A registered care home for adults with learning disabilities and autism
Hillcroft House is a calm and welcoming home for adults aged 45 to 75 who have learning disabilities and autism.
Located within peaceful parkland, it provides a safe and supportive place for people to live well, enjoy meaningful activities, and be part of a close-knit community.
Welcome to Hillcroft House, a registered care home for men and women aged 45 to 75 with learning disabilities and autism. People who live at Hillcroft are supported to lead active lives that fulfil their personal choices and individual needs. The home has a well-equipped sensory room, developed to encourage residents to use the technology independently and enjoy relaxation and sensory experiences. Hillcroft is surrounded by beautiful parkland, offering peaceful and green spaces for residents to enjoy.
We aim to keep residents engaged in life, just as we would for ourselves. We respect their choices and dignity. When I first came here, I was surprised by how spacious it is. It’s a big place, so even with six residents, there’s plenty of room for them to sit alone or have some quiet time. There’s a sensory room and specially adapted bathrooms, and we support residents with personal care, preparing breakfast, and other daily needs.
We have a good team that supports each other, especially during the summer when we plan outings to the beach, take residents out for the day, or go for a drive and enjoy an ice cream together. The residents love to chat, and I enjoy listening to their life stories. I’m compassionate, and I want to make a difference to their day, to make them smile and bring some light to their lives.
The people who use the service here are happy. I can say that confidently, as sometimes you’ll see one resident playfully hiding their T-shirt or acting as if they’re hiding, just to get your attention. I’ll go over, say hello, and share a big laugh with them.
Carers and advocates are always welcome at Hillcroft. The residents also socialise during their leisure time with people from other learning disability services and the wider community. For me, the first thing I noticed was the excellent staff-to-resident ratio. With six residents, we have five staff in the morning and four in the afternoon, which is really generous. There’s a friendly atmosphere and pockets of happiness everywhere. You can always hear laughter—from Angie with Marissa, or Andrew popping into the office to share a joke.
Today, I took Marissa and Bobby out to the garden centre, where we had ice cream, a cup of tea, and looked at the plants. Everyone was happy. When we returned, we had lunch, and in the afternoon, we could do karaoke, go out for more shopping, or do whatever the residents feel like doing. Every day depends on their choices.
When I wake up in the morning, I feel excited to come to work because I know I’ll be adding joy to the lives of people who need it. I get so much back from the residents, and I go home feeling like I’ve made a difference. That’s why I love working at Hillcroft.
Our approach to life and care at Hillcroft
Respect and personal choice
We support each person at Hillcroft to make decisions about their daily life, from routines and meals to hobbies and personal goals. Our approach is built on respect, encouraging independence and promoting each person’s right to live with dignity.
Thoughtfully designed spaces
Hillcroft is a single-storey home with spacious bedrooms, shared living areas, and a large accessible garden. Each room is decorated by the person living there, creating a space that reflects their style and personality.
We have a dedicated sensory room, designed for relaxation and independent use, as well as green spaces for gentle walks and quiet time outdoors.
A lively and engaging lifestyle
People living at Hillcroft enjoy a varied and active lifestyle. Regular outings include shopping trips, visits to the cinema and theatre, days out to London or the seaside, swimming, bowling, and meals out. Inside the home, activities like gardening, IT sessions, food preparation, arts and crafts are available, all shaped around what people enjoy most.
Skilled and caring staff
Our team is trained in supporting people with a range of needs, including epilepsy, dementia, physical and complex conditions, and hearing or speech difficulties. With a high staff-to-resident ratio, we provide personalised support with warmth, compassion, and consistency. Many of our team have worked at Hillcroft for several years, helping to create a real sense of community and belonging.
Connecting with families and the community
We value the important role of families, carers, and advocates. Visitors are always welcome, and we encourage people living at Hillcroft to maintain strong connections both within our home and with local services and community groups. These relationships help build a homely, familiar environment where everyone feels included.
How to make a referral
Referrals usually come from local authority care managers.
If you're considering Hillcroft for someone you support, we recommend arranging a visit. It’s a chance for you and the person to explore the home, meet our team, and see if it feels like the right fit. It also helps us learn more about the person’s needs and preferences so we can plan the right support from the start.