ASSOCIATION FOR RESIDENTIAL MENTAL CARE

CODE OF PRACTICE

MISSION STATEMENT:

To provide an organisation whereby a high consistency of care and professional ethics will be the standard of it’s members.

MEMBERS CHARTER:

ARMC MEMBERSHIP WARRANTS THE RIGHT;

• To representation and communication of professional and business interests to appropriate statutory bodies.
   
• Of access to ARMC training programmes.
• To participate with equality in Association affairs.

• To support providing the Code of Practice has been upheld.
   

• Of equal access to the benefits and services offered.
   
• Of complaint to the Management Council.

CODE OF PRACTICE

CARE:

1. The prevailing atmosphere of the establishment should be homely, relaxed and welcoming.
    

2. Respect and privacy must be accorded all individuals.
    

3. Accommodation and care must be provided with proper regard for the dignity and self respect of individuals and their special needs.
    

4. Freedom of choice and independence should be encouraged provided it does not impede the safety and quality of life of others.
    
5. Individual needs, opinions and beliefs should be respected at all times.
    
6. Whilst attention must be paid to the nutritional value of meals, a varied menu should be offered allowing freedom of choice, yet paying special attention to the particular dietary needs of specific individuals.
    
7. Residents (or their representatives) shall be provided with appropriate information and assistance to enable them to claim any statutory benefits to which they might be entitled, in so far as the proprietor may be qualified to provide such information. Where individuals are incapacitated for any reason, every effort should be made by the proprietor to claim on their behalf any statutory benefit to which thy may be entitled.
    
8. Prospective residents should be carefully introduced to the home to enable assessment by both parties, bearing in mind individual needs. Encouragement should be given to enable fullest potential and quality of life.
    
9. A two month trial period, on both sides, shall be the normal procedure, pending a decision on long term residency, but subject to contractual alteration.
    
10. Where an individual proves unsuitable for a home, perhaps affecting the welfare of other residents, the placing agency should be asked to remove the resident within a reasonable time.
     
11. Reviews should consult with the individual, the residents social worker, C.P.N., G.P., psychologist or psychiatrist (as appropriate) and involved relative's) wherever possible, due regard shown for the individuals views and needs. When contact with these persons is not possible they should be notified of any changes.

PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT:

1. ARMC members shall demonstrate regard for others as a principle of action.
    
2. Proprietors and staff should use every reasonable opportunity to improve their professional knowledge and skills by being aware of, and taking advantage of, valid training wherever possible.
    
3. Members should take all reasonable steps to safeguard all confidential information.
    
4. Professional or clinical services such as G.P., Dentist, Chiropodist etc., should be sought for individuals when necessary, bearing in mind the need for personal choice.
    
5. Members should only employ staff after taking up full references and all reasonable steps ensure that prospective staff have no previous criminal record and are of good character.
    
6. An adequate number of suitably trained staff should be on duty in the home at all times, due regard given to the client groups needs.
    
7. All financial transactions should be treated with maximum integrity and autonomy.
    
8. Members should avid use of the privileged relationship which prevails between themselves, their clients and staff.
    
9. Members shall promote anti discriminatory practices.
    
10. Members should be entitled to all relevant information regarding a proposed client.
     
11. All members must be adequately and appropriately insured.
     
12. Regulations regarding computer records must be adhered to at all times.
     
13. Members will issue each client with a fully documented Complaints Procedure. If individuals are unable to understand the procedure their next of kin or other suitable advocate should be involved.

PHYSICAL:

1. New members will be expected to satisfy the Association that the location and facilities of the home are appropriate to the individual needs of the client group.
    
2. Visitors should be accorded both privacy and courtesy, ensuring that they do not infringe on other clients.
    
3. Members should make every effort to introduce their clients to all facilities in their area.
    
4. Statutory requirements will be adhered to.

MEMBERSHIP OF ARMC.

ARMC reserves the right to refuse membership.

Failure to renew membership renders all elements of the members charter void. The use of logos by non members is forbidden and considered actionable.

Members of ARMC shall not operate their homes or services in anyway which may bring the Association or it’s other members into disrepute.

The United Nations Declaration for the rights of the mentally disadvantaged is the basis on which all ARMC members are expected to conduct themselves.

THE U.N. DECLARES:

1. The individual has, to the maximum degree of feasibility, the same rights as other human beings.
    
2. The individual has a right to proper medical care and physical therapy, and to such education, training, rehabilitation and guidance as will enable them to develop ability and maximum potential.
    
3. The individual has a right to economic security and to a decent standard of living. They have the right to perform productive work or to engage in other meaningful occupation to the fullest possible extent of capability.
    
4. Whenever possible the individual should live with their own family or with foster parents and participate in different forms of community life. The family with which they live should receive assistance. If acre in an institution becomes necessary, it should be provided in surroundings and other circumstances as close as possible to normal life.
    
5. The individual has a right to a qualified guardian when this is required to protect personal well-being and interests.
    
6. The individual has a right to protection from exploitation, abuse and degrading treatment. If prosecuted for any offence, they shall have a right to due process of law with full recognition being given to their degree of mental responsibility.
    
7. Whenever individuals are unable, because of their disability, to exercise all their rights in a meaningful way, or if it should become necessary to restrict or deny some or all of these rights, the procedure used for that restriction or denial must contain proper legal safeguards against every form of abuse. This procedure must be based on an evaluation of the social capability of the individual by qualified experts and must be subject to a periodic review and to the right of appeal to higher authority.

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