Firstly, I wish to point out the comment made in the previous review about giving the centre 5 stars if it wasn't for the fact you can only go if you have a disabled person with you - clearly that is the point; both the respite and the activity centre were set up with the aim of supporting disabled people and their families. I am aware this must be a common issue, since I heard one person complain they couldn't get in to summer event; apparently they were hoping to meet 'the main man'. Once you start letting randoms into the centre, particularly the ignorant and those who will gaup at the disabled guests, you are creating an unsafe environment, lest the verbal abuse that both disabled people and their carers face. Disabled people and their families go to places like this because people are use to seeing and spending time with disabled people, so I hope they never have open days - they won't come to help the disabled.
This also links into what I have to say - the best respite care does not allow all and sundry into through the doors. Security is an issue here - yes, you have to ring a bell for staff to let you in (sometimes a kind soul, other than staff will let you in, which they unintentionally don't realise is a security risk) and they also have security cameras, but there is still a worry of the intentions and experience of volunteers. The majority I have seen are competent and respectful, but one recently, sat at the front desk made me, a relative of a disabled user of the centre, very uncomfortable. She was gossiping and carrying on, I felt, and I noticed how she looked at a severely disabled person. She was also staring at me in a horrible fashion. I worry about randoms coming into the centre to pad out their cvs, without any real understanding, and with that, there is always a risk of an unqualified person claiming to be an expert on such matters which is potentially very dangerous. She was also making comments as I left the building. I was quiet because we had experienced an upsetting situation, and no, I do not have any disabilities, physical or learning-wise, I have you know - you should try asking. This is called communication which is lacking in some cases between staff.
I also find it extraordinary that the carers and families of the able-bodied, but those who have learning disabilities are so ignorant when it comes to physically disabled people. I personally would have recommended different respite centres for able and physically disabled people. An open door policy is worrying for families leaving their vulnerable relatives who can't fight people off.
Too many cooks spoil the broth - sometimes too many carers is not a good thing. One of the best respite care homes operated with far fewer staff and operated a lot more successfully. Again, this clearly causes communication problems. They don't appear to know who has been on shift earlier in the day which I find odd seeing they have staff-turnovers.
The activity centre is attractive - the sensory rooms are a little small to manoeuvre large wheel chairs. The pool is aesthetically pleasing but a design flaw is apparent for my relative's needs. The ceiling hoist and steps cause a barrier getting into the pool. A pool where the stairs are located in the corner, avoiding making the water shallow in the middle would be better. Here the handler can get in, control the hoist control, position the guest in their arms, remove the sling without having to move to the far corner which means two people are required. It is also safer.
It is a shame some visitors have to be rude. Two women with small babies - I am unsure of their disabilities - using the sensory room, I think, were pathetically impolite. I think people like this would be wise to stay at home.
30+ experience living and working with a person with special needs. read more
