About this location
High Cross House is located in Blurton in Stoke-on-Trent. We provide residential support for nine males and females who are autistic, have a learning disability or Down’s syndrome. Our home is on a quiet street, near the town centre.
We want all our residents to be happy and safe, living the life they choose to and our team are dedicated in supporting them to achieve their goals.
We can also support those who have difficulties with communication and epilepsy.
Services at a glance
There are a total of nine bedrooms at the site. Of these:
Map
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About our service
Our facilities and environment
High Cross House is a large Victorian home, which is light and spacious, offering a relaxed, homely environment. There are nine bedrooms, including two on the ground floor. There are a further seven on the first floor.
Residents can enjoy the use of two bathrooms and two toilets, and a variety of communal spaces. In summary, we offer:
- A large lounge with plenty of seating
- Kitchen and dining room
- Utility room
- Communal bathroom
We also have our own garden, complete with:
- Secure fencing
- Lawn
- Patio
- Communal seating
Our bedrooms
All of our bedrooms are comfortable, welcoming and can be personalised to individual tastes. Our bedrooms come furnished, and have their own wash basin facilities.
Our approach to support
Everybody who lives at High Cross House 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.
We also have support from a local multidisciplinary team to support our residents. The lengths of the placements that we offer at High Cross House can be transitional, respite, medium or long-term residential, depending on the needs of each person.
Activities
Everyone who lives at High Cross House 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 including:
- Athletics
- Basketball
- Aerobics
- Drama
- Crafts
- Floristry
- Rambling
- Visiting the cinema, theatre, and local disco
- Holidays abroad
- Trips to the pub
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 a personality disorder
- Those with 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. At High Cross House, we have close links with Priory Supported Living West Midlands.
Our team
Our highly experienced team consists of:
- Service manager
- Support workers
- Senior support workers
Our team receive specialist staff training, designed to meet the needs of each individual we support.
A message from our site leader
High Cross House provides a homely environment for people in need of low-level residential care. We have an experienced staff team who are committed to providing the very best levels of care for those we support. We provide a wide range of activities for residents to keep them engaged and active. The ethos at High Cross House is one of promoting independence and supporting our residents to live their life in a way of their choosing.
High Cross House’s site leader
Comments from our residents and their family and friends
I really like living here. I feel so much more independent than I did before
Inside High Cross House
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Family and friends FAQs
How does home leave work?
Residents enjoy family visits whenever they like. Some of our residents visit for the day whilst others have extended stays with family. We will support in any way we can, to make this an enjoyable and smooth experience for everyone.
Can friends and families visit?
Yes, friends and family are welcome to visit. We always pre-plan any visits to ensure they don't fall within mealtimes or other activities that might be happening. We don't accommodate visits late at night and unfortunately, we cannot cater for visitors to stay overnight.
Will I be involved and kept up to date with the progress of my loved one’s care and support?
Yes, family members can be involved as much or as little as they like, obviously depending on the residents’ choice and any safeguarding concerns. We will work with families closely to figure out a style of communication that suits everyone, to keep everyone updated.
Will my loved one be able to have a phone or call me?
Residents can receive telephone calls at any time, most of our residents have their own mobile phones, but we also have landlines at the home, which are available for residents to use.
What are the bedrooms like?
Bedrooms are all furnished and residents are supported to personalise them to suit their needs and wishes. Our bedrooms have their own washbasin facilities, and we can support people to decorate their spaces with their own personal items and furnishings.
Are external doors kept locked?
No, we do not keep our doors locked during the day. Our external doors are locked only at night, as you would your own home. This ensures the safety of our residents.
What do residents eat and how do meal times work?
We have a menu planner and offer a variety of choices, which we plan on a regular basis. Residents have input into the food they eat, and participate in menu planning, food shopping, and meal preparation. Alternative meals, snacks and accommodations for special dietary requirements will be provided.
How does laundry work?
All residents are encouraged to participate in laundry tasks, as part of their activities of daily living. We have laundry facilities at the home, which residents make use of, independently or with any support required.
Who does the housekeeping and domiciliary tasks?
To create a homely environment, Individuals are encouraged and supported to personalise their bedrooms, and are involved in all aspects of the running of the home and personal domestic tasks. This includes keeping their bedrooms clean and tidy, although our staff team can also support, where needed.
Is there anything they can’t bring or have?
Residents are not allowed to bring illegal substances onto the premises. Any items of furniture would need to be checked in advance to ensure that they meet fire regulations and also, we would need to check to ensure there is space.
How do activities work?
Our residents lead a very active life and we have a busy activity schedule with activities occurring at least five days a week, both in the community and at home. Alongside this, everyone is a member of the Special Olympics and they have travelled extensively throughout the UK and abroad when competing. Our residents also attend work placements and college, social and recreational events of their choosing, and travel independently using local transport.
How will residents be supported with their behavioural needs?
Our skilled team work with people to understand their needs, and tailor the support provided to best meet these. We also have a key worker system in place, whereby each resident is assigned key workers. This means they have a core staff team they feel comfortable with, who play a leading role in their support.
Do residents and families have an input into the care plans?
Family members are encouraged to have an input into the care plans of their loved ones. We work with the resident, too, and ensure they have consented and are happy with the approach. Our care plans are regularly involved, and residents have their say to shape the support provided.
What are the car parking facilities?
We have adequate off-street parking at the site.
What is the smoking policy?
High Cross House has a designated area outside by the garage for residents to smoke or to vape.
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.