Supporting Learning Disabilities within Dartford and Gravesend

We were approached by Kent county council as they required a care company within Dartford and Gravesend area that had experience in supporting young adults with learning Disabilities. Learning disabilities can often be challenging for someone inexperienced, however, for Caremark Dartford and Gravesham, we saw this as an opportunity to deliver quality and compassionate care in the Dartford and Gravesend area. Caremark Dartford and Gravesham were asked to support ‘Jade’, a fun and creative young lady, someone that hasn’t let her learning disability dictate her life.
Jade lives with her mum and brothers and has 2 goldfish called Fort Knott and Rainbow. When we are not present, Jades Nan and Mum are her main carers. Jade is Epileptic, Autistic, and suffers with Scheuermann’s disease, which is a developmental disease of the spine. All the above prevents her from doing day-to-day tasks without one-to-one support. Jade loves to sing and dance. She has a very busy social life with her friends and goes to various different clubs.

What Jade enjoys the most?

The farm is a stunning site set in over 115 acres of pasture and woodland – the perfect environment for improving skills in a land-based setting. Jade gets to muck in with cleaning out the stables, handling the different animals and enjoy time with her friends. Jade says the farm really makes her happy. It gives her independence, and we encourage that daily. The farm is full of great experiences that Jade excels in. The students at the farm learn basic life skills whilst having fun.

Why was a care package required?

Jade’s previous care provider was no longer able to tend to her care, leaving Jade without a care provider for 6 months.

Current care package?

Jade receives our support 3 days a week, where we take her to the farm from 10am to 4pm. Jade’s carers get really involved and support Jade with all her activities and learning.

At the farm there are various duties, such as:

Animal Management unit: Where they maintain the health and well-being of the small animals and reptiles. This is one of Jades favourites.

Horticulture: This area is where the students learn basic gardening techniques and encourages them to be creative.

Farm shop: This is also one of Jades favourites as she builds her confidence and learns a lot of different basic life skills, such as learning how to deal organise finances and stock of the shop.

Farmers market: This is also linked to the shop, but encourages the students to engage with the public and builds Jades communication skills.

Kitchen: This area again, allows for learning basic life skills such as the use of different utensils and equipment. Jade also now knows how to use a washing machine and cook various different meals.

Impact on family?

Jade’s mum can be rest assured that she is being looked after and safe in the hands of her carers. Jade being at the day centre, also provides Jade’s mum with some respite, giving her time to organise a very busy life.

Can we help you?

If you have a loved one, that would benefit from this type of service. Please get in touch with the Caremark team to discuss your needs on 01474 320411 or email Dartfordandgravesham@caremark.co.uk . We are always here to offer a helping hand to the community of Dartford and Gravesham