Care homes for people with disabilities, autistic people and mental health needs
Care Homes for People with Disabilities, Autistic People and Mental Health needs provide specialised residential support for individuals with disabilities, including physical and learning disabilities and individuals with mental health issues including neurodiversity, for example, autism. These homes aim to offer a secure and supportive environment tailored to the specific needs of younger adults. Warwickshire's care homes contribute to promoting independence and providing a high quality of life for individuals with needs.
Mental health provision
Individuals with mental health issues may experience a range of mental health conditions, from anxiety and depression to more severe disorders. Access to timely and appropriate mental health services remains a key concern, with potential barriers including stigma, limited resources, and geographical disparities.
The preferred model of support puts an emphasis on local provision. We want to develop a range of accommodation with support options to enable people to exercise choice and control and, to provide flexible support as required allowing individuals to choose where and with whom they live.
Furthermore, raising awareness about mental health, reducing stigma, and promoting early intervention are essential components of a comprehensive strategy. Warwickshire Adult Social Care must work collaboratively with care home providers and key stakeholders to enhance mental health awareness, ensuring that individuals, families, and communities are equipped to recognise, understand, and respond to mental health challenges effectively.
Learning disabilities
For people with learning disabilities, residential care homes offer vital support tailored to their diverse needs. These homes prioritise personalised assessments and individualised assistance to empower residents to reach their full potential.
While nationally, there's a growing emphasis on supported living and specialised options, ensuring person-centered care delivery aligns with principles like Right Support, Right Care, and Right Culture, we are committed to enabling people with learning disabilities to have autonomy in choosing their living arrangements and companions. Collaboration with care home providers and housing providers is integral to offering a diverse range of accommodation options with appropriate support services.
For people with the most complex behaviours, we will encourage the development of specialist services with a skilled workforce to work with individuals. Please refer to our Market Position Statement for Transforming Care.
Physical disabilities
Individuals aged 18 to 64 with physical disabilities can sometimes rely on specialised care homes for comprehensive support. These homes prioritise accessibility, personal assistance, and tailored environments to empower residents in their daily lives. Accessible housing, transportation, and assistive technologies are key to enhancing their independence and quality of life.
Our plans include creating environments within these homes that cater to the specific needs of individuals with physical disabilities or sensory needs, promoting independence and well-being.
Autism
Autism is a lifelong developmental condition which affects how people communicate with others and perceive the world.
Autistic people often have significant sensory differences which can lead to being overwhelmed by pattern, colour, sound, smell, texture and taste, which in turn can lead to increased anxiety exhibited in behaviours that can challenge. It is paramount to ensure that any housing location, size and environment is designed with the residents’ needs at the heart. Examples of good practice documents are listed below:
- The Department of Health and Social Care document - Building the right support for people with a learning disability and autistic people
- Access to and use of buildings: Approved Document (PDF, 1.7MB)
NHS England have put together a checklist which can be used by developers to ensure the housing schemes being developed are fit for purpose:
- The NDTi summary on these considerations - LGA - Considering and meeting the sensory needs of autistic people in housing
- The full housing report, including a checklist, developed by NDTi on behalf of the Local Government Association (LGA) and the Association of Directors of Adult Services (ADASS) - Supporting autistic people flourishing at home and beyond: Considering and meeting the sensory needs of autistic people in housing
- A NICE endorsed checklist for Autism-Friendly Environments (PDF, 1.4MB)
Whilst autism is, for some, associated with everyday challenges, it may also be associated with cognitive strengths and talents.
Early intervention plays a pivotal role in enhancing outcomes for autistic people. Timely diagnosis and targeted support, contribute to the development of essential life skills and overall well-being.
Promoting awareness, understanding and acceptance is key to creating environments where autistic people can thrive, and Warwickshire to be a place where our communities are more inclusive and welcoming for autistic people, supported appropriately by co-designed, commissioned services.