Best Practices

Best practices define how we, as an agency, intend to live out our values.

Value	Best Practice
Hospitality	Immediately greet visitors who come to the office Offer guests tea or coffee to help them feel at home Provide helpful direction to people who call the office Treat all visitors with respect regardless of who they are
Independence	Use Supported Independence Model Encourage meaningful choice making- take the time Educate on benefits of choice making Natural consequences- allow clients to make mistakes Provide the minimum assistance needed for client to succeed
Respect for the Individual	Treat client’s home like you are a guest Listen and respect what others have to say Follow up on others’ concerns and questions Praise and recognize others’ contributions Develop positive histories- create family albums Learn the client’s form of communication Stress abilities, not disabilities Give clients truthful information, speak adult to adult
Opportunity for Growth	Create and maintain good personal boundaries Support others’ dreams and goals Embrace and accommodate different learning styles Encourage others to go for new opportunities Be willing to problem solve together Acknowledge your mistakes- this is how we grow
Integrity	Lead by example- admit your mistakes Reward incidences of great integrity Who are you when no one is looking? Don’t give unsolicited advice
Honesty	Speak directly to a person when we have a concern Admit our mistakes
Kindness	Ask, don’t tell Think before you speak Check with each other- are we OK on this?
Quality of Life	Encourage independence Encourage community relationships Teach staff to help clients realize their dreams Full access- spiritual, social, political, etc
Dignity of All Persons	Increase our professionalism during personal care Know individual’s boundaries and respect them Ask permission before touching, helping others Set boundaries for yourself, don’t direct the client
Accountability	Make expectations really clear Use step process to resolve differences Use constructive criticism Hold to your work agreements
Health and Safety	Health and safety is always the first priority Be proactive in finding medical resources Keep very accurate medical records Teach clients about their own health and safety needs
Belonging	Finding one’s niche in society Get the community involved Honoring family Cherishing what is unique in one another
Educate the Public	Direct people to interact with the client Be an example to others of respectful interaction Make and pass out educational flyers
Staff Support	Positive reinforcement Help staff be in a position to succeed Respect individuality in our staff
Encourage Openness	Create a safe work environment so staff can share Use reflective listening so people feel understood Use “I” statements, own your feelings Avoid gossip Protect each others privacy Respect confidential information Keep a positive attitude Attack a problem, never a person