LEARNING DISABILITIES

Residential Care

What is a "learning disability"?

A person with a learning disability would have once been referred to as a person with a mental handicap.

What are our aims/objectives?

We aim to provide a homely environment to meet the needs of the individual, endeavouring to provide as 'normal' a lifestyle as possible with a value base of: dignity and respect, choice, competency, developing relationships and a growing presence in the community. Our homes are staffed 24 hours a day with a staffing ratio based on the needs of the client group within each home.

How many homes are there?

At present we have 23 community homes for clients with a learning disability, some of whom also have a physical disability.

The homes are made up of houses, bungalows and semi-independent flats, situated in all areas of the Island.

We also provide a 7 bed respite unit, which provides care on a nightly or weekly basis. This provision is based on the needs of the individual and their carer, in conjunction with a social work assessment.

What do the staff do?

enable the clients to be as independent as possible and develop new skills to enhance their lives.
support clients in maintaining their personal hygiene.
supporting clients in the preparation of meals and enabling clients to maintain a healthy diet.
supporting clients to ensure that they are always presentable and portrayed in a positive manner.
supporting client with general household responsibilities.
supporting and encouraging clients to gain a greater community presence by accessing local facilities such as shops, cinemas, pubs etc.
supporting clients in understanding responsibility and value of money.
providing total care for those individuals who cannot do any of the above tasks themselves.

How can I access the services?

Access to the service is by referral to the duty social worker either direct 686179 or through your G.P.

If intervention is required, one of the disability social work team will undertake a needs assessment in conjunction with the carer.

For further general information on the provision of residential services for people with a learning disability, ring (01624) 618520.

Day Care

Day services for adults with learning disabilities are offered to enable service users to develop their social, recreational and vocational skills. The main base is at Eastcliffe, Victoria Road, Douglas but there are also units at Woodbourne Road, Greenfield Garden Centre on Glencrutchery Road, and Mooragh View, Cumberland Road in Ramsey.

Activities include:-

aromatherapy
art and craft
atmospherics
computer skills
domestic skills
exercise and relaxation
gardening
horticultural skills
swimming
woodwork and concrete working skills.

How can I access these services?

You will need to be over 19 and have a learning disability. You should contact your social worker if you have one and if not contact the duty social worker (01624) 686179. A social worker will then be allocated to you who will complete an assessment of your needs and abilities. Once you have been allocated a trial placement in the service you will be allocated a key worker who will work with you to plan a programme of activities that best meet your needs.

How will I get to the centre / units?

Service users attend the various units via several means. There is limited transport available for those who cannot travel independently to the Douglas units. Some arrive on foot, or are brought by parents/carers and others use taxis. The ability to travel independently is an important life skill that is developed whenever.

Are meals included?

There is a choice of meal options at lunch time, currently at a cost of £1.50 per day, at all sites. The other option is to bring a packed lunch.

Terms & Conditions

Social Care