of expertise of support staff through the development of a national qualification framework in the area of intellectual disability.

-Registered Psychopaedic nurses have knowledge in supporting people with challenging behaviour.

Staff sickness or short staffed

-On call registered Nurse and staff in the home work through the roster and available staff - on call registered nurse will fill in gaps as required.

Access to professionals in emergency situations

-MASH has on call 24 hr, 7 day a week access to a Registered trained Nurse who knows the people well.

-111 call to emergency services with the back up of the on call Registered Nurse to ansure any emergency is handled safely.

Who monitors MASH to ensure we provide good and safe care?

-the people we provide support to and their family - legal welfare guardians

-Independent advocates. Family surveys and consumer surveys are completed annually.

-advocates through the Health and Disability Commissioner.

-Ministry of Health - regular audits of service provision - Service wide and when each home is opened the Ministry of Health audits the service with a follow up audit in three months.

-LIFE Unlimited - service check three months after entry.

Is MASH committed for the long term?

-Absolutely. MASH has been providing services for people with Mental Health needs, physical disabilities and dual diagnosis needs for approximately 15 years in the Manawatu and Wellington regions. We are committed to providing services for the long term.

SAFETY:

Money

-Systems are in place to account for all money spent - communication and consent from welfare guardian into spending money - regular statement of finances sent to family as requested.

How will MASH ensure the safety of our family member from wandering and being at risk in the community?

-by knowing the person and their needs around a safe environment

-tailoring services to meet their needs - eg. where needed safe and secure fencing and gates, staff support for all outings and community presence.

-The people will be supported 24 hrs per day, 7 days per week - at elast two staff from 7am - 11pm. The night shift can be staffed by a 'sleep over' staff or by an awake staff member - homes are staffed as identified in needs assessments.

Are you a charitable trust?

-Yes - MASH Trust is a not for profit charitable trust. All resources go back into the organisation for the benefit of the people MASH provides services for.

For more details, contact us.