The Firs

The Firs is a small care home accommodating up to eight adults with complex needs, learning disabilities, and autism in a single adapted building. The home aims to promote independence and choice, helping residents live as ordinary lives as possible. During this unannounced inspection, families and professionals shared positive feedback about the consistent and attentive staff team. While the home has been through a difficult emotional period recently following the passing of two residents, the community has pulled together and created a memorial garden to remember them.

Residents are protected by robust safety practices, including thorough staff background checks, clear risk management plans for activities outside the home, and safe medication storage. Equipment such as the fire system and vehicles is regularly checked and maintained.

Staff receive appropriate training and supervision to understand residents' needs and work within legal frameworks regarding mental capacity and decision-making, though the new manager is currently following up on pending liberty safeguard assessments. Daily health needs are met through regular access to professionals like GPs, speech therapists, and dentists, and pictorial menus help residents make informed food choices.

The atmosphere is warm and respectful, with staff demonstrating a deep understanding of residents' unique communication methods, such as picture books and hand gestures. Staff actively encourage independence using adapted equipment and support residents in maintaining regular contact with families via Skype and visits.

Care plans are highly personalized and detailed, and residents enjoy a variety of activities including sensory sessions, music, and outings using the home's minibuses. Pictorial complaints procedures are in place, and both residents and relatives feel comfortable raising any concerns with the management team.

The home is supported by a visible and approachable management team, including a new manager in the process of registration and a hands-on provider with an open-door policy. Regular quality audits, annual surveys, and staff meetings ensure that safety and standards are consistently monitored and maintained.