Venner Avenue
Manager: Charlotte Ridett
Address: 40 Venner Avenue, Northwood, Cowes, Isle of Wight, P031 8AG
Telephone: 01983 293782
Venner Avenue is registered for 4 adults with learning disabilities
Introduction
Venner 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 modern bungalow on a quiet residential road, 40 Venner Avenue is in the village of Northwood, near to the town of Cowes, which is famous as a sailing centre and for the annual international regatta. The home is close to a small shop and post office, and there is a pub within walking distance.
Accommodation is all on the ground floor the home, being especially suitable for those with limited mobility or other physical disabilities. There are four single bed sitting rooms, each having a lockable area for the safe keeping of personal valuables. The newly refurbished bath and shower room is adapted for use by those who need assistance or the use of special bathing equipment. There is a comfortable and spacious lounge and a pleasant garden with lawns and flowerbeds. 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 receive 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 accredited 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 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.
