Our amazing teams are always looking for new ways to innovate and develop the care we provide. Recently, our Complex Care team at DCA Norfolk, were shortlisted as a finalist at the Norfolk Care Awards.
We were selected in the Innovation in Care category, which highlights excellent innovative approaches to care. We were nominated following a successful transformation of one of our supported living homes, which offers specialist support to people with a learning disability.
Through creativity, compassion, and a person-centred approach, we were able to develop our team and create an environment for the people we support to thrive in.
Creating a positive culture
We acquired the supported living home in April 2025, with the existing team also joining us – enthusiastic and ready to learn. After evaluating the home, we recognised ways to enhance the care provided. We recognised the team’s exciting potential… the next step was unlocking it.
From day one, we worked closely with them to demonstrate what great care looks like. Straight away we identified skills gaps around tailored care and teamwork. We explained how small adjustments can have amazing outcomes for the people we support.
We focused on the importance of togetherness and how collaboration is key to delivering high-quality care. With each day that passed, the team began to excel with the support and management of our experienced team at DCA Norfolk.
Person-centred support plans
As the home continued its fresh start, we began discovering more about the people we support.
We expressed the importance of understanding each person as their own unique individual. That helped us guide the team with creating tailored support plans. These were truly person-centred, focusing on individual passions and delivering care that’s meaningful to them.
By focusing on removing barriers, tailoring support, and promoting inclusion, the team have empowered the people we support to live more fulfilling lives.
Georgina Dorman, Operations Manager
These support plans included activities they enjoy, their favourite meals and other preferences that are important to them. Immediately, this transformed the care they were receiving. The people we support quickly felt more comfortable and understood.
As we continued to innovate, more success was just around the corner.
Amazing outcomes
Our new team have embraced creative ways of working, with a bigger emphasis on documenting and reporting. Guidance from our management team has shaped how these practices contribute to delivering outstanding care.
The team’s commitment and swift adoption have led to rapid, positive outcomes at the service.
Some of these include:
- new Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) plans that have reduced behavioural challenges
- improved team morale, with everyone feeling motivated to enhance the service further
- dietary management plans allowing greater mealtime flexibility
- person-centred care empowering individuals to enjoy meaningful activities
This transformation demonstrates just how aligned teamwork and a shared ethos can positively impact support delivery.
Tailored support, togetherness and openness, have been felt by everyone – the people we support, families and the team.
An exciting future
Our team has gone from strength to strength, paving way for an exciting future. Everyone is united in putting the needs of the people we support first.
Our team’s collaboration and innovative planning have positively impacted the lives of the people we support. By enhancing the care we provide, it offers them opportunities to grow and thrive. Their achievements have been key to us receiving recognition for successful innovation and being named as a Norfolk Care Awards finalist.
With a solid foundation in place, we’re excited to see how the service grows, adapts and evolves. We will continue to develop skills, nurture independence and strengthen communication – unlocking potential and empowering the people we support to live fulfilling lives.
We’re motivated for the future and there are no limits to how far we can go!
Find out more!
Learn more about how we can support you, a loved one, or a client to live their best lives. Complete our quick and easy enquiry form and a member of our team will be in touch!
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