Care home residents help improve interaction and engagement amongst autistic adults

Adults with autism in Hull have been spending time at the Elm Tree Court residential home in an effort to improve their friendships and well-being.

Hull-based Same Difference is a daycare provider for adults with autism and other learning disabilities.

Adults from Same Difference have been visiting Elm Tree Court’s residents weekly to help improve interaction and engagement with others in a positive and calm environment. The Elm Tree Court is owned by care solutions specialist Hica Group and specialises in dementia care.

According to the two care providers, the visits have encouraged greater interaction and improved mood and recognition amongst the residents.

Elm Tree Court’s Adam Ward told Hull Live: “It’s wonderful to partner with Same Difference, and receive regular visits from the adults in their care.

“The residents benefit from the sessions as much as those living with autism and it is so rewarding to see friendships developing. Young adults are interacting with residents while having the opportunity to use our new technology resources too.

“This includes our recently launched Tovertafel table, which works by stimulating both physical and cognitive activity and encourages social interaction, and our virtual reality room which has proved to be a big hit with all.”

The partnership has also been beneficial for residents at the Elm Tree Court as recognising faces in dementia care is important to help with memory exercises and decrease the feeling of loneliness and isolation.

Ian Russell, director at Same Difference, added: “As we are a relatively new care provider in Hull, it’s great to have developed such a close working relationship with a specialist care home in the same area.

“The impact on our service users is clear to see as their communication skills have improved as well as their overall wellbeing.

“They very much look forward to care home sessions and I would like to say a special thanks to the team at Elm Tree Court for ensuring the visits are successful and those involved truly benefit from them.”