Maximising Independence

Maximising Independence seeks to promote independence and reduce the reliance on long-term support services. The Maximising Independence Team works with: vulnerable adults, adults with learning disabilities, autistic adults, adults with physical disabilities, adult frailty, and adults with acquired brain injuries, in various care settings and the community. They do this by enabling people to reach their full potential by maximizing their independence and quality of life, and assist practitioners to make informed decisions about support needs. Types of referrals include: assessment of life skills, development of life skills, community inclusion, and observation and evidence gathering.

Referrals to Maximising Independence workers are made via the person’s record.

To access the referral guides, see: Referring to maximising independence – Professional resources (lincolnshire.gov.uk)

The Quality Practice Assurance Standard which underpins our practice in maximising a person’s independence is standard 4. The starting point is that people have potential, people have strengths which can be drawn upon and practitioners should therefore ensure the following:

• There is clear evidence that we have supported people to identify their strengths and what they can do. We understand who and what is important to the person, what they did, what is working well in their lives, their abilities and strengths.
• There is a clear picture of the support network around the person, including family, friends, relevant professionals and how the support around them can help them live an independent, fulfilling life.
• There is evidence that technology has been considered as a way to support people to remain independent and part of their community. There has been a conversation with the person about how they can use technology and consideration of how it can delay or reduce the need for formal support.
• A whole family approach is taken to identify how family members can get the help they need to remain well and support each other.
• There is evidence that family or others in the person’s support network have been involved and there has been input and advice from relevant professionals, including team members, neighbourhood teams, to ensure all options to maximise independence have been considered.
• Short term support options have been considered and tried, including support available from partner agencies and the voluntary sector before putting in place longer term support.
• The recording clearly shows the outcomes and goals the person is trying to achieve and demonstrates how the person and the support around them will help achieve them.
• Formal support is the last option to be considered and, where it is needed, the aim must be to maximise the person’s independence. We have ensured we utilise least restrictive practice and seek to prevent or delay needs increasing.
• Where a review has taken place, whether in the community or in residential care, there is evidence that we have explored whether the person’s needs/outcomes are being met in a way that fully maximises their independence and uses the support around the person.