Young people asked between 18 and 25 with profound disabilities and complex medical needs can receive day and overnight care at the respite home. It is a two-bedroom bungalow with a lounge area, kitchen, accessible bathroom and a large garden, and there are hoisting facilities throughout the home. 

Claire Stacey, registered manager at Lawford Lodge, commented: “We’re really pleased to receive this rating from the CQC as part of our first inspection. Our team has worked so hard to make sure that not only could the service continue during the pandemic, but that we are also able to continue providing high standards of care to those who need us most.”

The home scored ‘Good’ in all categories of the CQC report; Safe, Effective, Caring, Responsive, and Well-led.

Lawford Lodge is part of Diverse Abilities, Dorset’s disability charity, and supported six young adults with 192 overnight respite stays during the last financial year. The service was able to continue operating during the pandemic with relevant precautions in place. Opened in summer 2019, Lawford Lodge is named after Marion Lawford, mother to Sue who has been supported by Diverse Abilities for more than 50 years.

Comments from the report include:

“I feel safe with the staff. They know I don’t like the dark and leave a light on for me.”

“I definitely feel [my child] is safe, the service is excellent.”

“The staff know me well. They know I don’t eat [type of food]. I’m loving staying there. I’m going again and am looking forward to it.”

Visit diverseabilities.org.uk/transitions-lawford-lodge for more details about the respite home and the charity’s services for those transitioning into the adult social care scheme.