Frequently Asked Questions   

• How is Hayfield funded ?

• Is Hayfield ever inspected ?

• Is Hayfield part of a larger organisation ?

• How many service users are there in Hayfield ?

• What training do Hayfield staff have ?

• How do you apply to get into Hayfield ?

• How much do service users pay at Hayfield ?

• What is the average length of stay for service users at Hayfield ?

• What sort of activities are available to service users at Hayfield ?

• What sort of communication is used in Hayfield ?

How is Hayfield funded ?
Click above to return to the index

Hayfield operates as a non-profit making company entirely funded by the fees which are charged for the services it provides. 

These fees are paid principally by the local authority or health board in the area from which the deaf person comes, though in some cases there may be some payment from the Benefits Agency as well.

Hayfield has had support from the National Lottery towards developing facilities, but generally there is no funding support from central government or other agencies.

Is Hayfield ever inspected ?
Click above to return to the index

Hayfield operates as a provider of residential and day care services, and as such is legally required to register with the Scottish Commission for the Regulation of Care (known as the Care Commission). 

As a registered care provider, all of Hayfield’s facilities and services are inspected and reported on regularly.  Any agency, local authority or health board with an interest in using Hayfield’s services can obtain a copy of the most recent inspection reports on request or from a public library. 

Is Hayfield part of a larger organisation ?
Click above to return to the index

Hayfield exists as an organisation in its own right, with its own staff, management and board of directors.  It operates within its own framework of policies and pursues its own aims and objectives, though these are guided by the appropriate legal requirements and directives. 

Hayfield does not stand in isolation, but has developed close working links with local authorities, health services and other professional organisations, such as the British Society for Mental Health and Deafness (BSMHD), the Scottish Council on Deafness (SCoD) and the Scottish Society for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO).

How many service users are there in Hayfield ?
Click above to return to the index

Hayfield is registered to provide up to 25 residential placements for deaf service users with additional disabilities.  These places are spread over 5 separate locations, with each individual service user having their own room and shared communal facilities. 

Hayfield also operates a day care facility for up to 36 service users, which is open from Monday to Friday, and which offers a wide range of individualised and group activities and training.  All residents are encouraged to use the day care services and there are additional places for those who may live independently or with their family or other carers. 

What training do Hayfield Staff have ?
Click above to return to the index

The provision of a high standard of recognised staff training is seen as a key element in the development and provision of services within Hayfield.  This has also been recognised as being important in the maintenance of a settled and committed staff team. 

Some care staff have brought with them a range of professional qualifications in the fields of social work / social care, teaching, nursing and mental health.  This is built on by the provision of additional training for all staff through sign language and deaf awareness, first aid and health and safety.  In addition, care staff are also required to train to SVQ Level 3, and to be registered in the theory and application of the CALM System (Crisis & Aggression Limitation and Management). 

How do people apply to get into Hayfield ?
Click above to return to the index

Although Hayfield is located in Glasgow it operates as a national resource and considers referrals from across the whole of the UK.  Details about Hayfield and its services can be made available to all enquirers, including health professionals, deaf people themselves or their families and carers.  Because placements are dependent on the availability of funding, formal applications are generally required from a local authority or health board. 

All applications require the submission of detailed social and personal background reports (usually provided by social workers) and medical reports (from GPs or psychiatrists).  A contract for payment of residential and/or day care fees must also be agreed before a placement can be offered. 

Details about Hayfield, the services which it can offer and application forms can be made available on request.

How much do service users pay at Hayfield ?
Click above to return to the index

Individuals who receive services from Hayfield are not required to pay anything towards the costs of these services.  The residential and/or day care fees which fund all placements are paid for by a contract agreement with each person's local authority or health board. 

Service users who live in one or other of the Hayfield houses are regarded as being in residential care.   All their accommodation costs, including food, heating, lighting, etc are included in the fees.  Each individual is entitled to a weekly personal allowance from the Benefits Agency.  Most service users who live in, or attend Hayfield are also entitled to their own Disability Living Allowance. 

What is the average length of stay for service users at Hayfield ?
Click above to return to the index

Hayfield staff operate a system of regular detailed assessment and planning for each and every individual service user who attends Hayfield.  Wherever possible, staff work to help each person to achieve their own potential and to accept responsibility and independence in their own life.  Because every individual is different, with their own particular skills and needs, it means that the length of time that a service user lives in Hayfield will vary from individual to individual. 

Many deaf people come to Hayfield to learn skills for independent living so that they can move on to have a home of their own.  The length of time which it takes to learn these skills will depend on their abilities, but the time is usually measured in years rather than months. 

Some service users who live in Hayfield have very severe additional disabilities and find it very difficult to cope with responsibilities or to learn to cope on their own.  For them Hayfield may be their home for the rest of their life, so staff focus on giving them new experiences and opportunities and on enhancing the quality of their daily life. 

What sort of activities are available to Hayfield service users ?
Click above to return to the index

Service users who live in or attend Hayfield have an individual, structured programme of learning and recreational activities, with a focus on helping them to build up their confidence, self-esteem and responsibility.  These programmes involve both the residential and day care settings, but also include activities in colleges and other agencies. 

Everyone who comes to Hayfield is encouraged to take part in a whole range of activities, sports and pastimes.  Sometimes these are arranged by the staff, often people are keen to have their own hobbies or interests and staff will do all they can to help people to get involved in any pursuit that may interest them. 

Hayfield has its own gymnasium and equipment and facilities for a number of indoor sports, such as five-a-side football and badminton.  Service users are also encouraged to use the local swimming baths, sports and leisure facilities, or even to pursue their own specific sporting interests – one Hayfield resident won three medals at an international canoeing championship in Italy in 2002 !

What sort of communication is used in Hayfield ?
Click above to return to the index

Hayfield staff recognise that meaningful communication is the key element in all care work and is at the heart of all social and personal interaction.  They therefore work on the basis that any and all communication has value and that every attempt must be made to find a medium which is suitable for each individual service user. 

All Hayfield staff, including administration and ancillary workers, are required to undertake formal training in British Sign Language (BSL).  All care staff must train up to a minimum of BSL Level 2. 

Many of the deaf people who come to Hayfield have had little or no access to sign language, or have very poor communication skills in general.  In Hayfield they will be given opportunities and encouragement to improve their skills, and staff will use a variety of approaches to maximise their communication skills.  As well as using sign language and utilising any residual hearing (through the use of hearing aids), staff will also make use of mime, gesture, touch, symbols, picture cards, drawing or any other technique that might help to enhance communication or improve interaction.