Information for Service Users

What is it like to live in a Richardson Care home?

At Richardson Care we aim to create a friendly, relaxed atmosphere within our homes, because it is your home and we want you to feel as comfortable as possible. We are committed to helping, guiding and encouraging you to help yourself.

We have three homes for adults with learning disabilities and three homes for adults with an acquired brain injury. More information about our specialist residential homes.

Specialist support for people with learning disabilities, an acquired brain injury and complex needs

Following your initial assessment, we prepare a care plan to meet your individual needs, providing the treatment and care to help your development and rehabilitation. This includes ongoing neuropsychological assessments and may also include physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech and language therapy. We appreciate that everyone is different, and this care plan helps you to achieve your own personal goals.

Personal care

Our care staff help you with washing, dressing and other personal care if you need it. They can also help you with mobility and eating your meals, and any other aspects of your daily life, such as dealing with laundry.

We ensure that you have regular appointments with a doctor, dentist and optician and any other health professionals if the need arises. You have your own ‘hospital passport’ which details your medical history and medication, so this information is clear and available to you.

Accommodation

You have your own room, which we will decorate to your own taste, if you wish. You can bring your own furniture with you, including a TV or music system, but we can provide these for you if necessary. Many rooms have their own ensuite wet room which includes a wash basin, shower and toilet, and there is also access to a bathroom. Of course, if you require a special bed or any mobility equipment then these will be provided for you.

We have plenty of communal space within our homes, so that you don’t have to stay in your room. There is a lounge with a TV, DVD player and music centre available for you to use, plus a computer with internet access. There is also a quiet lounge where you can go if you prefer, as well as a separate dining area.

Each of our homes has a safe, enclosed garden for you to enjoy.

Food

We provide three meals a day, which are all prepared on the day. They are healthy, nutritious and well-balanced, and there’s a varied weekly menu. You can help to plan the menu so we can include your particular favourites or avoid foods that you don’t like. All food is bought locally and we source our meat from a local butcher for some of our homes. We also cater for all religious and ethnic requirements as fully as possible.

We seek advice and support from a qualified dietician to ensure that your diet is supporting your treatment and that you avoid any foods that you should refrain from eating because of health and medical reasons.

You can eat with other service users in the dining area, or eat on your own if you prefer. With the help of your carers, we will also encourage you to prepare your own meals.

Activities

A wide range of activities are available in our homes, which are optional. More information on activities is available here.

We have regular house meetings to offer you, and the other service users, the opportunity to make requests and suggestions, and give us your views on the activities in and around your home. We also organise an annual summer holiday, and you can be involved in planning where you go.

Supported home visits

At Richardson Care, we arrange contact for you with your social worker and your family. We can also support you in visiting your family on a regular basis, providing transport and care staff if required. We have an open house policy in our homes, so your family and friends can come and visit you. We just ask that they visit during normal social hours.