Provide Support For Journeys

1 – Understand factors to consider when planning support for journeys

1.1 Describe different aspects and factors to consider when planning a journey

Aspects and factors to consider when planning journeys include; anything that the individual may need i.e. finances, medication, ratio of staff and how the journey is going to develop, the outcome of the journey and any health and safety factors that may be relevant to the journey.

1.2 Describe different risks that may arise and ways to minimize these

Risk assessments will be completed on initial planning to include accidents that may happen, people taking ill, people losing sense of direction in large crowds and reviewing care plans that would/could be in place for any activities. Ways to minimize these include making sure staff are first aid trained and take a first aid kit with them, keeping track of significant landmarks and taking mobile phones and/or being aware of payphone locations, as well as pre-planning the journey to make your selves aware of local pharmacy, hospitals and emergency services as well as emergency contact information.

1.3 Describe different types of communication technology that can support planning and making journeys safely

Some communication technology that can support planning and making journeys safely include the use of maps/ GPS and computers to plan journeys in advance as well as bus timetables printed out to use whilst there. These will help the individual to realize and take into consideration any connections of buses etc. I would also describe any alternative travel options available to them if the one they have chosen is brought to a standstill due to public transport etc. not being available to them.

2- Be able to support individuals to plan journeys

2.3 Support the individual to develop a plan for a journey that promotes active participation and reflects agreed ways of working To be able to support an individual when planning a journey you would have to discuss everything that they would want to do and achieve, the level and type of support needed by the individual will be known once you have listened to what the individual wants and providing information on the various travel routes, whilst supporting them in the use of various items such as computers, maps, timetables etc. and by explaining the uses of those items. I would support the individual to develop a plan that promotes active participation by getting the client to plan any journeys that they wish to make and also making clear to them any organizational policies etc. that they may have to adhere to and take into consideration as well as helping them impose on their journey any time restrictions that they may have to adhere to.

3 – Be able to support individuals when making journeys

3.2 Describe ways to deal with unforeseen problems that may occur during a journey

There are many unforeseen problems that can occur during a journey such as;

-Vehicle breaking down (does the vehicle have breakdown cover)

-Bad weather (have alternative activities for different weather outcomes)

-Individuals taking ill or accidents (have emergency contact information and local pharmacy directions)

-Planned dwellings could be unsuitable (due to a mistake whilst booking)

-Planned activities could be unsuitable (could be unsuitable for the supported individual or staff can’t attend with them)

-Individual that’s being supported absconds (have emergency contact information and any policy paperwork that is relevant)

-Unforeseen finance difficulties (loss of wallet/cards etc. payment type not accepted, unforeseen charges)

4 – Be able to review the support provided for individual when making journeys

4.1 Describe what factors should be considered when reviewing support for the journey

Factors that should be considered when reviewing support for the journey include finances for the individual and staff, client disability, public transport networks, time restrictions and organizational/legal policies that need to be adhered to. Any feedback from the individual with regards to the journey would be received by asking questions as to their experience and also asking them to complete questionnaires etc. I would contribute to reviewing support for the journey by asking the client their thoughts and feelings, and relaying these to my manager. After my manager is made aware of these then I could arrange a meeting between the client, myself, my manager and possibly a multi-disciplinary team (MDT) which will include psychology, doctors, house manager, support staff/senior support staff, occupational therapy, dieticians to take into account everyone’s thoughts and feelings with regards to the journey, and to see if these needed to be altered in anyway.