Shieling House – A caring home for men with Learning Disabilities and Autism
Shieling is a welcoming home for eight men aged 65 to 75, all of whom have learning disabilities and autism. Here, we provide a supportive environment where everyone is encouraged to maintain their independence, enjoy social connections, and lead a fulfilling life. Our dedicated team is committed to meeting each resident’s unique needs, offering tailored support with daily living activities in a setting that feels like home.
Welcome to Shieling, a registered care home providing a home to eight men between the ages of 65 and 75 who have learning disabilities and autism. The team at Shieling supports the men with all their daily living needs, encouraging independence while ensuring each person’s individual needs are met. The men at Shieling enjoy socialising at home and going out for activities in the community. The home has a lovely garden and a small sensory room. Shieling’s garden also includes a dome, a quiet space that people can enjoy all year round.
We have eight gentlemen here, and we want them to be well-supported to enjoy life, build good relationships with family members and advocates, and lead fulfilling lives. I love working at Shieling. Thankfully, we have a very good, hard-working team. We support each other, and we’re all open to giving and receiving constructive feedback to ensure we’re always doing our best. Shieling is a lovely home, and the gentlemen here are wonderful. Making a positive impact on their lives is what motivates me every day, and it’s the reason I got into this work.
All the gentlemen here have autism, alongside their learning disabilities, but each person’s needs are different. For example, one resident has a close relationship with a lady from Derby House; they’re like boyfriend and girlfriend. Yesterday, we organised a date for them at Nando’s, and they had a wonderful time together.
We have a range of activities for the men, like music sessions with a visiting musician, trips to the theatre, and outings to Hampton Court for walks. We take the men to places like Coughlan’s Bakery or Tollgate Park, which has a lovely lake that’s relaxing and therapeutic. Even simple activities, like playing Connect Four, using iPads, or going for walks around the grounds, are enjoyable and meaningful.
My name is John Simon, and I’m a volunteer advocate with The Sunnybank Trust, an Epsom-based charity. I’ve been Martin’s advocate for about 12 years. His mum was keen for him to have long-term support, and it’s been great to get to know both her and Martin. I visit as often as I can. Martin has his own en-suite facilities, and the home is well-maintained and upgraded, so it’s a comfortable environment. The staff go beyond the call of duty to take residents out to visit family and even bring family members here for visits, which I think is fantastic.
When I applied for John to come to Shieling, it was because of his autistic traits. I looked at many places, but they weren’t suitable for John, and I didn’t want him to struggle. Shieling felt like the right fit—it was as if it had been designed for him.
The residents here live a normal life, where they can access anything they need, just as we would. Our aim is to support them so they can experience the same quality of life as anyone else.
Life at Shieling House
Encouraging independence and well-being
At Shieling, we believe in helping residents to live as independently as possible while ensuring that their individual needs are met. The team works closely with each person to support them in meaningful activities. From social outings to time with family and advocates, everyone can enjoy the chance to connect, build relationships, and try new experiences.
A peaceful garden and sensory spaces
Shieling features a lovely garden with a unique dome structure—a quiet space that can be enjoyed throughout the year. The garden is a favourite spot for relaxation, while our small sensory room offers a calming environment with lights and textures to create a therapeutic space for unwinding.
Social outings and engaging activities
People living at Shieling lead active lives, with regular outings to local spots like Hampton Court, cafes, and scenic parks. Weekly music sessions, theatre visits, and casual trips to the local bakery are just a few of the activities that bring joy and variety to each day. Simple pleasures, such as playing Connect Four, using iPads, and walking around the neighbourhood, give opportunities for both relaxation and connection.
Strong community ties and family support
We maintain close connections with families and advocates to provide consistent, compassionate care. People at Shieling are supported in maintaining relationships with loved ones - whether it’s visiting family or welcoming them to Shieling for shared meals and social time. Family involvement is highly valued, and we work to make Shieling a comfortable place where everyone feels welcome and connected.
A skilled and dedicated team
Our team at Shieling is committed to making a positive impact on the lives of everyone who lives here. Experienced, compassionate, and always willing to go the extra mile, the staff create a warm environment where everyone feels valued. Each team member is trained to provide specialist care, helping residents build confidence and lead enriched, meaningful lives.
Making a referral to Shieling House
Referrals to Shieling are typically arranged through local authority care managers. If you think Shieling may be the right place for your family member or someone in your care, please reach out to their care professional to start the referral process.