Cartref House

Cartref House in Sittingbourne provides accommodation and personal care for up to six adults with learning disabilities, physical and sensory needs, and autistic spectrum disorder. The recent inspection found that the home continues to maintain a positive standard of care, where residents live in a comfortable, three-storey house with access to a secure garden. Relatives and residents speak warmly about the atmosphere and the support they receive, noting that individuals are encouraged to lead ordinary, independent lives with freedom of choice.

Residents feel safe and well protected from harm, supported by staff who understand safeguarding procedures, manage personal finances securely, and carry out appropriate safety checks. However, inspectors noted that one of the bathrooms required urgent repair due to mould on the walls and ceiling, which the provider was in the process of refurbishing.

Care is delivered by a trained and knowledgeable team that respects residents' rights, involves them in daily decisions, and ensures they have enough to eat and drink. Residents actively participate in planning and cooking their meals, and receive appropriate healthcare support, though the home ensures all practices strictly align with mental capacity legislation and legal safeguards.

Staff treat residents with genuine kindness, respect their privacy, and support personal communication needs using specialized tools like Makaton signs and pictorial formats. Residents are encouraged to maintain relationships with family and friends, move freely around the house, and take part in household tasks to build their confidence.

Care plans are highly personalized, reflecting individual preferences, backgrounds, and hobbies, and are regularly reviewed alongside relatives and health professionals. The service communicates effectively with residents using accessible formats and maintains an open complaints policy, ensuring feedback is actively used to improve daily life.

The home is well-managed by a registered manager who understands their legal responsibilities and regularly assesses the quality of care provided. Staff feel well-supported through regular supervision and meetings, contributing to a stable environment where lessons are learned from any incidents to continually improve the service.