Jasper Lodge: A Parent's Note

At CareTech, we believe that a person-centred, integrated approach is fundamental when it comes to delivering high-quality care for all of those we support. At Selwyn Care, one of our residential adults services specialising in care for those with autism received the following note from a loved one of Paul, one of the residents we support.

"My son has lived at Jasper Lodge for over 10 years. He has very complex needs – severe learning difficulties, autism, challenging behaviour at times and epilepsy. He has his own, self-contained, accommodation which is spacious, high quality, well maintained and kept spotlessly clean.

Before arriving at Jasper Lodge, Paul’s placement at his SLD school had completely broken down because during adolescence he had become increasingly aggressive. This was very evident at home too and we did not know where to turn. After looking at several residential options we came across Selwyn Care and Jasper Lodge and were incredibly impressed. Fortunately, we were able to secure a place for him. I was initially fearful the placement would fail because of his many problems at the time but I could not have been more surprised. Following a comprehensive transition process, Paul moved in and has never looked back.

Before moving in, he was a very unhappy, angry and frustrated young man. I was utterly amazed how quickly he settled in and made progress due to the kindness and expert care that he was offered.10 years down the line, I have a very happy son who has come on in leaps and bounds. Independence is very much encouraged at Jasper Lodge and he now does his best at washing up and cleaning and tidying his home with the patient support of his staff.

Paul’s communication has increased a great deal during this time too because staff are able to “tune in” to his words and gestures and understand what he means. This process is enhanced by having a regular, stable team who are familiar with him and responsive to his needs. It is very obvious that staff at Jasper Lodge are carefully recruited and given excellent training. I have noticed that any new member of the team is always very well briefed regarding how to support Paul best, his likes and dislikes and very importantly, how to avoid confrontation. Due to the care that is taken, Paul is much calmer, generally happy and smiling and very much on an “even keel”.

Many opportunities and activities are offered to service users by Jasper Lodge reflecting their differing needs and interests. Jasper Lodge has its own courtyard which comes into its own in the summer months. With gazebos and garden furniture, service users have the chance to sit outside their homes and relax in the sun or stroll around the extensive grounds.

I think Jasper Lodge is a unique and very special place. There is nothing “institutionalised” about life there –the accommodation is really lovely and the food provided is cooked by the staff with care (service users can help in their own kitchens too if able) and healthy choices offered. I was worried my son would miss his Sunday roast –but that’s provided too along with staff being willing to pick up Paul’s favourite take-away during the week! It’s these things that make it seem like home to him.

Communication between myself and Jasper Lodge is excellent. I can ring directly through to my son’s home and if he wants to phone me, he says Mum and points to the phone and staff will help him make the call. I speak to our manager and team leaders regularly on the office number and they all make time for me and give me a full account of my son’s activities.

The service is extremely well led by our manager, Gyorgy Budi and our team leaders Clint and Odette, who run the service with calm efficiency and above all show great respect and kindness to the people who live there and their families.  Jasper Lodge has an ethos of compassion, patience and optimism and staff are positive and constructive in the way they support people. They really care and are very much the “Jasper Lodge family”.

Thank you for the kind words and we're very proud of both the team at Jasper Lodge and Paul!

For more information about Selwyn Care, click here.