Carter Avenue
Manager: Chris Hyland
Address: 31 Carter Avenue, Shanklin, Isle of Wight, PO37 7LG
Telephone: 01983 867845
Carter Avenue is registered for 6 adults with learning disabilities.
Introduction
Carter Avenue is a small group home with 24-hour staff cover. Clients receive practical assistance, emotional support and general supervision, according to the personal care plan agreed with them the basis of which is a person centred approach. This relates to all aspects of daily living including personal care, help with medication, support in undertaking domestic tasks, escorting to day centres and other activities, and social interaction. There is a house car, which is used for most journeys however clients can choose to use public transport if necessary. We cater for a mixed group; and placements are normally on a long term basis.
Accommodation
A two-storey, double fronted house, 31 Carter Avenue is situated in a quiet, attractive residential road, of mainly detached houses. It is within easy reach of the main High Street, which has a post office, banks, building societies, cafes and restaurants, a wide range of shops and other amenities. Shanklin is a very popular seaside town, with visitors most of the year. The old village is particularly attractive, with thatched cottages, pubs and tearooms.
Accommodation is in six single bed rooms, each with washing facilities. One bedroom is on the ground floor. There is a lockable facility in all bedrooms for the safe keeping of personal valuables. The home has two bathrooms: one on ground floor and one on the first floor, both adapted for use by those who need assistance or special bathing facilities. The comfortable and spacious lounge is at the front on the ground floor, with dining room and kitchen at the rear. There is a pleasant and easily accessible garden with lawns and flowerbeds, with sun house. In the summer the garden is used for barbeques and ‘Al-fresco ‘ dining. To protect the safety of clients and staff, smoking is only allowed in designated areas, in accordance with Company Health and Safety policies.
Mealtimes are planned to fit in with activities and outings, and can be adapted to coordinate with individual timetables. All our meals are prepared at the home and clients are encouraged to share in menu planning, shopping, and food preparation. Personal likes and dislikes are an important part of menu planning as well as good balanced nutrition and we encourage all clients to share in this as much as possible.
Keeping in touch with family & friends is important, and we do all we can to help clients keep in contact. Family and friends are welcome to visit the home at any reasonable time. It is helpful for us to know when visits are planned as clients are often out at Day Centres, or may be taking part in other activities away from the home. We can also help with the transport and escorting of clients to facilitate visits home, where this is agreed as part of the care plan.
Transport services are good. All year round there are connecting bus-services to other towns on the Island. A train service runs regularly between Shanklin and Ryde. Regular car and passenger ferries run between Cowes and Southampton, Ryde/Fishbourne and Portsmouth, Yarmouth and Lymington.
Facilities
Learning, recreational and leisure facilities are all available on the Island, and help in accessing and using these is an important part of life skills programmes. The home also has an active programme of activities and outings that are discussed and agreed with clients.
Staff
The staff team is led by the registered manager, and staff are on the premises day and night providing one to one care when needed, help with domestic activities, assistance in getting to and using local facilities and personal support to maintain independence and exercise choice. All staff receives comprehensive training, including health and safety procedures, manual handling and managing emergencies, as well as in a full range of care skills. Most training is provided by our in-house training company, and is programmed to enable staff to attain the NVQ qualifications appropriate for their responsibilities. Clients have a Key Worker who works closely with the client, and would involve family and friends if requested by them. This enables each resident to have the help and support appropriate to his or her own individual daily activity and learning.
Health Care Services
Health care is provided from the local GP practice. Staff will help arrange visits to see the doctor, or arrange home visits where this is felt necessary. The main hospital is situated in Newport, where out-patient clinics are usually held. Staff will, if necessary, assist in administering any medication, which has been prescribed. Visits to the dentist, optician, chiropodist, or for other special treatments are arranged as necessary.
Views and Comments
We encourage clients, their families and representatives or advocates to discuss any concerns with the manager and we have a complaints procedure should this be necessary.
