Residents ‘very happy’ at Leitrim disability centre, report finds

A centre in Leitrim for people with disabilities has received a very positive report from the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA), with residents telling an inspector that they are “very happy living in the centre.”

The inspection took place at Ballinamore Supported Accommodation, a designated centre run by The Rehab Group. The service is designed to meet the needs of up to seven male and female residents aged over 18 who have an intellectual disability.

On the day of the inspection, July 8 of this year, six residents were present at the centre.

Ballinamore Supported Accommodation comprises two adjoining two-storey houses. Each resident has their own bedroom, while the facilities include bathrooms, a kitchen and dining area, a sitting room, a utility room, a staff office and a garden area.

Staff are on duty during both the day and night to support residents living at the centre.

During an inspection, the inspector speaks with residents and their visitors to learn about their experiences of the service, talks with staff and management about how care is planned, delivered and monitored, and observes daily life at the centre.

The inspector met with four residents, four staff members and the person in charge.

“Residents spoken with had control over their finances,” the report stated.

It further noted: “Residents told the inspector they were very happy living in the centre and staff were very kind and caring to them and they got on well with them they helped them whenever they required help.”

The centre was found to be compliant with all 21 regulations inspected. These covered areas including communication, visits, written policies and procedures, staffing, residents’ rights, positive behavioural support, complaints procedures and healthcare.

The report also said: “Residents felt respected, listened to and valued living in this centre. The inspector found from speaking with residents, staff on duty and from reviewing documentation that there was an open culture which respected the individuality of each resident and protected their rights.”

The report also noted that staff had received specialist behavioural support training, enhancing their ability to recognise triggers and de-escalate situations.

The person in charge stated that any concerns regarding residents’ mental or physical health are acted upon immediately.