Lifeways has achieved a remarkable double victory at the prestigious LaingBuisson Awards, securing the Excellence in Specialist Care and Excellence in Supported Living categories. The awards reflect Lifeways’ dedication to delivering high-quality care to individuals with complex mental health needs and its pioneering approach to supported living.
A Focus on Complex Mental Health Care
Lifeways’ Mental Health Division has created a unique model tailored to individuals with complex mental health needs. Specialising in personality disorders and managing complex risks, including individuals with forensic backgrounds, Lifeways has successfully navigated the complexities of social care. The Mental Health Division has earned recognition for its exceptional ability to deliver care that focuses on rehabilitation and community reintegration rather than institutionalisation.
The Excellence in Specialist Care award was granted for Lifeways’ expertise in providing high-quality, community-based care for some of the most vulnerable individuals. Their dedicated ‘Quality and Practice’ team, composed of registered mental health nurses, social workers, and occupational therapists, work collaboratively with individuals and their support networks. This approach, which includes thorough assessments and personalised care plans, has been praised by judges for “exemplifying excellence.”
Redefining In-Patient Care with Community-Based Solutions
Lifeways’ Mental Health Division stands out for challenging the traditional dependence on in-patient care. By maintaining a therapeutic and optimistic approach to risk, they focus on reintegrating individuals into the community in the least restrictive environment possible. The success of this approach has garnered the trust of responsible clinicians and forensic teams, who now look to Lifeways as a model of professionalism in the sector.
Lifeways’ commitment to delivering the highest standard of care to individuals on their recovery journeys has shown that it is possible to support individuals with complex needs outside of institutional settings, empowering them to regain control over their lives.
Innovation in Supported Living with Radar Healthcare
Lifeways’ Excellence in Supported Living award highlights their innovative approach to staff development and their effective use of Radar Healthcare’s risk, quality, and compliance system. Radar Healthcare’s system provides real-time data analysis, enabling Lifeways to deliver comprehensive reports to regulators and other stakeholders, ensuring full governance and compliance.
This data-driven approach has contributed significantly to Lifeways’ success in understanding and managing challenging behaviours. By tracking behavioural patterns, identifying triggers, and recognising early warning signs, Lifeways has been able to reduce incidents and improve the overall care experience.
Radar Healthcare’s customisable, permissions-based system has enhanced Lifeways’ operations, expanding the scope of their risk register and providing valuable insights into trends such as emergency service use. Support workers now have the ability to trigger notifications to managers, enabling swift responses and ensuring that incidents are addressed in collaboration with the operations team.
A Major Step Forward in Risk Management
The introduction of Radar Healthcare has played a crucial role in helping Lifeways manage risks and maintain a high standard of care. One example of this is the innovative reporting category within the system—Apartment Environment Challenge which has contributed to an 80% reduction in issues like “hoarding” across Lifeways’ mental health services.
Rhian Bulmer, Chief Partnerships Officer at Radar Healthcare, praised the collaboration: “We are thrilled that the data from Radar Healthcare has contributed to Lifeways’ organisational goals. It has played a key role in supporting their mission to provide care to those most in need and enhancing their service delivery. Their work with vulnerable individuals exemplifies the positive impact of our system.”
Lifeways’ Commitment to Continued Excellence
Gareth Roberts, Director of Quality at Lifeways, commented: “Radar Healthcare has been a game-changer for us. Since its introduction in 2022, it has provided invaluable insights, enhanced real-time oversight, and improved our ability to manage risks and achieve compliance.”
The combination of Lifeways’ expert care models and the innovative use of technology has set a new standard in specialist care and supported living, reinforcing their position as a leader in the sector.
