NOCLS
26 Jan 2011 1 Comment
Today Pat had the opportunity to meet 4 people from NOCLS in Vernon, BC. These are people that NOCLS has come to provide personalized supports. She had the opportunity to see each of their homes, meet their unpaid housemates, the families and meet the staff who work for each person. They described what was happening in each of their lives and asked for input on how they were doing. Everyone involved knew the importance of having each person supported to have meaningful relationships and have their own jobs, connections and daily activities. Each person has come a long way since the days of institutionalization and group home support. Although they have positive ideas on where they are headed it was reminded to them that the life of each person will only be as good as they support that is given to him or her. A comment from Matt Whiting from NZ was shared with one of the teams that had recognized lost skill level due to inadequate support of the past, “When professionals make mistakes, the scars can last a life time.”
NOCLS is a society in BC that is transitioning from group models of support to personalized lifestyles. They regularly welcome consultants and visitors to brainstorm with, or get critiques from. Pat will be back on Thursday to meet four more people and visit their homes and meet the people in their life.
Jan 27, 2011 @ 15:44:22
I find Pat’s experiences valuable in our transition from traditional services to person centered living arrangements. Pat recognizes the process takes time particularly around the cultural shift. Pat’s reminder that the person’s life is only as good as the supports around them is accurate.