Virtue Health Services Ltd

Last week, Virtue Health Services celebrated the arrival of the first guest to Ashdale House. The newly opened care home, will provide a complete care package to one young man, living with autism and ADHD.

Creating a homely environment

A few weeks ago, it came to our attention an 18-year old male was living from home to home, and wasn’t receiving the correct care and support required for him to live his best life. 

Following an initial conversation with the local social worker, our Head of Development and Commissioning, Karen Stanley, invited the potential guest and social worker to Ashdale House, to see if they both thought it would be an ideal setting to live. 

Fortunately, the brave young man agreed it would be far better for him to move into Ashdale House, knowing all the care and support he wanted would be available to him as and when he required, along with the opportunity to enhance his independence, his skills and create a new, positive life for himself. 

Living with autism and ADHD

Autism and ADHD are complex needs which result in the individual requiring care, support, routine and assistance if anything begins to feel too-much. Karen explains: “Shortly after meeting with him, I could see straight away how much we’d be able to help him, and how far he could develop into a more confident young man with just the right amount of support.

“Once it was confirmed he would move-in with us, our team began creating a complete care package which involves 1:1 care and support when required, activity planning, meal ideas and food prepping, as well as time set aside to develop his social skills and relationship building with others.”

Despite the current COVID-19 pandemic, the care team are working closely with our young man, to develop an activities package based on his needs and wants. The small care home is equipped with raised flower beds for gardening, a large kitchen for cooking and meal-prep, as well as relaxing space in the lounge and bedrooms. 

A shortage of care in the area

Ahead of the opening of Ashdale House – Virtue’s first Community Pathway – the CQC (Care Quality Commission) visited the service to register it as an official residential facility, ready to provide an important service. However, praise was given stating: “The service was passed without any question – the quality was outstanding, the interior feels much like your own home and there is no doubt the care provided will be excellent. 

There is a real shortage of such quality, independent residential living services in the area, offering for learning disabilities – Ashdale House will make a wonderful home for two individuals who both require care and support.”

At Virtue Health Services we equip individuals with the confidence and skills to develop an identity within their community, make their own decisions and live the best version of their life. With a focus on rehabilitation into a more independent life, we still provide the much required care and support. So, even if individuals cannot live without some form of care and support, they are still more independent than they perhaps thought achievable.

Our dedicated team works with individuals and families to develop goals and support them to maintain and develop their skills, transitioning along a pathway towards independence. Make a referral today.