Acerca de

Options for Life provides specialist, person-centred support for adults with profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD) and complex support needs.

We recognise that every person is different. Support is developed around the individual's communication, health, mobility, sensory, postural, personal care and emotional needs, while ensuring they have opportunities to make choices, participate in meaningful activities and enjoy new experiences.
 

Our staff receive specialist training to enable them to safely and confidently support people with complex and multiple needs.

​

Person-Centred Support
Each participant has an individual person-centred support plan developed around their needs, preferences, communication and goals.
 

We work with participants, parents/carers and relevant professionals to ensure that support is coordinated and responsive to the individual.
 

Where appropriate, communication records, health information, seizure records, medication documentation and other individual records are maintained as part of the person's support.

 

Physiotherapy & Mobility
Where a participant has an assessed physiotherapy programme, our trained staff can support them to follow the programme during their time at Options for Life.
 

This may include the use of:

• Standing frames

• Walkers

• Floor mats

• Wedges

• Splints

• Other individually assessed equipment

​​

We work alongside relevant physiotherapy professionals and incorporate recommended activities into the participant's individual programme.

Where hydrotherapy programmes have been professionally recommended, these can also be incorporated into the participant's schedule where appropriate.

Postural Care & Sleep Systems

Participants can be supported with individual postural care programmes using appropriate equipment and positioning techniques.

 

Where a person has been assessed for a sleep system, staff can support its use during their time at Options for Life, helping to provide consistency between the service and home.

Communication & Intensive Interaction

We recognise that communication is individual to each person.

Intensive Interaction and approaches such as on-body signing can be used to develop meaningful communication and interaction with participants.

 

Where appropriate, we work with families/carers to promote consistent approaches between Options for Life and home.

Sensory Activities & Experiences

Participants have access to a wide range of sensory experiences based around their individual preferences and needs.

These can include:

 

• Sensory stories

• Sensory play

• Aromatherapy hand and foot massage

• Outdoor sensory experiences

• Cooking and baking

• Food and fruit tasting

• Personalised sensory resources

• Relaxation and wellbeing activities

 

Activities are adapted to ensure that participants can engage in ways that are meaningful and accessible to them.

Music & Creative Activities

Participants can take part in individual and small-group music and creative sessions.

Our specialist and adapted resources include:

 

• Adapted musical instruments

• Sensory resonance boards

• Sensory music balls

• Music bottles

• Adapted music and vibration equipment

• Accessible art activities

• Painting

• Pottery and tactile creative activities

 

Activities are designed to encourage communication, choice, sensory stimulation, creativity and enjoyment.

Swimming & Hydrotherapy Programmes

Swimming is an important and popular activity for many participants.

Where appropriate, swimming can be incorporated into individual schedules.

 

Participants with professionally recommended hydrotherapy programmes can also be supported to undertake these activities where suitable arrangements are available.

Community Activities & Days Out

Having complex support needs should not prevent someone from enjoying their local community.

Participants are supported to take part in community activities and days out according to their individual needs and preferences.

This may include visiting local attractions, cafés and restaurants, leisure facilities and other community venues.

 

Accessible transport is available, and participants can also be supported to use public transport where appropriate.

Personal Care & Wellbeing

We can support participants with their individual physical mobility and personal care needs.

Relaxation and wellbeing activities can also be incorporated according to individual preferences.

All support is provided with dignity, respect and consideration of the person's individual needs and choices.