Angela Mooney (far left) with members of the Rivercourt care team
Hammersmith & Fulham's pioneering care team for people with autism or learning disabilities has once again been rated 'outstanding' by the Care Quality Commission.
Our staff at the Rivercourt Project in Hammersmith look after adults, including those with complex care needs, to help give their family and carers a break.
The free personalised care includes overnight stays and support to learn key skills, such as using public transport and going shopping.
"Rivercourt's guests and their families clearly value the way our staff work with compassion and high standards, and it's great to have this officially recognised again," said Cllr Ben Coleman, Deputy Leader of H&F.
Building independence
As well as giving carers a break, Rivercourt's team work with residents to help them develop and practice useful, everyday skills.
Paul Whittick, 28, has cerebral palsy and has visited Rivercourt for short stays since he was 25.
"Whenever they have space for him, they call us up and ask if he'd like to visit," explained his dad, Eric.
"They help him develop skills like personal care and shopping, and they do an excellent job, I can't fault them.
"The team are very, very caring and I know he's well taken care of when he's there. It's like a family and Paul definitely views it as a second home, he loves the independence he gets."
The support means many guests are able move on from Rivercourt into supported living, residential houses, and their own homes.
No matter how high their level of need, residents at Rivercourt also take part in day trips and holidays, including a trip to the beach on New Years Day.
The highest quality
The Care Quality Commission's rigorous assessment covers everything from how well run the service is, through to the responsiveness and effectiveness of the team.
"Care was planned in a way which was exceptionally person-centred," says the report. "The service understood how to support people to pursue interests and activities and develop their daily skills so they led as fulfilling and independent a life as possible."
The five-bed service is run by six dedicated members of staff work up to 36 hours at a time and deliver care 365 days a year. They currently support more than 50 residents.
"We're a close team and enjoy each other's company," said Rivercourt's social care manager Angela Mooney MBE.
"They are lovely people with amazing, caring. There is no better comfort in knowing that there is a lot of love in the service."
Outstanding across the board
The Rivercourt Project isn't H&F's only 'outstanding' care provider.
Our Reablement team, who provide personalised care at home after a hospital stay or medical treatment, have also retained their 'outstanding' CQC rating for the third year in a row.
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