About this location
Penfold Lodge is a residential service located in Clacton-on-Sea, Essex. The home supports for 18 men with mental health needs. We are situate close to the sea front, off a main road in the town centre.
Our team are dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of the people we support, providing them with the skills needed for them to live a healthier and happier life back in the community.
We can also support people who have a mild learning disability alongside their primary mental health diagnosis, and those who are stepping down from secure mental health settings, psychiatric intensive care units (PICUs) and forensic services.
Services at a glance
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About our service
Our facilities and environment
Penfold Lodge is located in a large, detached, Victorian house, with a variety of spacious communal areas, and a homely feel. The accommodation is comprised of 18 bedrooms, which are split across three floors.
In summary, we offer:
- A large lounge with plenty of seating
- Kitchen and dining room
- Utility room
- Communal bathroom
- Communal wet room
- Skills kitchen
We also have a large garden, complete with:
- Secure fencing
- Lawn
- Patio
- Communal seating
- Shelter
- Wheelchair access
Our bedrooms
All of our bedrooms are comfortable, welcoming and can be personalised to individual tastes. The ground floor offers three bedrooms, and the rest are on the upper floors. Seven of the bedrooms have en-suite facilities, including a shower or a wet room. The remaining bedrooms have wash basins.
Our approach to support
Everybody who lives at Penfold Lodge 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, and maintaining family relationships.
Our support approaches at Penfold Lodge include:
- Positive behaviour support (PBS)
- Occupational therapy
- Nursing
- Physiotherapy
- Speech and language therapy
- Psychology
We have support from a local multidisciplinary team to offer these services. 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 Penfold Lodge can be medium or long-term residential, depending on the needs of each person.
Activities
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.
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.
Our team
Our highly experienced team consists of:
- Service manager
- Deputy manager
- Support workers
- Activities co-ordinator
- Housekeeper
- Maintenance support
Our team receive specialist staff training, designed to meet the needs of each individual we support.
A message from our site leader
We look after family members the way we would care for our own. We strive to empower individuals to be as independent as possible, and for them to live their best quality of life possible
Penfold Lodge’s site leader
Comments from our residents and their family and friends
We live in a happy home where we feel safe and we can talk to staff about anything if we need to
Family and friends FAQs
How does home leave work?
We support our residents to attend family events and visit their own homes. We will work with the resident and their relatives to ensure possible risks are managed and that everyone is supported. This might mean that the individual’s key worker will come along on the visit.
Can friends and families visit?
Family and friends are welcome to come visit, and can even participate in activities at the home. We ask that you notify us in advance of your visit, so we plan around this and ensure the routines and wellbeing of residents is protected.
Will I be involved and kept up to date with the progress of my loved one’s care and support?
Yes, we strive to keep the loved ones of our residents involved in their care, where appropriate and in line with the resident’s wishes or best interests. Our team will work with our resident’s loved ones on an individual basis to arrange regular catch-ups, which could be either in person or via telephone.
Will my loved one be able to have a phone or call me?
Our home has an incoming phone line, and there are cordless phones at various points around the property which can be used by residents at any time. In addition, we can support our residents to get their own mobile phone, where appropriate.
What are the bedrooms like?
Bedrooms are all furnished and residents are supported to personalise them to suit their needs and wishes. Some of the furniture has been purchased to suit the needs of our residents and some of it is fitted, and therefore cannot be removed.
Are external doors kept locked?
We do operate an open door policy, meaning most residents can come and go whenever they choose. Our door is only locked at night, for security purposes. There is a key pad on the front door and every resident will be risk assessed to determine the level of security needed.
What do residents eat and how do meal times work?
Residents choose from a four-week rolling menu and they are supported by staff to cook the meals. If they want to cook their own meal, they can also supported in our separate kitchenettes in the home.
How does laundry work?
Residents are given help to do their own laundry, as part of promoting independence. Our staff are on hand to offer support if and when it is required.
Who does the housekeeping and domiciliary tasks?
Our housekeeper will clean the communal areas, and keep the home in good order. However, we encourage the people who live here to take pride in their environment. People will be supported by staff on their set day to have a deep clean on their bedroom, as well as undertake daily domiciliary tasks to maintain their independence.
Is there anything they can’t bring or have?
Residents are not allowed to bring illegal substances onto the premises. We would also ask that people do not bring high risk personal items into the house. We may place restrictions on some items where the risks cannot be appropriately managed, such as non-approved drugs and medications, solvent-based products and lighters.
How do activities work?
The residents have a noticeboard where upcoming events, shows and cinema listings are promoted to enable them to decide what they would like to do. Staff support staff to do their chosen activities.
How will residents be supported with their behavioural needs?
We use de-escalation techniques when supporting people with their behavioural needs. We can use our local multidisciplinary team to provide support if we feel someone requires therapeutic input.
Do residents and families have an input into the care plans?
We work with social workers, family members and residents to develop care plans which are in the best interests of our residents. Care plans are regularly reviewed, and family members will be asked for their input, where this is appropriate.
What are the car parking facilities?
We have off-road parking here at Penfold Lodge.
What is the smoking policy?
Residents can smoke by the designated smoking area in the back garden, which has a shelter. We don’t permit smoking inside the building, and this includes vapes. Residents are able to buy cigarettes and vapes at the shops, if this is what they choose.
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.