Arcus supports the client by providing the means necessary for:
- access to the community
- psycho-social well being
- family involvement through home visits
- spiritual and cultural nourishment
Arcus believes that clients have the right to choose and be active participants in their daily lives. To this end, planning and review meetings for clients are held on a regular basis to create individualized service plans. Contributors with expertise in all areas of daily living are in attendance at these meetings with the client to plan, collaborate, share concerns, thoughts and ideas, identify problems and possible solutions, and coordinate goals with a designated facilitator.
Contributors providing input and expertise at the planning and review meetings include the client, his/her family, Arcus' nurse consultant and program coordinator, the client's social worker, liaison worker, occupational therapist, physiotherapist, residential supervisor and all other key service providers delivering care and support.
Everything is taken into consideration when planning, including the client's cultural background or interest in different cultures. Clients, or their advocates, will discuss the personal needs, concerns, likes, dislikes and interests at the planning and review meetings before giving consent on the personalized individual service plan.
If a client is unable to communicate verbally, alternate methods, such as signing, or specialized communication devices, such as a visual-gestural dictionary, are utilized to facilitate effective communication.
To assist clients who are cognitively challenged Arcus has taken steps to integrate the PATH review system, a method of communication and presenting information to be used in conjunction with other formal methods.
The client's family may choose not to attend the planning and review meetings. In this case, Arcus' nurse consultant will act as a liaison for the family by bringing their concerns to the meeting and then relaying information back to the family.
After the initial individualized planning sessions have been held, review meetings are scheduled annually thereafter. These individual service plans provide accurate, concise professional documentation for all clients and are kept up to date and monitored on an ongoing basis for effective progress and changes. If a significant change in circumstance occurs in a client's current situation, or if the client changes his/her mind on goals et the personal service plan is reviewed, decisions are made, service providers are notified and changes are implemented.
The personalized individual service plans are completely client-focused. Clients have the right to choose and be active participants in their daily life. Personal request are fulfilled to the best of available abilities.
Family Support
Arcus has provided ongoing support to clients' families for over 20 years. Family meetings are facilitated by a nurse coordinator and held regularly. Parents at these meetings offer emotional support and encouragement to other families in attendance and in return receive the same.