Environment
This adjoined home at the end of a road on a quiet
housing estate in a Sussex village is an ideal setting for a home for
adults with Asperger syndrome and autistic spectrum conditions. The
location and position of the home is very peaceful and conducive to an
atmosphere of tranquillity aiding a good care environment.
The
home comprises of two semi–detached two bedroom houses adjoined
internally by a door between the kitchens. They are well furnished and
have a decent size garden. One side of the building is shared by two
women and the other has one woman sharing with the staff
office/sleeping in room.
The general structural health, safety
and maintenance aspects of Ticehurst are managed by New Downland
Housing Association. This is supported by an in-house Health, Safety
and Maintenance person allocated from the existing staff team.
Ticehurst
is, where possible, aimed at the best method of supporting adults with
autism offering all resident structure. Our overall approach is around
an autism specific communication system incorporating TEACCH. With one
lady this means talking through her day’s routine and with the other
two ladies TEACCH timetables specific to each service user. We are
fully supported by the Trusts TEACCH Co-ordinator.
The home is
registered under the Care Quality Commission who carry out annual
inspections. All our residents are encouraged to actively participate
in the trust’s resource centres at Battle, and Roebuck. A
person-centred approach is paramount to provide an individualised
programme of activity and variety of choice, such as horse riding,
swimming, computer skills, catering, cycling, living skills, drama and
creative arts all of which are available.
Similar activities
are carried out at home and everyone is encouraged to carry out
independent living skills and these are incorporated in to their daily
schedules. Additional activities include personal music sessions and
visits by other caring professionals such as chiropodists.
Weekend
activities include trips to the local beaches, parks, places of
historical interest, pub lunches and identified interests. All the
residents living at Ticehurst have active involvement and input in the
day to day running, choices and plans for the future where possible
alongside regular input from their families and parents who visit or
contact regularly.
Staff
The staff team at The Warren
consists of the Home Manager, one Deputy Home Manager and four Social
Care workers. We also have a reliable bank of relief workers to cover
sickness and annual leave.
The staff team at Ticehurst are
dedicated and trained, striving to ensure our service users experience
a high quality of care. The focus is on the needs, welfare, dignity and
respect for the adults in our care. Staffing is provided on a
two-to-three basis but the routine and structure is set up in such a
way that during prime interact times service users have one-to-one time
with staff.
All staff are highly experienced and have autism
specific training as well as a wide range of other training specific to
the needs of the service users. The Government also expect care staff
to gain NVQs in care in order that they are suitably qualified for the
job alongside statutory training which is always on going.
Service Users
There are three service users who live at Ticehurst. One has Asperger syndrome the other two have autism.
All
service users have their own personalised bedroom and communal areas
and are encouraged to actively participate in developing life skills.
People with autism need a very structured life style so each person has
their own timetable of daily activities so they know what is happening
next and are supported with TEACCH where possible.
All service
users have a member of staff who focuses on an individual’s needs and
case work; these staff are called ‘Key Workers’ and are available to
attend meetings, reviews, appointments as well as caring for the day to
day needs of individuals’.
All service users also have annual
reviews where goals are set for the following year. This is to ensure
that we continue to aim to provide the best service possible and that
constant assessment takes place allowing people to develop as
individuals and enabling the best use of resources.
All
service users can expect a weeks holiday with staff every year and,
again this is person-centred taking into account any interests that the
resident may have.
For more information, please
contact us
