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.