About this location
Avalon is located in Pontcanna, in Cardiff. The service at Avalon offers residential support for six males and females who are autistic or have a learning disability, and also have mental health needs. Our home is off a main road, next to the beautiful Sophia Gardens Park.
We provide full multidisciplinary team (MDT) support. Our team are dedicated to supporting the people we care for to recognise, identify and achieve their own goals and ambitions.
We can also support those who have:
- Difficulties with communication
- Mild to moderate behaviours that challenge
- Epilepsy
- A forensic need
Services at a glance
There are a total of six bedrooms at the site. Of these:
Map
Click here to enable this content
About our service
Our facilities and environment
Avalon is a stunning listed building, which dates back to the Victorian period. There are six spacious bedrooms, split over three floors. Residents also share a communal bathroom and wet room.
In addition, there is a communal kitchen, dining room and two lounges, all of which have been tastefully decorated to provide a comfortable and homely, living environment.
In summary, we offer:
- A large lounge with plenty of seating
- Kitchen and dining room
- Well-equipped activities room
- Quiet room
- Communal bathroom
- Communal wet room
We also have our own garden, complete with:
- Secure fencing
- Patio
- Communal seating
We also have specialised equipment within the home, such as a stairlift. In addition, we have a site vehicle to help us to meet the needs of the people we support.
Our bedrooms
All of our bedrooms are comfortable, welcoming and can be personalised to individual tastes.
Our approach to support
Everybody who lives at Avalon has their own person-centred care plan, which is co-produced with input from the individual, their family members and professionals involved in their care. We aim to help everyone in our care to make their own choices about the support they receive. This may include support in a number of areas, such as going out in the community, personal care, cooking and cleaning, managing finances and maintaining family relationships.
Our support approaches at Avalon include positive behaviour support (PBS), occupational therapy and psychiatry, delivered through Avalon’s own MDT. In addition, we use tools such as the Outcomes Star™, including the Life Star, and Active Support to support our residents to achieve their goals.
The lengths of the placements that we offer at Avalon can be transitional, respite, short, medium or long-term residential, depending on the needs of each person.
Activities
Everyone who lives at Avalon has their own personalised activities planner and are encouraged to take part in activities which are meaningful and fulfilling to them. Our dedicated team organise a variety of activities at the home, as well as out in the community such as finding work placements, college placements and social groups.
We focus on supporting our residents to grow their independence. For some people, this may mean developing their daily living skills within the home. For others, this could be accessing work or educational opportunities in the local community.
Exclusion profile
- Those who pose a risk to others in communal living areas
- Those with mobility issues
Pathways
Through our network of healthcare, residential and supported living facilities, we provide unique care pathways which help the people we support to progress towards greater independence. Every individual we support is provided with a bespoke pathway plan, tailored according to their individual needs. We aim to ensure that each person is supported to live a fulfilling and active life in the community.
At Avalon, we can support those who may be stepping down from an inpatient setting into the community. We also have links with Priory Supported Living South Wales, enabling people to move on to greater independence.
Our team
Our highly experienced MDT consists of:
- Service manager
- Deputy manager
- Support workers
- Senior support workers
- Psychologist
- Psychiatrist
Our team receive specialist staff training, designed to meet the needs of each individual we support. This includes a diploma and NVQ in health and social care.
Inside Avalon
1 of 3
A message from our site leader
We want our residents to have the best quality of life and we will support them in the choices they want to make. Avalon promotes a healthy lifestyle and empowers individuals to feel part of the community. We always ensure we safeguard each person who is staying with us
Avalon’s site leader
Family and friends FAQs
How does home leave work?
We have a great relationship with all the family of our residents, we arrange visits with family and involve our residents in the process. There are no issues with residents going home if it’s safe to do so.
Can friends and families visit?
Family and friends are absolutely welcome to visit the ward. Unfortunately, family members cannot stay overnight.
Will I be involved and kept up to date with the progress of my loved one’s care and support?
Yes, as long as this is the residents’ choice or deemed in their best interests. We have regular catch-ups and phone calls with family to discuss progress and recent happenings.
Will my loved one be able to have a phone or call me?
Everyone who stays with us are supported to call their loved ones any time, via phone or video call. Family and friends are also able to call as often as they like.
What are the bedrooms like?
All six bedrooms are furnished, spacious and can be personalised. We want everyone to make their room feel their own, and so we encourage the people who live here to bring personal items and décor.
Are external doors kept locked?
No, we are not a locked service. The front door is locked for security purposes only, and can be opened by residents living at the property.
What do residents eat and how do meal times work?
We support residents with cooking, shopping and, preparing their meals, depending on the needs of the individuals. We promote independence, and promote participation in the kitchen. We plan the menu as a group on a Sunday, and everyone is assigned a cooking day. Each day, if a resident doesn’t like the food on offer, they can have an alternative.
How does laundry work?
We have home days where individuals do their laundry and other tasks, the laundry is open to all residents and there is a rota in place for each resident. Our team will provide support with laundry as needed.
Who does the housekeeping and domiciliary tasks?
Residents are encouraged to complete housekeeping and domiciliary tasks; we do have a rota in place for these tasks. Our team will support with this, although we do encourage everyone to take pride in their environment and ownership over their assigned tasks.
Is there anything they can’t bring or have?
Residents are not allowed to bring illegal substances onto the premises. Any furniture brought into the home must comply with fire regulations.
How do activities work?
We have an activities timetable, and the occupational therapist does a lot of work finding work placements, college placements and social groups for individuals to support their independence. Everyone we care for has a tailored activity planner, and this incorporates recreational pursuits as well as their activities of daily living.
How will residents be supported with their behavioural needs?
We use the PROACT-SCIPr-UK® framework, which means we focus on proactive strategies, rather than physical intervention. We require our care plans which include restrictions to be assessed frequently, for example procedures for interventions such as pro re nata (PRN) medication are regularly reviewed and removed, where possible.
Do residents and families have an input into the care plans?
We work with social workers, our MDT, family members and residents to develop care plans which are in the best interests of our residents. We use a variety of communication tools and work with health professionals to aid each resident in having a say about every aspect of their care. Care plans are regularly reviewed, and family members will be asked for their input.
What are the car parking facilities?
Parking is for residents only. There is on-street parking available nearby.
What is the smoking policy?
We have a designated shelter outside for residents to smoke or to vape. We do not permit smoking indoors.
What are your fees and how are they funded?
Our fees can vary, and are based on an assessment of each individual's needs. Many people are eligible for financial help towards the cost of support, and this funding can be accessed by contacting your local authority. Once funding has been agreed, we will work with your local care team to put together a bespoke package of care. Please note, referrals for NHS or Local Authority funded services must come from a referring organisation.
How to make a referral
Our service provides high quality support to people with varying levels of need. Referrals can be made through the individual’s social care team or, if relevant, their local health authority. If you are a professional looking to make a referral, please call us or fill in our enquiry form.