St. Paul’s Court

St Paul’s Court provides care, support and accommodation for elderly or people normally over the age of 65 years with a diagnosis of dementia or cognitive impairment consistent with symptoms of dementia. This service is aimed at ensuring tenants are provided with 24-hour support which enables them to live as independently as possible. St Paul’s Court promotes tenants’ choice, rights and equality in all aspects of our work. Staff will always ensure the tenant’s best interests are core to the service being provided.

St Paul’s Court consists of 15 x 2 bedroom bungalows and 7 x 1 bedroom apartments and 1 x 2 bedroom apartment.

Note that a diagnosis of dementia is no longer required for referrals. Scroll down for detailed referral criteria.

Contact Information

Referrals must come through the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust. However, enquiries to the service are welcome so we can assist you and schedule a visit!

St Paul’s Court, Ballinderry Road, Lisburn, BT28 1TX
Tel: 02892 641819
Karen Ford – Manager

Detailed Referral Criteria

2.5      Referral Criteria

• The person will normally be 65 years old or older however the application will be considered at the time of referral.

• The person should meet the criteria as defined by Praxis Care, South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust and Choice Housing.

• The person will show a range of both support and care needs which the admission panel feel is appropriate with the level of support on offer in St Paul’s Court.  Support needs to outweigh care needs due to level of funding.

• The person will be agreeable to the referral being made and, where possible, have had an opportunity to view the services offered.

• In exceptional circumstances a referral below the age range may be considered.

2.6 Referral Process

Referrals will only be accepted from members of the HPSS Trust to include Care Managers, G.Ps, the Memory Team and Social Workers. Referral agents from outside the geographical area should, in the first instance, contact South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust.

Referrals should meet the following criteria –

• The applicant should require a level of support that is consistent with independent living.
• The applicant should require a level of support with maintaining a safe, secure environment for themselves.
• The applicant should have a definite diagnosis of dementia and have a key worker within Health and Social Services.
• Those without a dementia diagnosis will need to meet a minimum expected criteria for admission as follows:
• A GP/Consultant has a strong clinical suspicion/reasonable belief that the person has dementia.

2.  In the preceding 8 weeks, there has been a history of cognitive and functional decline from usual baseline with evidence of disorientation present (supported by NICE approved questionnaires, or equivalent tool).

3. Medical (physical) review indicates no current acute medical needs requiring intervention or other treatment.  This should be supported by recent blood tests, urinalysis or other relevant diagnostic tests.

4. Assessment of needs indicates that the person requires an environment in which staff have the training, experience and skills required to support individuals who present with cognitive impairment and there is a locked door setting (DOLS emergency provisions met).

5. Appropriate cognitive screening measures and tests evidence current cognitive decline.

6. St Paul’s Court has had the opportunity to conduct pre-admission assessment preferably in consultation with the person’s family/representatives.

7. Plan of care includes memory service input.

• Those with a diagnosis of Korsakoff psychosis will be considered, unless they are actively involved in using alcohol.
• Referrals will normally be 65 years or over, but persons under the age of 65 years will be actively considered by the selection panel as long as dementia is the presenting feature.
• The applicant should meet the NI Housing Executive complex needs criteria and must have an application for housing registered with the NI Housing Executive, otherwise they cannot be considered at the selection panel.
• Prior to the applicant being considered at the selection panel, a needs assessment must be carried out by the manager or senior staff of St Paul’s Court.
• The applicant should have had a comprehensive risk assessment and an identification of needs and support completed.
• The degree of identified risks exhibited must be of a nature that can be safely managed within the existing resources at St Paul’s Court.
• The applicant may currently occupy a residential / nursing care home placement but has been assessed as requiring supported living.
• A carer’s individual assessment should be completed if a carer is requesting to live in the relevant 2 person accommodation.
• A financial assessment needs to be carried out by the key worker when the application for St Paul’s Court is being submitted to show how the prospective tenant would meet the associated costs.
• An application form must be fully completed and include information on risk.
• The applicant and carer (if so desired) will be invited to visit the service and discuss their needs with Praxis Care staff.
• An admission panel will meet to consider all applications. The referral agent will be invited to discuss the application and provide further information/clarification as appropriate.
• The panel’s decision will be communicated to the referral agent as soon as possible and will always be followed up with a written explanation of the decision.
• An appeals procedure is in place if a prospective applicant is not satisfied with the outcome from the admissions panel.
• Prospective tenants will be provided with as much information as possible about the service to help them make a decision about whether or not they want to receive care and/or support.  Praxis Care offers the opportunity for a prospective tenant to visit the accommodation/service and meet and talk with tenants and staff.  The organisation is happy for a prospective tenant to involve their friends/family before making the final decision about placement or commencement of service.
• If it is felt that the accommodation or service is not suitable for a particular person, advice will be given on how to look for help elsewhere. This will only happen after full and inclusive discussions with all relevant parties.