Evaluating a ‘Capable Environments’ intervention protocol in residential settings for adults with intellectual disabilities

Abstract

Two residential settings for people with intellectual disabilities worked with a Community Learning Disabilities Team (CLDT) to pilot ‘capable environment’ (CE) intervention, a preventative strategy within a positive behaviour support model of service delivery. Interviews with support managers and clinicians were used to evaluate the approach. The resulting thematic analysis suggested that CE was valued by those involved, and suggested adaptations for future interventions. We concluded that the CE intervention was promising, and would benefit from further development and study.Easy to read summary■A Community Learning Disabilities Team used an idea called ‘Capable Environments’.This looks at making sure a person’s home meets their needs and helps them to enjoy their life.■The team tried this out with two homes supporting people with learning disabilities.Everyone worked together to look at what was working well, and what could be even better.■People who had done the work were interviewed so they could give their views about what was helpful and what could be changed in future.■Everyone thought the approach was helpful but that changes needed to be made if it was used again.