About this location
Located in Kingsholm, near to the centre of Gloucester, The Cedars provides residential support for up to nine males and females with a learning disability. We can also support people who:
- Are on the autism spectrum
- Present mild to moderate behaviours that challenge
- Have difficulties with communication
- Have epilepsy
The home is located on a quiet road, within walking distance of the town centre.
We want to support our residents to live their lives to the fullest, by promoting independence and supporting them to access the community, in a safe way. We are dedicated to encouraging healthy and positive wellbeing amongst all the people we care for.
Services at a glance
There are a total of eight bedrooms at the site. Of these:
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About our service
Our facilities and environment
The Cedars is a three-storey building, which is decorated throughout with our residents’ own artwork. We have six bedrooms on the first floor, as well as communal bathrooms and toilet.
We also offer two self-contained flats, one on the third floor and one at the rear of the home. These are for residents with complex needs and those are unable to live with other residents due to noise sensitivity and behaviours that challenge. One of these flats is able to support either one or two individuals.
In summary, we offer:
- 2 large, airy lounge areas
- Dining room
- Kitchen
- Chill out room
- Utility room
- Laundry room
- Wooden lodge for activities
- Planted front garden
- 2 large, off-road car parks
- Reception
- Staff area
- Communal bathrooms
- Communal toilets
- Communal wet room
The Cedars also has a tranquil back garden, which offers a relaxing atmosphere and a quiet retreat. Our garden comes complete with:
- Secure fencing
- Lawn
- Summer house
- Swing
- Activities lodge
We also have specialised equipment within the home, such as hoists. In addition, we have a mobility-adapted minibus to help us to meet the needs of the people we support.
Our bedrooms
All of our bedrooms are comfortably furnished and can be personalised to individual tastes. Two are self-contained flats, with their own bedroom, bathroom, kitchen and lounge facilities.
Our approach to support
Everyone who lives at The Cedars 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, maintaining family relationships and attending medical appointments.
Our dedicated staff team provide first class, 24-hour support to all of our residents, enabling people to make their own choices and set about achieving their goals. We want to help the people we support to reduce their behaviours that challenge and take steps towards a positive and fulfilling life.
Our support approaches at The Cedars include:
- Positive behaviour support (PBS)
- Speech and language therapy (SaLT)
- Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) feeding
- Physical intervention, where needed
In addition, we use tools such as the Outcomes Star™ to support our residents to achieve their goals. The lengths of the placements that we offer at The Cedars can be medium or long-term residential, depending on the needs of each person. For many people, The Cedars is their ‘forever home’.
Activities
Everyone who lives at The Cedars 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.
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. We have strong links with our local community to promote real work opportunities.
We have a large wooden lodge in the garden, which is used for a range of activities, including:
- Arts and crafts
- Computer activities
- Watching films
- Relaxation time
- Social gatherings
We also encourage and support all of our residents to use the kitchen to prepare and cook meals for themselves and others. In addition, we give the people staying with us the opportunity to voice their views about the support they receive, through a medium that suits them. We hold monthly meetings, where people are able to represent the views and voices of themselves and others living at the service. This is extended to area, divisional and national level.
Exclusion profile
- Those who pose a high risk of absconding
- Those who present severe behaviours that challenge
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. We can support people to move into their own home in the community, through Priory Supported Living The Shires, as and when they are ready.
Our team
Our highly experienced team consists of:
- Service manager
- Deputy manager
- Support worker
- PBS practitioner
- Activities co-ordinator
- Housekeeper
Our team receives specialist staff training, designed to meet the needs of each individual we support. This includes:
- Epilepsy awareness training
- PROACT-SCIPr-UK® training
- Diabetes management training
- Stoma care training
- PEG training
Inside The Cedars
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A message from our site leader
We are entrusted by the family of the people we care for, our partners and our residents to support them with the life they wish and choose to have. We encourage positive outcomes and ensure we are open and honest
The Cedars’ site leader
Comments from our residents and their family and friends
Staff support me to lead an active life and improve my skills
Family and friends FAQs
How does home leave work?
Home leave is supported, and staff will support wherever possible.
Can friends and families visit?
Yes, we encourage friends and family to come and visit as much as they like, in order to maintain family contact.
Will I be involved and kept up to date with the progress of my loved one’s care and support?
Yes, we encourage the loved ones of our residents to be involved in their care as much as they would like to be.
Will my loved one be able to have a phone or call me?
Yes, staff will ensure residents maintain contact via phone or video calls.
What are the bedrooms like?
All our bedrooms are person-centred according to the residents’ choice. We support our residents to bring their own belongings with them and make sure these are looked after.
Are external doors kept locked?
Yes, there is a locked key pad on the front door, for the safety of all of our residents.
What do residents eat and how do meal times work?
Residents are supported to choose a meal menu for the week, but alternative choices are available. Residents eat in the dining room, but if there is a risk identified when it comes to eating, we follow SaLT advice and adhere to guidelines.
How does laundry work?
Residents are encouraged complete their own laundry, with staff support.
Who does the housekeeping and domiciliary tasks?
Residents encouraged to take part in household tasks, as part of developing their daily living skills. Staff are available to support our residents with these tasks.
Is there anything they can’t bring or have?
We may place restrictions on certain items, where there is a risk to the resident.
How do activities work?
Everyone we care for has a tailored activities plan in place, with input from local learning disability groups other professionals.
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. Any care plans that include restrictions are assessed regularly. 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?
Yes, by encouraging the people we support to take control and have belief in their potential, we can make positive outcomes a reality for all our residents, regardless of age or presumed ability. We also encourage families to help and advise. By working together, we can make a real and lasting difference.
What are the car parking facilities?
We have a car park at the front of the home and another one at the rear.
What is the smoking policy?
We would support residents as per our health and safety policy.
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.