Health and Social Care

New housing development supporting people with complex needs in Midlothian

August 31, 2017 by Isla Bisset No Comments | Category Housing

Outside view of Teviot Court

Last Friday myself and a colleague from Autism policy visited Teviot Court, a new purpose built specialist services for people with Autism, learning disabilities and complex support needs in Penicuik, Midlothian.

The service has been built by Midlothian Council on the site of an old community centre. It will provide specialist 24 hour support, based on individual assessed needs, and includes overnight waking staff support, provided by Richmond Fellowship support workers. Staff are selected for their skills and experience in supporting people with complex needs. But, more importantly their positive attitudes, values and commitment to the people they support.

The service will also benefit from a full time Positive Behaviour Support Advisor and staff training is in place which will enable staff to proactively meet any challenges that arise.

Fully fitted kitchen

The Richmond Fellowship Scotland has been providing high quality care and support services in Scotland since 1993. Their aim is to help people who require support to live happy, safe and fulfilling lives. They have a strong background in providing support to adults with complex support needs and the Teviot Court Service is an important development in this field, particularly following the Mental Welfare Commission’s report No through Roads: People with Learning Disabilities in Hospital which highlighted that “almost a third of patients in learning disability units have been identified as ready

for discharge, but are not discharged for months or years”.

“The service philosophy is based on an expectation that individuals, irrespective of needs, will succeed, continue to develop and lead increasingly independent, active and enjoyable lives.”

Communal lobby area

The service provides 12 individual one bedroom assured tenancies, each with its own entrance, kitchen, sitting room and outdoor space. The flats are configured into four separate ‘pods’ connected by a secure corridor to allow staff easy movement between each unit.

Other work

The Scottish Government is working with the Good Life Group – a collaboration of housing and care providers – to test community living solutions for people with complex needs. This work is currently being piloted in Edinburgh, Falkirk, Angus and Aberdeen.

Healthcare Improvement Scotland has established a ‘Place, Home and Housing’ programme to support key improvements to the strategic planning of housing and related services to provide people with a home environment that supports greater independence and improved health and wellbeing.

Tags: Autism, care, Chief Officer, complex needs, health and social care, Health and Social Care Integration, Home, Housing, Integration, learning disability, mental health, Midlothian, Richmond Fellowship, Social Care

Comments