Specialist Learning Disabilities and Complex Needs Services

Our services are suitable for individuals with an established diagnosis of learning disability and intellectual difficulties and comorbid conditions, such as mild to moderate symptoms of mental illness and personality disorder, progressive neurological conditions. They may present with mild to moderate challenging behaviour.

The transition from school to adult residential care

This transition can be difficult for both the person with learning disabilities and their family, and it affects people in different ways. Therefore, it needs to be managed carefully and sensitively. We work closely with all of the agencies involved, along with the family. Our aim is to maintain continuity of successful therapies and to manage difficult situations as effectively as possible, minimising disruption and distress.

Everyone is different, so we manage the transition in a way that best suits the individual. This may be by introducing them to the home gradually, starting with day visits, then moving onto overnight stays. Or it may be better for them to just move in. Where appropriate, we also incorporate supported home visits into the care plan and family members are welcome to visit our care homes at any time.

Our transitional service is designed for individuals who may require assessments over a period of three to six months to fully understand their needs. This gives them the opportunity to settle in and their behaviours to be stabilised. It can form a transition to another home or more independent living. Alternatively, the individual may stay in the home.

We also offer long-term community-based residential care for adults with learning disabilities and complex needs. We provide a unique, homely environment with a wide range of daily activities, day trips, holidays and supported home visits.

Pre-admission assessment

Each service user with learning disabilities has a formal, detailed assessment before they are admitted to one of our services. We then develop a personalised care plan on which their care and treatment is based. Wherever possible, family members and existing social networks are consulted and involved in the assessment process.

During the pre-admission assessment, we monitor the person in different environments, such as at school and at home, so that we can continue any therapies that are seen to be working well. We also take note of situations that cause difficulties and see how these can be managed better.  If service users continue to attend school, then we liaise closely with the school, often using communication books, so that we can monitor and manage any changes in behaviour.

Interdisciplinary support

All service users with learning disabilities have access to our multi-disciplinary support team. And each care plan will include a range of therapies and activities to support the individual, help them to manage their behaviour and to fulfil their potential. These include:

• Psychological support
• Neuro Psychiatric support
• Speech & Language therapy
• Neurological Physiotherapy
• A range of communication approaches, such as PECS, TEACCH and Makaton
• ASDAN-accredited learning
• Music enrichment sessions, arts & crafts and a wide range of other activities

Medical care

The genetic conditions that contribute to learning disabilities often result in other complex medical and physical conditions. At Richardson Care, we are experienced in treating these as well as managing behaviour. For example, support staff are trained in peg feeding and catheter care, as well as caring for people with diabetes and epilepsy.

In addition, our support team is trained and experienced in CPI Safety Interventions, MCA DOL safeguards and representing service users in Best Interest meetings.

Our specialist services for adults with learning disabilities and complex needs are:

Transitional and long-term LD and complex needs service, 23 Duston Rd

Long-term community LD and complex needs services, 2 & 8 Kingsthorpe Grove