Joining Paradise House

Because Paradise is a long-term residential community, places only become available relatively rarely.    Nevertheless, we welcome new enquiries and will be delighted to discuss the possibility of a placement at Paradise House.

It goes without saying that moving to a new home is an important decision in anyone’s life, so we take the time to make sure that Paradise House is the right place for you.  Our admissions process is designed to make the process as smooth and welcoming as possible.

Although all our residents have different needs and difficulties, what they all share is the fact that they benefit from living within a community setting. It is the ideal setting for those who wish to live as independently as possible, but with the comfort of knowing that support is on hand when it’s needed. The unique environment at Paradise House means that we welcome residents from all over the country.

Our team of key workers, activity support workers and therapists have a wealth of experience in dealing with a variety of learning disabilities and relational, care and therapeutic needs including:

  • mild to severe learning difficulties
  • relationship and attachment disorders
  • complex and developmental trauma and other difficulties associated with trauma such as hypervigilance and chronic hyperarousal
  • genetic conditions such as Down’s syndrome, Turner syndrome, Robinow syndrome and Angelman syndrome
  • neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism spectrum disorder (including Asperger syndrome), sensory processing difficulties, ADHD, Tourette’s syndrome, speech and language difficulties, dyslexia, and dyspraxia

Please note that Paradise House does not offer nursing care. Also, as long-term residential community, we do not offer emergency placements.

Because Paradise House is located on a steeply sloping site we regret that it is not suitable for those with impaired or restricted mobility requiring the use of a wheelchair.

The admissions process generally starts with an informal visit by members of your family so that they can see what Paradise House is like and whether it may be suitable for you. If they would like to proceed following this visit, we will arrange a further visit for you to come with your family. This is generally followed by a further visit by your social worker.

Assuming everyone is happy to proceed, it will be necessary to complete our standard Admissions Questionnaire. The information provided in the questionnaire is then reviewed by our Admissions Panel which includes senior members of our care, clinical therapy and management teams. Each meeting is chaired by Novalis Trust’s Chief Executive who is a Registered Social Worker with over 25 years’ experience of working with children and adults with complex needs.

If the Admissions Panel decide that Paradise House may be suitable and there is a place available, you will be invited to come and stay for an assessment period. The length of the assessment period will depend on your needs, but normally lasts at least 4 days.

Provided that the assessment period is successful, a formal offer will be made. Once all the relevant paperwork has been completed, a start date will be arranged when you will join Paradise House and start enjoying your new home.

If you have any questions about the admissions process or Paradise House generally, please contact Tom Mackie (Head of Adult Care & Registered Manager).