Francis House Homecare provides specialist support for people with autism, Asberger’s and associated learning difficulties. Our trained staff offer consistent care via personalised support packages. All care is delivered in a safe, and well-managed residential environment.
The autism care we offer in our Bedford locations reflects the needs of our clients. Where their needs change, we are well placed to be responsive in a timely manner which, in turn, promotes the empowerment of those placed in our care.
What is Autism Care?
Autism care is specialist, professional support for autistic disorders and Asperger’s Syndrome. Whilst there is no known cure for autism, our aim at Francis House Homecare is to help our clients to achieve a good quality of life, and the accomplishment of personal goals within a setting that provides security, consistency of approach, and compassionate care.
The autism care provided by our staff is tailored to each individual client and their family. We know the importance of routine in autism care, and ensure that each individual works with a small group of carers who they can get to know and trust.
Person-Centred Care
Our clients are at the heart of everything we do at Francis House. Our full-time professional carers take time to build trust-based relationships, and work with the same clients consistently. It matters to us that service users are able to widen their life experience, and we facilitate this through tailored social inclusion visits.
All our autism care staff are specialists who have been trained to understand the needs of clients with autism and Asperger’s. They are excellent communicators, and have the skills to confidently manage what is sometimes described as ‘challenging behaviour’.
Positive Behaviour Support
In order to build trust and develop a therapeutic relationship, Francis House carers use an approach based on Positive Behaviour Support.
‘Positive Behaviour Support is an understanding of the behaviour of an individual. It is based on an assessment of the social and physical environment in which the behaviour happens, includes the views of the individual and everyone involved, and uses this understanding to develop support that improves the quality of live for the person and others who are involved with them.’
Taken from the BILD Positive Behaviour Support Jargon Buster, available at: www.bild.org.uk/pbs
Our Services
Francis House Homecare specialises in supporting people with autism and Asperger’s Syndrome. This includes those who may have a dual diagnosis or co-existing mental health problem. Our expertise extends to those who may also have a history of non-engagement with services, pose an increased risk to themselves or others, or who may have substance misuse problems.
For those with challenging behaviour, we can provide 24 hour support to enable them to live in their own home in the community - instead of expensive inpatient and specialist care
Support with medication management including dealing with side-effects
Monitoring of service users' mental health or other conditions, and help to manage symptoms
Effective management of the negative and positive symptoms associated with psychosis, such as self-neglect, an inability to self- motivate, self-isolation paranoid ideation, persecutory thoughts and anti-social behaviour
Support from specialist rehabilitation workers to assess functions and promote skills acquisition, for example, employment-seeking skills
Deep cleaning sessions to enable individuals to live well or move back home from hospital
Respite – We can provide as little as half an hour to enable carers to take a break
Assessing and managing risk across all areas including environmental
Assistance with personal care such as dressing, bathing and eating
Support with social activities and companionship such as attending clubs and meetings
Support with accessing community resources and services such as a GP
Support with practical activities including paying bills and preparing and cooking meals
To learn more about our Autism care services in Bedford, call Francis House Homecare today on 01234 841808
Why Choose Francis House Homecare?
Our Care Quality Commission report recognises Francis House Homecare to be a provider that offers consistently good service to our clients. We have a reputation for taking our responsibilities seriously, and we take pride in the level of care we provide for our clients in Bedford.
Every Francis House care worker completes mandatory training when they begin work with us. Subsequently they are mandated to complete a supplementary training course each year. We provide specialist training in a number of areas, including: Positive Behaviour Planning, PEG feeding, autism, stoma care, dementia, and managing challenging behaviour. Staff can also take courses related to specific mental health conditions.