Drug & Alcohol Rehabilitation
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Getting Help - Quick Menu
Why have a telephone assessment
When I come for assessment, what happens
What happens about confidentiality
Getting Help at Westcliffe
From the moment you first contact us, we'll endeavour to provide you with the help that best suits you and your circumstances.
So why consider Westcliffe
Because the programme is designed to address specific therapeutic needs of the (you) the client - rather than the client (you)fitting into a standardised programme. Potential clients can refer to our national inspection reports through the quality care commission reports. Currently we hold a 3 star excellent rating with them.
What are the benefits
Having an individually designed programme allows the client (you) the opportunity to prioritise and address those issues which are important to them. What ever the agreed programme, the client is taught how to address their issues of addiction and to develop positive coping strategies needed in order to lead a drug/alcohol free lifestyle.
What can I expect
You will be expected to undertake a minimum of two assessments ( one telephone and one face to face at Westcliffe house) prior to being awarded a place. Be prepared (where applicable) that referrers, social workers etc will be asked to provide the necessary reports prior to admission being granted. This is important as Westcliffe will need to have a full background in order to offer the highest quality service to its clients.
Why have a telephone assessment
This is to begin to build a relationship between therapists and the potential client (you). Background information is exchanged between both parties and for Westcliffe staff this is the first indication that the client (you) are looking to make important changes in their lives and have the motivation to do so.
When I come for assessment, what happens
The assessment held at Westcliffe house allows the opportunity to meet both staff and residents, to have an informal lunch with them, and to look around the facilities offered . The client (you) will meet with one or two senior therapists who gather information as part of the development of an individual care plan. The aim of this process is to highlight your individual requirements in order to asses whether Westcliffe has the appropriate resources to offer the best possible options to the client (you).
If you have travelled with a friend or member of your family to the assessment, they are not required to remain at Westcliffe whilst the interview is being conducted. This assessment is for the client ( you) to get a first hand experience of “being at Westcliffe”. As Westcliffe is in easy walking distance of the beach and town centre, those bring potential clients are encouraged to ’explore’ elsewhere whilst the assessment is taking place. It is not appropriate for Westcliffe to offer lunch or refreshments to visitors (other than potential clients) at this time. It may be possible at a later stage for friends/family to be shown around but it needs to be remembered that to current clients - this is their home as well as a place of work.
What is a care plan
Most clients being referred to Westcliffe will have undertaken work with other agents (alcohol/drug teams, probation, social ~workers, health care providers etc) and these agencies will have worked towards the development of a care plan (an assessment of individual need) with their clients (you). As part of the assessment procedure for residential treatment, the clients permission is sought to share this information with the designated treatment centre. In our case, Westcliffe. The assessment procedure considers these recommendations, plus the information gathered from the client (you) and if admission is mutually agreed, identifies a list of key objectives to be achieved within the residential treatment process. At Westcliffe, the clients care plans are re-assessed 4-6 weekly by the client (you) and your key worker at Westcliffe. You will be asked to complete a client review sheet on a monthly basis which allows both Westcliffe and your referring agent monitor your progress. Referrers usually undertake a 6-10 weekly review with clients either on the telephone or in person at Westcliffe.
How will I make my choices
Once the client (you) have been admitted to Westcliffe, the allocated key worker will work with the client to determine the priorities for the first four-six week period. There are several topics that will continually appear on the care programme not least dealing with addiction and relapse prevention. Usually the focus in this period is to work on the personal/interpersonal skills and to encourage the client to develop trust in themselves and those around them.
What is a key worker
A key worker is a senior therapist who holds the responsibility for a specific group of clients, to ensure that their needs are being appropriately addressed as indicated in their care plan. This usually means that they undertake individual counselling sessions and meet regularly with their clients formally and informally. The key worker is the ’first point of call’ for their clients - someone from whom they can seek help and advice. The key worker will remain with their allocated clients throughout their stay at Westcliffe.
What is expected of me
We expect clients to abide by the rules of the house which are simple and straightforward and relate to remaining abstinent , showing respect to others and keeping a safe environment for every resident. Having chosen Westcliffe, we have observed a motivation to change and we ask that this continues in an honest and open way.
What happens about confidentiality
What is said to staff remains with staff. To ensure safety of all individuals, information is reported to the therapeutic team including what is stated to the key worker. This is important in order that clients are not encouraged to become reliant on any individual staff member - but on the team. Information held on an individual file is not shared with household / catering staff as it would not be deemed appropriate or professional to do so. We are required by law to protect vulnerable adults and clients at Westcliffe are deemed to be such. Information will be shared with referrers as they also have a professional responsibility to the client (you).
