Membership review for Options Applegate House
By – Date of visit:
This membership review is intended to reflect the experiences of the visitor who might be looking for a placement. It is subjective, consistent and impartial and reflects the impressions of our team member on the day of the visit. It is a snapshot view only. The contents of the review are intended to cover some of the subjects and issues which an individual, their relatives or their placement officer might ask.
This review has been published with the written agreement of the home owner or an authorised representative of the company.
Summary of Findings
Applegate House is a newly opened service for 6 individuals with autism within the community of Barton-upon-Humber. It is registered as a residential service and sits as a Community Support Service within Options Group. Options Group, as an organisation, has been supporting people with autism throughout England and Wales since 1999. As the service had recently opened and had one resident at the time of my visit I could not observe the service in full effect, however it was clear that the systems and staff were in place to fully support individuals with autism as they transition towards eventual further independence.
Introduction
Applegate House was newly opened at the time of my visit following a lengthy and well designed renovation process. The service offered residential accommodation and person centred support for 6 individuals aged 18 plus with autism, learning disabilities and complex needs. Accommodation was in the form of 6 self-contained flats with additional communal areas. The service offered a stepping stone towards more independent or supported living.
First Impressions
Applegate House is located in a residential area within the community of Barton-upon-Humber. It is placed back from a seemingly quiet road with railings around the front lawn. There were no parking facilities on the day of the visit, however, I was informed this was under development. I found parking readily available outside the property. The house is detached and attractive, not distinguished from other residences by any signage.
I was greeted at the front door by Rebecca, a staff member, who invited me through to the lounge. I found the entrance to be warmly decorated and it felt very homely. Rebecca offered me a drink and I had the opportunity to talk to her prior to meeting Derrell Crump, the Registered Manager. Rebecca was very enthusiastic about both the new service and supporting individuals with autism. Derrell and I then met to discuss the service.
The Environment (External)
As previously mentioned the house is a large detached property. It had undergone a lengthy renovation process specifically for purpose and was in an excellent state of repair. There is a large lawned area at the front of the house edged by waist high iron railings and also a brick out-building. To the rear of the property is a large walled courtyard. Derrell informed me that he hoped residents would assist with the making of garden furniture.
There is also a war time bomb shelter, completely secured, which had been explored as a potential social enterprise for the residents to engage in. This had been discussed with local historical organisations and museums. The plan was to add the shelter as a destination on a local history tour on selected days in the summer. Individuals would be able to engage with advertising, preparing the shelter and offering the tours. Equally separate activities would be planned on those days for residents who did not wish to be involved.
The Environment (Internal)
Both the communal areas and individual flats had been newly decorated to a high standard in low arousal shades. Colour and pictures had been added with potential sensory issues in mind resulting in the house presenting as very warm and homely. Clear care and consideration had been taken regarding the furnishings which, whilst being suitable for the needs of the potential supported individuals, are very stylish. The communal lounge offers plenty of seating as well as a tastefully enclosed television and computer. There is also a small staff kitchen, meeting room and office; the latter two displayed all relevant required certificates.
Derrell showed me around 5 of the 6 flats. Each is spacious, fully furnished and equipped. All of the flats have a kitchen/living space, separate bedroom and bathroom. The bathrooms have a toilet, basin, then 3 have showers and 3 have baths with a shower over. It was explained that, as a part of the transition process, individuals were encouraged to spend time personalising their flat with the support of staff. Each resident received a welcome pack when moving which includes all of the basic store cupboard essentials and toiletries.
The entire redesign of the building had ensured that each flat was spacious, light and individual. The characteristics and features of the building had been preserved.
The Wider Environment
Barton-upon-Humber is situated on the edge of the Lincolnshire Wolds. The town has a variety of shops, eateries, leisure facilities and heritage attractions. Derrell discussed how accessing and working within the wider community was a key part of development. He had developed strong links with local organisations and residents in order to raise autism awareness and foster these relationships. Rail networks are good and Hull, Sheffield, Leeds and the Midlands are all within easy travelling distance.
AALPS North, part of Options Group, is situated nearby. Individuals residing at Applegate House had access to the facilities there including gardening, art and woodwork studios and music and IT suites.
