Information for Families
Choosing the right support for someone you love is one of the most important decisions you will ever make.
At Acorns Health Care, we understand the trust families place in us. We are committed to providing safe, compassionate and person-centred support that promotes independence, dignity and quality of life.
We believe every individual deserves the opportunity to live a meaningful life, make choices wherever possible, be treated with dignity and respect, and achieve their own goals and aspirations.
Every person is unique, and our support is tailored to their individual needs, wishes and strengths.
Working in Partnership with Families
Families are at the heart of everything we do. You know your loved one better than anyone else, and your knowledge, experience and insight are invaluable.
We are committed to open and honest communication, involving families in care planning and reviews, working together during Best Interests meetings, listening to your views and concerns, and achieving the very best outcomes together.
We believe that the strongest support comes from genuine partnership.
Promoting Choice & Independence
At Acorns, we focus on what people can do, rather than what they cannot.
We support people to develop everyday living skills, build confidence and self-esteem, make informed choices, access and enjoy their local community, maintain relationships with family and friends, and live fulfilling, meaningful and independent lives.
Our goal is to help every person reach their full potential while receiving the right level of support.
Understanding Mental Capacity & Best Interests
Sometimes an individual may be unable to make a specific decision for themselves. When this happens, we follow the Mental Capacity Act 2005, which provides a legal framework for supporting decision-making.
Where someone lacks capacity for a particular decision, we work together with families, advocates, health professionals and social care teams to ensure any decision is made in the person’s Best Interests.
Every decision considers the person’s wishes, feelings and beliefs, their past and present preferences, professional advice and clinical guidance, and the views of those who know them best.
Our aim is always to respect the individual while promoting their wellbeing, safety and quality of life.
The Least Restrictive Approach
One of the key principles of the Mental Capacity Act is ensuring people are supported in the least restrictive way possible.
Before making any decision, we always ask: Can the person make this decision with additional support? Is there a less restrictive option? How can we maximise independence?
This approach helps protect people’s rights while encouraging them to live as independently as possible.
Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS)
Recent legal changes have altered how professionals assess whether someone requires a Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards authorisation. Some individuals may no longer meet the legal threshold for a DoLS authorisation.
These changes do not reduce anyone’s rights or protections. Instead, they reinforce the importance of ensuring any restrictions are necessary, proportionate and in the person’s Best Interests.
Acorns works closely with Local Authorities, Integrated Care Boards (ICBs), clinicians and professionals to ensure every person’s legal rights and freedoms continue to be protected.
Safe Healthcare Support
Many of the people we support have complex health needs. Our healthcare support follows personalised plans developed and approved by the appropriate healthcare professionals.
This may include:
Medication administration
Epilepsy management
PEG feeding
Diabetes management
Dysphagia and eating & drinking support
Asthma care
Skin integrity management
Bowel management
Emergency healthcare procedures
Every member of staff receives appropriate training and competency assessments before carrying out any healthcare intervention, ensuring support is delivered safely, consistently and in line with current clinical guidance.
Our Commitment to Families
We understand that families may sometimes have questions about care, decision-making or the support their loved one receives.
Our managers and staff are always happy to answer your questions, discuss any concerns, explain how decisions are made, and work alongside you to achieve the very best outcomes.
At Acorns Health Care, we are proud of the trusting relationships we build with the people we support and those who matter most to them.
“Together, we can continue to promote independence, wellbeing and opportunities for every individual to live their very best life.”