What To Look For in A Supported Living Eating Disorder Service?
Whether you’re a social worker, care manager, or an individual carer seeking to find the right care and support for someone living with an eating disorder, choosing the right supported living service can feel like a minefield.
Though there’s no shortage of facilities out there for you to choose from, making a decision that will be the very best choice for the individual can be stressful, overwhelming, and emotionally draining.
Here, we’re going to walk you through the key factors you should consider to ensure you’re choosing the right eating disorder supported living service that offers the very best possible chance of recovery…
Bespoke care packages that are tailored to the individual service user
There’s no one way to treat any eating disorder. The best recovery plan for any individual will have to take into account factors such as the specific disorder they’re suffering from, their medical history, their age, their weight, and much more. Recovery from an eating disorder is rarely a straightforward process, and there will undoubtedly be obstacles to overcome along the way.
The best eating disorder supported living services not only recognise and understand this, but build it into their entire philosophy. A bespoke approach will be taken every step of the way, from creating an initial care plan, to the day to day provisions, to developing a pathway for when the individual is discharged and seeks to live independently in the community.
A rich programme of daily living activities
As any mental health professional knows, recovery from an eating disorder is about so much more than food and diet. It’s about supporting the individual on their holistic journey to recovery, and giving them the skills, education, and recreational opportunities that they need to thrive, both during their recovery and once they leave a supported living service.
As such, it’s essential that you seek out options that promote this approach and offer a roster of such activities. In practical terms, these can include art classes, journaling, outdoor sessions such as light gardening, writing, and socialising with friends and other service users where appropriate.
Support for family members and carers
An eating disorder doesn’t just impact the individual. It affects their wider circle too, and it’s crucial that family members and carers receive the support they need to be able to both play an active and positive role in recovery and also deal with the personal demands that go hand in hand with caring for a loved one with a mental health issue.
An eating disorder supported living service should involve families and ensure that they’re creating foundations for long-term behavioural changes and equipping them with the routines and skills they need to foster an environment that supports recovery.
Your next steps
Here at Prosperity Housing Group, we recognise that the assessment and transition process can be challenging, and we seek to help both you and the intended service user every step of the way. The first stage involves a thorough assessment of the whole person to establish if our homes are suitable for them and are where they’ll be able to achieve the most positive outcomes.
For more information, click here to get in touch today. We look forward to answering your questions and providing you with all the details you need about your options and next steps.
