Supporting people to live the life they want

For people living with autism we focus on the person’s strengths

Using Person Centred approaches we lay the foundations of autism-friendly practices so that people can enjoy a fulfilling life. Integral to these practices we use other approaches such as Positive Behavioural support, visual strategies and Active Support.

We have a fully qualified and experienced staff team to deliver safe, person centred services. We have developed an internal Community of Practice to share information and resources across our specialist services.

We believe in investing in a qualified and experienced staff to develop the advanced skills as part of their ongoing learning and development. This enables them to provide good and effective support. Our ultimate aim is that people with autism can lead fulfilled lives and make a real contribution to their communities.

Our aim is to understand what a person’s behaviour is telling us

At mirus we understand that people who show challenging behaviours have the same expectations and needs as everybody else in life. Often behaviour is the person communicating that some of those needs are yet to be met.

At mirus we follow the principles of Positive Behavioural Support (PBS) and develop bespoke support plans that reflect each individual person.

To make this happen we have a full learning and development programme for our staff in all areas of PBS. This includes behavioural analysis, providing skills teaching programmes and ensuring people meet their positive outcomes.

Because of our vast experience of providing support in this area we have shared in many success stories. By first seeking to understand why, and then providing appropriate support to develop quality of life, we see a successful reduction in challenging behaviours.

At mirus we provide support to children and adults who have some degree of learning disability.

The people we support are also likely to have additional needs for a number of reasons including complex health needs, complex behaviour, sensory impairments or physical disability. Some people we work with may only need low levels of support, maybe just a few hours a week, to help with household budgeting or gaining employment. Others require support 24 hours a day with things such as making meals, personal care, dressing, all household tasks, leisure pursuits, holidays and other day to day activities.

We listen to what people with learning disabilities and their families tell us. To tailor our services effectively we want to hear about what their diagnosis means to them, the different challenges they face, and the personalised support they want in order to live the lives they choose.

At mirus we recognise the profound effects of mental health difficulties.

Our mental health support is personalised as we recognise that not everyone’s condition is the same. This is where our individualised approach is successful in helping people maintain:

• good health and well-being
• their homes and tenancy
• budgeting
• community and social inclusion

We support people who have a ‘dual diagnosis’, i.e. a learning disability and a mental health condition.

Our working ethos is that people should live well with dementia

The care we provide is flexible and allows people to live in their own home for as long as possible or to give their carers a break. It may be a few hours a week or support every day and night.

We use person centred approaches which ensure that the service is tailored around the person, as well as their family and carers.

Our staff are specialised and fully trained to provide both practical and emotional support to people and their families. Examples of our support includes:

• maintaining skills in the early stages
• personal care
• providing information
• encouraging people to continue going out and maintain interests
• providing emotional support
• end of life care

Caring for a loved one with dementia can be both emotional and exhausting. At mirus our aim is to support people to live well with dementia.

mirus has a wealth of experience supporting people with physical disabilities

As well as a physical disability some people may have additional needs relating to learning disability, mental health or acquired brain injury. In all our work we provide support in a person centred way to maximise on opportunities.

We work with a diverse range of people and in various settings. This might be in the family home or living independently. We cater for many differing support needs ranging from general living skills including:

• meal preparation
• budgeting
• household maintenance
• maintaining personal care and hygiene
• being active with interests and hobbies
• maintaining friendships and community access.

Where appropriate, we support people to use assistive technology and have adapted properties to meet these needs. Our staff are fully trained and experienced in manual handling techniques.

Outside support can often be a lifeline for carers

Carers are people who look after someone, usually a relative who, with support can help them to continue with their caring responsibilities for the longer term.

At mirus we know how important it is to the carer’s health and wellbeing to have the occasional break and spend time with other friends and family members. It’s vital carers don’t reach a crisis point which means they are unable to continue with their caring role.

Mirus offers respite support in a variety of ways both for the carer and the person/child with a disability. Respite breaks ( link ) such as short residential stays, support to go on holiday, stay at home time are all options to consider.

The carer can ‘recharge their batteries’ with the knowledge that the person with a disability is having a good time in the ‘hands’ of skilled, friendly staff.