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About 6,100 seniors were supported in community living by Seniors Activity Centres in FY2010.
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Service Standards Requirements
Service Standards Requirements (SSR) goes beyond defining the level of service and identifies the processes that need to be put in place in order to run an effective service. Periodic service assessments are done to ensure that the guidelines are met.
How did SSR come about?
NCSS streamlined the 54 Best Practice Guidelines (BPG) processes to 16 standards areas following a review of the BPG, which was introduced since 2002. The 16 standard areas are those that have a direct and/or significant impact on client outcomes, and are referred to as the “Service Standards Requirements”. The SSR was introduced in April 2007.
What are the 16 standards areas outlined in the SSR?
The 16 process-related standards cover the following areas:
Programme Outcomes
- The programme’s objectives and philosophy of service delivery are clearly stated.
- The programme has met the client outcome targets that have been set for the programme.
Intake and Assessment
- The eligibility criteria for the programme are clearly written.
- The programme has a written policy stating the timeframe within which service users
must be screened to determine service eligibility. - The programme has an intake and assessment form which is used for all eligible clients.
- The programme has a procedure to ensure that people who are not eligible for the service are informed of alternative options and are referred to other appropriate services.
Care Planning
- The programme has written procedures on individual care planning.
- Care plans are tailored individually to meet the unique needs and preferences of the service user and/or his/her family.
- Care plans are re-assessed at regular intervals (at least once every six months).
Discharge Planning
- The programme has written procedures on discharge planning.
- Discharge plans are discussed at the onset of service provision with the service user, his/her family and concerned individuals involved in the care of the service user.
Documentation and Record Keeping
- Up-to-date client records, including details of assessment, re-assessment, care and discharge planning are maintained for at least 3 years.
- The programme ensures that service user records are kept in a secure manner, so that the privacy and confidentiality of service users are protected.
Accessibility and Integration of Service
- Services are provided during the operating hours as specified by the programme with consideration of needs of the target clientele and their caregivers.
- The programme accepts service users regardless of ethnicity or religion.
Safety and Protection of Service Users
- The programme has guidelines on protecting the safety of vulnerable service users from physical, emotional, psychological, sexual abuse and neglect.
