Summer holidays for adults with complex needs

By Richardson Care

Summer means holidays for many of us, and this is no exception for service users at Richardson Care, who have acquired brain injury, or learning disabilities, and complex behavioural needs.

Holidays are incorporated into service users’ care plans wherever possible, as director and co-owner Laura Richardson-Cheater explains: “When my parents set up our first specialist care home in 1989, we lived in the home too.

“That meant that service users were part of an extended family – we would have meals together and go on holiday together.

“Thirty-seven years later, and with six specialist services, things have changed a lot. However, what hasn’t changed is the importance of a family environment and the recognition that service users should have the same opportunities for social and community activities as anyone else.”

Achieving goals

She adds: “Over the years, we have supported some of the guys to achieve some important milestones, such as taking their first ever holiday, their first experience of the seaside, their first cruise, flight, or trip abroad.

“One service user took his first ever holiday to Skegness at the age of 50, and now he keeps going back! He is able to manage his complex behaviours and is supported to stay on a holiday park, which he absolutely loves.

“Others go on trips to Blackpool, Dorset, Norfolk and Essex, for example, staying in various types of accommodation and Butlins is always popular.

“While they are away, the guys enjoy different types of entertainment, depending on their individual preferences. These could be trips to the zoo, meals out, fish and chips on the beach, chilling out with an ice cream in the sunshine.

“On a holiday in Blackpool this summer two service users, supported by two members of staff, had a great time at Madame Tussauds ‘meeting’ loads of familiar personalities from music and TV.”

Supporting individual choice

Laura continues: “Service user holidays take a lot of planning, so it starts early in the year.

“The care teams collect holiday brochures and compile online resources, discussing all the options and ideas within each home. There are all the practical considerations of accessibility and environment to take into account.

“Holidays are usually taken in small groups or individually, depending on the wishes of each service user. They also choose which staff members they would like to accompany them on their holiday.

“We also support service users to go on holiday with their families, or stay with family members overseas.

“This summer we supported service users to stay with their families in Poland, Serbia and the Channel Islands, as well as many places within the UK. Northampton’s central location means that lots of places are within easy reach.”

Well-being benefits and increasing independence

“Holidays in general are an important escape from our everyday lives, whether it’s a weekend by the sea, a trip to Disneyland or a Mediterranean cruise.

“They provide a change from the usual routine, opportunities to rest and rejuvenate, as well as to experience new situations, different cultures and try new foods and drinks: Spending time with our families and friends making memories and generally doing things that we would not normally be able to do, ” adds Laura.

“This is the same for our service users.

“We support them to try new things, make choices and decide exactly what they want to do, so they can have a truly personalised holiday.

“Activities are risk-assessed and safe, but it doesn’t mean that they are overly restrictive.

“Wherever possible and if desired, we enable new experiences and activities, so service users can apply their daily living skills to new situations and increase their independence.

“They can create new memories (which are often easier to recall than routine activities), have fun and feel good.

“Holidays, day trips and new experiences also help with achieving goals and increasing confidence.

“Some service users prefer to return to familiar places, while others want to go somewhere new. It’s all about balance and personal choice, supporting each individual to live their best life.”

Richardson Care is specialist provider of neuro rehab services for adults with acquired brain injury, or learning disabilities, and complex needs.

An independent family business with a 37-year track record, it has six specialist homes in Northampton.

To find out more or arrange a visit, call 01604 791266, www.richardsoncares.co.uk.