Understanding Autism
The service is autism specific which Derrell stated is suited to all levels of need. The environment had clearly been developed with autism at the forefront and furnished accordingly.
Options Group specialises in supporting individuals with autism throughout their life span. All staff undergo a comprehensive autism training programme and many, including Rebecca and Derrell, had worked at other Options services gaining valuable experience. I saw symbols on doors to aid communication and Derrell explained that further symbols would be added depending on the needs of future residents. At the time of my visit, one young lady had just moved in and a gentleman was part way through his transition. Each flat has notice boards specifically for any required scheduling systems.
At the time of my visit, due to the newness of the service, sensory and communication profiles were just being prepared and not yet completed. I discussed this with Derrell who explained that each resident would have their own profile, complied with support of the Speech and Language Therapist. This would be regularly reviewed. He also stated that the staff team had experience of dealing with a wide range of communication and sensory needs. These plans would be person centred.
As previously mentioned, Derrell was engaging with the wider community to help with their understanding of autism. This included many community members attending the recent open day when the service was launched by gold medal winning British Paralympian Jessica-Jane Applegate.
Individuals Using the Service
At the time of my visit, the service had four vacancies. I had the opportunity to meet the gentleman who was moving in. He proudly informed me that he had been with staff to purchase new bedding for his flat. Derrell explained that all support was person centred, tailoring programmes to allow each individual to develop and achieve their aspirations. Attaining each individual’s potential was regarded as a priority with support offered in accessing the wider community, education and real work opportunities. Each resident is responsible for the day-to-day maintenance of their flat and the communal areas to encourage independent living skills.
Choice and empowerment are key and plans are developed with the full input of the individual, as is key worker selection. Person-centred planning meetings would be held every six months.
I was informed that individuals would each have access to a Professional and Clinical Multi-disciplinary Team (PCMT) who are based at AALPS North, a short distance away. This includes a Clinical Psychologist, Speech and Language Therapist and Assistant Psychologist. As the service was new I was unable to observe residents taking part in activities or see scheduling systems.
Referrals to the service are made by Health and Social Care professionals. These are managed by Derrell. There is a clear and comprehensive assessment process in place which involves the individual themselves, families, current support placement if relevant, together with professionals. The compatibility of individuals was a key consideration during the admissions process. Transitions are person centred and managed to the needs of the individual. This may involve social stories, timetables and talking photo albums for example. Subject to compatibility, Applegate House staff are also prepared to accommodate emergency placements.
Health and Wellbeing
Health and Wellbeing would be addressed for each resident as a part of their person-centred plan. All would be encouraged and supported to eat a healthy diet and be active. Registration with the local GP would take part during the transition process and for any requiring further health support, referrals would be facilitated through them. Staff receive first aid and medicine administration training as part of their 3-week induction process.
Staffing
On the day of my visit, the staff team consisted of a combination of employees who had transferred from AALPS North and new recruits. There was a mix of ages and experiences. Each staff member goes through the company’s three week induction process, including internal transfers. These include all of the required Health and Safety training as well as autism training and PRICE (Protecting the Rights of Individuals in Care), which is updated annually. Training and employment does not commence until an enhanced DBS, previously CRB, check had been received.
Staff support and development is considered important with professional development opportunities made available. Support systems are in place to include monthly supervisions moving to 8 weekly following 6 months of employment. At the time of my visit, debriefing opportunities were present with either Derrell or the Operations Manager, Lelsey Fisher who was based at AALPS North.
Staff ratios are determined by the individuals’ assessed needs. The service is staffed 24 hours per day.
Management of the Home
Derrell was the Registered Manager of Applegate House. He has extensive experience of supporting individuals with autism of all ages and had been fully involved with the redevelopment of the building. Derrell showed me that all confidential information was stored in locked cabinets secured in the staff office. He also showed me the staff handbook, policies, procedures and risk assessment files. He was clearly very enthusiastic about the development of the residents and his staff team.
Conclusion
My time spent at Applegate House was most enjoyable. The renovation had been done very well and it was clear that there was a real passion for the future development. The property looked excellent inside and out and had clearly been carefully designed to suit individuals with sensory issues.
I was warmly welcomed for which I was most grateful. I look forward to returning when it is full to capture the whole experience.
Visiting Officer
Kate Race
Review and Assessment Manager, Living Autism