Caerlan care home in Newbridge Road, Llantrisant, Rhondda Cynon Taf, is celebrating after winning a prestigious design award which recognises the significant contribution it is making to the quality of life and wellbeing of people in its care.
Caerlan is a fully-staffed residential home for young adults over the age of 17 who are on the autistic spectrum.
At an awards ceremony at the Lancaster Hotel in central London, attended by healthcare providers, architects and developers, the home was highly praised for a number of its design features. Judges said: “In your category there were some amazing designs – but your service had soul, and that is why you won.”
The home promotes independence, comfort, social interaction and wellbeing. It is an ‘autism friendly’ low stimuli environment. There are sensory lights installed in the en-suite bathrooms, and sound proofing in residents’ bedrooms which limits interruption to their private time.
Since its opening, Caerlan has attracted considerable interest from both local service commissioners, as well as those further afield including Northern Ireland and Kent, and it is rapidly becoming a model for how a complex autism service should be developed.
All furniture is discreetly robust and special fixtures have been installed to ensure residents can’t harm themselves. Special taps ensure that bathrooms cannot flood.
Artwork is displayed around the home, most of which are photos of the local area, with the aim of making Caerlan a warm environment for everyone who visits.
Priory Adult Care (formerly Craegmoor) provides care for vulnerable people across the UK in residential settings, as well as through a network of supported living services.
In 2014, commissioners of services in South Wales identified the lack of specialist autism services in the area. With this in mind, Caerlan was created, and staff were recruited locally. The home offers spectacular panoramic views of the Welsh countrywide. There is a large garden as well as smaller outdoor areas where residents are able to relax.
The Pinder Healthcare Design Awards aim to promote and recognise the very best developments in all types of care-related property. The awards have been running for 20 years.
Priory Adult Care fought off stiff competition to win in the Best New Care Facility (Younger Adults) category.
The home received £500, which it has donated to the charity ‘Follow Your Dreams’, an organisation which inspires children and young people with learning disabilities to fulfil their ambitions.
Laura Prothero, home manager, said: “We are thrilled. Everyone including staff, relatives and residents are all very proud. We are a new home and it is great to see that we are establishing a great reputation already. A lot of work has been put into the home’s design to ensure residents are well looked after and have great start to their adult life.”
For more information on the specialist services Priory Adult Care can offer, please call the enquiries and referrals team on 0808 208 2147 or click here to make an enquiry.