The Firs

The Firs is a large house in Potters Bar that has been converted into a 9 bed home to meet the challenging needs of  adults with Learning Difficulties and Autistic Spectrum Conditions. Each resident has their own single bedroom with en-suite facilities and access to the communal kitchen, living room, conservatory,  large garden and activity room. The Home provides 24 hour staffing support.

Aims and Objectives

All residents will have a Learning Difficulty and or Autistic Spectrum Conditions and require input from appropriately skilled staff on a daily basis.  In order to provide a holistic, high quality service to its residents, the staff team aim:-

• To support individuals in managing and living with Learning Difficulties and Autistic Spectrum Conditions.
• To acknowledge and respect the individual and not just see the disability.
• To encourage the development of social skills and reduce the disabling effects of their condition.
• To provide individual communication skills programmes.
• To provide an environment that is safe and predictable.
• To encourage personal growth, whilst maintaining safety through care planning, guidelines and risk assessments.
• To review and document individual progress and achievements.
• To support individuals in developing existing skills and to acquire new ones.
• To provide individual person centred day programmes, which are meaningful and enjoyable within the community setting, and offer consistency and continuity.
• To provide opportunities to access colleges of further education and work opportunities based on peoples individual interests.
• To encourage choice and involvement to a level with which the individual can cope.
• To support individuals in developing and maintaining their mental well being.
• To identify and treat any health issues presented by an individual.
• To provide access to a range of specialist practitioners, including Psychology, Speech and Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists.
• To provide access to medical practitioners as required, e.g. GP, dentist, optician etc.
• To develop individuals independence skills and encourage individuals to move on into more independent living if possible, and in their best interest.
• To understand that behaviours may be a result of fear, distress, increased anxiety, anger etc, and to manage situations according to individual guidelines of support.
• To provide skilled and supportive staff, knowledgeable in Learning Difficulties and   Autistic Spectrum Conditions.
• To work in a positive partnership with external professionals, individual families and friends.