Table 3.

Example of how the framework was set out, showing one quality of life domain (self-determination) and the corresponding indicators.

QoL domain	Self-reported indicators—what we would like the people in receipt of services to say?	Objective indicators—what would we see and hear?
Self-determination/autonomy	•I have choice and control over the big things in life—where I live, who I live with, where I work, how I spend my money, who provides my support and what they help me with.	•Individuals are offered the opportunity and supported to express preferences and make choices about day-to-day aspects of their lives. •Staff use appropriate communication to support choice and respect people's decisions. •People's choices and preferences guide what staff do rather than staff preferences and agendas. •People are helped to understand and predict what their day will be like. •Individuals are supported to understand what is involved in bigger life decisions, with information provided in an accessible way. •Where people might find it difficult to make such decisions, services ensure that the person's will and preference, based on experience of supporting the individual over time as well as their previous choices and decisions, is used to guide decisions. •Individuals have access to independent help such as an advocate to ensure their views are heard.
	•I have control over my day-to day life—what I do, where I go, what I eat and drink, when I do things, how I do things.
	•I am provided information about choices, decisions, or opportunities in a form that I understand.
	•I have a way to communicate my needs, wishes and decisions that works for me.
	•People listen when I tell them or show them what I want.
	•I have help (e.g., an advocate), if I need it, to let others know what I want and need.
	•I attend meetings about my care and support and am involved in planning my life and my support.	•Individuals are involved in a meaningful way in identifying goals and aspirations during planning processes. •Individuals are supported to be attend and participate in their planning meetings.
	•I get help to achieve the goals I want to achieve.
	•I am treated as an individual.	•People are treated as individuals rather than being seen as part of a group of “residents” or “service users”. They are not “forced” to do things with others because of how the service is organised.