Caring for Vulnerable Residents is Always a Priority
Caring for vulnerable residents is an important feature of every social housing property services partnership. Meeting the commitment involves a mix of informal measures, that are part of our commitment to delivering social value, and formal measures that are part of contract delivery.
Typically, we ensure operatives and subcontractors understand different aspects of vulnerability including dementia awareness and reduced mobility, and how these will affect their work and interactions with residents.
The most fundamental point here is just how important ‘home’ is to vulnerable people. In many cases, it is the anchor for their lives. This understanding is reinforced through regular toolbox talks.
Good information management is just as important as a caring attitude. Our works management system ‘InTouch’ incorporates ‘flags’ to notify our staff of any known priority needs. Any special instructions (such as helping residents to move possessions) are communicated with the works order.
Sometimes, caring for vulnerable residents shapes the entire way that services are delivered. For one property services partnership, we shortened the working day so that visits are less disruptive to the routines of the large number of elderly residents.
Wellbeing
The physical and mental wellbeing of residents is paramount and work will not start if there are any perceived risks. Operatives and subcontractors are, naturally, DBS checked and trained in safeguarding.
We choose operatives and subcontractors with excellent soft skills – so the experience for vulnerable residents is always reassuring. We also liaise closely with support workers and carers to ensure that appropriate aids and adaptations to promote independent living are incorporated into work schedules.
Social Isolation
Supporting vulnerable residents takes many forms – sometimes it’s through informal support rather than contract delivery. Social isolation is an issue for many elderly and vulnerable residents and became more acute during the pandemic.
In the past, we’ve supported a Bus Buddies scheme in collaboration with Aviva to help elderly people suffering from social isolation become more confident using public transport.
Covid-19 resulted in many older people experiencing social isolation for the first time. As we emerge from the pandemic, Osborne is helping elderly residents get used to socialising once again. For example, we partnered with Winchester City Council, a sheltered scheme and local volunteers to help organise a 1960s themed cream tea party for local residents.
The guests thoroughly enjoyed the themed decorations and entertainment. It was a great way to ease back into socialising and to help build the confidence of local residents who had been isolating.
Osborne property services teams pride ourselves on our efficiency and technical expertise. But we never forget that ultimately, it’s all about the residents and their experiences.
For more information about Osborne’s approach to caring for vulnerable residents contact Jo Fletcher ([email protected]) or visit our resource centre.
