Kingscroft – Short breaks for adults with learning disabilities and autism

Kingscroft is a welcoming short break service for adults with learning disabilities and autism. We offer safe, supportive stays in a home-from-home environment, giving carers a chance to rest and people a chance to enjoy new experiences.

Whether someone wants to relax, take part in activities, or continue their usual routine, we’ll make sure their stay is tailored to their needs and preferences.

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Welcome to Kingscroft, a registered care home with nursing for up to seven men and women with learning disabilities and associated physical and health needs. Kingscroft provides families and carers with a well-earned break and gives individuals with learning disabilities a chance to spend some time away from home, meet others, have fun, or simply relax.

Our approach is to create a home-from-home atmosphere, following each person’s usual daily routine during their stay. For example, we support people to attend their day care centre or other external activities if that’s part of their usual schedule. If their day is free, we offer a range of activities and spend time with them at Kingscroft.

The care we provide is person-centred, and each person has their own care plan, which includes details about their likes, dislikes, and preferences for support.

We also like to involve people who use our services, along with their families, in shaping what we do. We gather feedback through questionnaires and interviews and run regular family and carer support groups with an independent advocate. Additionally, we hold social events for families and carers at least every three months.

Kingscroft has seven bedrooms, each with a comfortable bed, TV, DVD player, sink, and storage (wardrobes and/or drawers). Two of the rooms are equipped with hoist tracking. Our communal areas include a main lounge and dining area, which is open-plan and ideal for eating, listening to music, watching TV, or joining activities. There’s also a smaller, quieter lounge and a sensory room for those who want some calm, private time.

Meals and drinks are prepared in our well-equipped kitchen, and we are experienced in catering for different dietary and health needs. Kingscroft also has two large bathrooms with jacuzzi baths and ceiling tracking, as well as commodes, shower beds, and hoists to support bathing.

The team at Kingscroft is highly experienced in supporting people with learning disabilities, with staff on duty 24 hours a day. During the day, we have three to four staff members to cater to people’s needs, and at night we have two waking staff to assist with overnight support. All staff members receive regular training in health care, including administering medication, PEG feeding, catheter care, stoma care, and epilepsy support. They are also trained to work with people who may have complex or challenging behaviour.

Our team includes a housekeeper and dedicated admin support, and all staff have current DBS checks (formerly CRB). Every bedroom is individually decorated with a colour theme and matching soft furnishings, and we always try to accommodate guests' preferences if they have a favourite room.

Kingscroft’s outdoor space includes a patio area with seating and tables, and weather permitting, we enjoy meals outside. The garden also features seats, loungers, and a trampoline for residents to use during their stay.

What to expect at Kingscroft

Personalised care and support

We work closely with each person and their family to create a support plan that reflects their needs, routines, and preferences. If someone attends day services or regular activities, we’ll support them to continue with these during their stay.

We also welcome feedback through regular questionnaires, interviews, support groups, and social events with families and carers.

Comfortable, accessible accommodation

Kingscroft has six bedrooms, each with a bed, TV, DVD player, sink, and personal storage. Two rooms include ceiling track hoists for people who need mobility support. Each room has a different colour scheme, and we try to match people with their preferred room where possible.

Shared spaces for fun and relaxation

Our open-plan lounge and dining area is a sociable space for meals, music, games, or relaxing with others. We also have:

  • A quiet lounge with a tropical fish tank

  • A sensory room for calming time

  • A large outdoor area with seating, loungers, and a trampoline

These spaces offer a choice of environments to suit different needs and moods.

Meals and dietary needs

We prepare meals in our well-equipped kitchen and cater for a wide range of dietary and health needs. Everyone is supported to enjoy nutritious food that suits their preferences and requirements.

Skilled, dedicated staff

Our experienced team is available 24 hours a day, with 3–4 staff during the day and 2 waking staff overnight. Staff are trained in:

  • Medication administration

  • PEG feeding

  • Catheter care

  • Epilepsy support

  • Supporting people with behaviour that challenges

We also have a housekeeper and admin support to help the service run smoothly.

Accessible facilities

Kingscroft includes:

  • A large bathroom with a jacuzzi bath and ceiling hoist

  • A separate wet room

  • Shower chairs, commodes, and other accessible equipment

We aim to make all personal care as safe, comfortable, and dignified as possible.

How to make a referral

Referrals are usually made by a care manager, but can also come from family members, carers, the person themselves, or a health professional.

Once a referral is made:

  1. We work with the care manager to ensure our service is the right fit.

  2. Our manager visits the person and their family or carers at home.

  3. We offer introductory visits to Kingscroft, such as a short tea visit, before an overnight stay.

Each person is assigned a key worker who ensures everything is in place for a safe and enjoyable break.

Contact Kingscroft