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Category: Latest News and Updates!

Learning disabilities and leisure time…

We really are so lucky to live where we live.  With the New Forest National Park barely a hop away and sandy beaches within walking distance of all our homes, there is no better place to offer recreational activities and experiential learning to those whom we support. Nestled between the tourist hub of Bournemouth, the coastal harbour of Lymington, with the ancient priory town of Christchurch on our doorstep, the range of things to do here is diverse.  Horse riding, flying a light aircraft, cycling in the New Forest, water skiing, and horticulture–just some of the activities that people we …

The Importance of Creative Activities and Exercise For People With Autism

Introduction At Apple House care homes we strive to support residents to lead a healthy lifestyle and to be as independent as possible. We provide access to a programme promoting healthy living and wellbeing, with home cooked fresh food, regular exercise, and creative activities. This article outlines why it is important to give people with autism the opportunity to take part in creative activities and regular exercise. Challenges for people with Autism For people with autism, you may notice that they can have challenges in interacting in social situations as it can be overwhelming at times with direct verbal communication. …

Strategic planning in LD care…

Strategic Planning: Looking at Operational Goals. The Apple House Ltd Approach: The world of management and strategic planning can be full of jargon-based terms and phrases, which can take the core meaning away from readers who want to see the direction and aims a company wants to work towards. While it is crucial that our company has a clear strategic plan from directorship level, the methods which enable this plan to work through an operational route are key to achieving the common goal. This planning stage will assist the company forward through an ever-increasing demanding economy and climate. For our …

Our Training Principles…

“Apple House Ltd believes that its employees represent its greatest asset.  By providing opportunities, facilities and financial support for training, the service aims to ensure that all of its employees are in possession of the knowledge, skills and experience necessary to perform their jobs to the highest standard.  To this end, the service is committed to functioning as a learning organisation, providing all of its employees with the opportunity for training and re-training in accordance with their own needs and that of our homes. Without a skilled, committed and well-trained staff team, the service cannot possibly succeed in its aim …

Smiling Matters: Oral Health Care in Care Homes

In June 2019 the Care Quality Commission (CQC) published their review report, ‘Smiling Matters: Oral health care in care homes.’The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) had produced guidelines (NG48) recognising the importance of good oral care for adults in care homes. The aim is to maintain and improve oral health and ensure timely access to dental treatment.The NICE guidelines include recommendations for care home managers, staff and people who use services and their carers, focusing on: Care home policies on oral health and providing people with support to access dental services Oral health assessment and mouth care …

Importance of Creative Activities and Exercise for People with Autism…

Importance of creative activities and exercise for people with autism Introduction At Apple House care homes we strive to advocate a healthy lifestyle and to be as independent as possible. We provide access to a programme promoting healthy living and wellbeing, with home cooked fresh food, regular exercise, and creative activities. This article outlines why it is important to give people with autism the opportunity to take part in creative activities and regular exercise. Challenges for people with Autism For people with autism, you may notice that they can have challenges in interacting in social situations as it can be …

Let’s Talk Gardening and Sensory Gardens…

“Access to gardens can enhance focus and attention, as well as reducing anxiety and boosting self-confidence. Additionally, the garden can be considered a dynamic environment offering diverse opportunities for learning.” –[‘Green Spaces – Outdoor Environments for Adults with Autism’ by Katie Gaudion and Chris McGinley.] At Apple House care homes we know that our outdoor spaces are as vital as indoor space for those who reside at our services.  For many years we have actively encouraged residents to take ownership of their garden space, to use it in a way meaningful to them. Perhaps this year, even more than previously, …

Flu Vaccination: Don’t delay, get yours today!

On behalf of the NHS, Misfits Theatre Company tackles the misinformation surrounding the flu vaccination head on and urges people with learning disabilities and their carers (family member or support worker) to not delay, and get their free flu vaccine today. …

Mad Hatter’s Tea Party…

“What do you get when the creative minds of the Redcroft team get together? The Mad Hatters Tea Party! So, it was that after a conversation involving three very creative minds that the idea of the Mad Hatters Tea Party was born. Amanda Sinnick (Deputy Manager) put her considerable organisation skills to use and grabbed the event by the scruff of the neck and formed a Tea Party committee. Amanda over saw the creation of the many wonderful decorations that would create the fabulous party vibe that was present on the day, as well as the one of a kind …

Nature Garden Update!

Session 15: “After a break from working on the nature garden to assist other team members with their exciting projects, we once again turned our attention to the nature garden. In particular the solving of the one glaring issue since work on the garden began. At present the nature garden could be accessed either side of the Cabin; these access points are fine for those who are able-bodied and confident on their feet. However to be truly accessible for everyone there needed to be an access suitable for everyone. This had been a problem that the team could not seem …