The team at Felbrigg House, an Elysium service which supports people who have a learning disability or who are autistic, are hugely experienced in supporting individuals with complex health needs positively, proactively and safely. We spoke with Deputy Manager, Aimee Hughes, to find out more about the service and her team’s approach to care.
“Felbrigg is in Dover, and we can support up to 11 people, all gender identities, the majority of whom have a learning disability and who are autistic. We’ve designed the service carefully to make sure there are different social spaces, including a lovely quiet lounge where it’s very tranquil and gentle, a lovely space for puzzles and games and reflection in a calm and peaceful environment.
“Alongside supporting people’s needs in terms of their learning disability or autism, we support people who also have complex physical health needs, including epilepsy, diabetes and cerebral palsy. When thinking about epilepsy in particular, we support people who have active epilepsy and those who may have historical epilepsy.
“The team are highly trained to make sure we are providing the very best possible support. We have training specifically to examine epilepsy, including different types of seizures, how to assist a person in each case, medication, including rescue medication and how to recognise different seizure types. We’re also very focused on protecting and maintaining dignity.
“We work closely with GPs and other medical professionals around the person to make sure we have all the training and knowledge required to positively support the individual. We adapt the team to the needs of the client, making sure highly skilled staff are always available to respond to medical emergencies following guidelines and protocols put in place for such events.
“This proactive and informed support helps people not only manage their health needs, but also enables them to live really full lives; their physical health needs do not limit them, and we promote independence as much as possible. Whether it’s enjoying musical performances, themed barbecues, football matches, visits to the seaside, wildlife centres, crazy golf, museums or visits to local towns – we like to get out and about!
“I think a good care home is an empty one where people are out doing things every day. The impact it has socially and mentally, as well as physically, cannot be underestimated, even if it’s just for a short time. It makes a huge difference.”
