Elm
An eight-bed autism-accredited residential home supporting men and women who are 18 years and over with a learning disability or autism with associated complex needs.
Service Overview
Elm is a purpose-built residential home offering specialist support for adults with a primary diagnosis of autism, learning disabilities, and complex needs. The staff team at Elm deliver person-centred care to promote independence for every resident.
Elm has been thoughtfully designed to meet the needs of individuals with autism and associated conditions. The home features eight en-suite bedrooms, spacious communal living areas, a dedicated activities room, an immersive sensory room, and a fully equipped Activities of Daily Living (ADL) kitchen.
Set within extensive landscaped grounds, Elm also benefits from a calming sensory garden, offering a therapeutic outdoor space. The interior design incorporates an autism-friendly colour palette and acoustic panels to reduce sensory overload and support a calm environment. These elements make Elm a supportive setting for those on the autistic spectrum, including individuals who may present with behaviours seen as challenging or those who have specialist communication needs.
Placement Criteria
- Mixed gender
- 18 years and above
- A diagnosis of autism and a learning disability
- Individuals are likely to have additional needs and/or display behaviours seen as challenging
What we do
At Elm, the team is dedicated to identifying a care pathway tailored to suit each individual’s unique needs. This process is carried out in partnership with the individual, their significant others, social workers, and health professionals. By developing a person-centred plan, Elm aims to empower individuals to reach their fullest potential—promoting wellbeing, independence, and an improved quality of life.
Elm follows a Person-Centred Planning model, ensuring that all care and support are thoughtfully personalised. Each individual’s views are considered and respected, using communication methods that are both accessible and meaningful to them. This inclusive approach ensures that every voice is heard and every preference honoured.
Respect, dignity, and kindness are at the heart of everything Elm does. The home is managed with the aim of creating a warm, welcoming environment—one where residents feel happy and comfortable, and where staff feel motivated, valued, and proud of the care they provide.
Understanding each person’s needs begins with a robust assessment process, enabling Elm to deliver truly person-centred support. The goal is to help individuals lead fulfilling, enriched and happy lives within their local community.
Elm is also proud to deliver the Active Offer, providing services in the Welsh language without the need for a special request. This not only promotes inclusivity but also celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Wales. By supporting individuals in their preferred language, Elm enhances communication, engagement, and a true sense of belonging.
How we do it
At Elm, support is thoughtfully tailored around each individual and their specific needs, with the overarching goal of enhancing wellbeing, promoting independence, and creating meaningful opportunities that lead to positive outcomes.
A person-centred approach lies at the heart of everything Elm does. Individuals are always placed at the centre of decisions that affect their lives, ensuring their voices are heard, respected, and actively included in shaping their own care journey.
To deliver high-quality, individualised support, Elm uses a range of specialist tools including Person-Centred Planning (PCP), Positive Behaviour Support (PBS), Active Support, and Spectrum Star. These frameworks help the team better understand and respond to each person’s needs, preferences, and aspirations.
Getting to know each individual on a personal level is a key part of Elm’s approach. This enables the creation of a safe, secure, and welcoming environment.
Elm is committed to encouraging individuals to experience new opportunities at their own pace, in ways that aligns with their comfort and confidence. Positive risk-taking is also promoted, empowering individuals to make choices that support their personal choices and growth.
Staff are trained to understand the function and meaning behind behaviours that may present a risk. Care plans are designed to manage and support potential risks safely, using the least restrictive and most inclusive strategies possible to ensure dignity and choice remain key.
Residents are supported to access a full range of primary healthcare services within the community, including GP visits, dental care, opticians, and other services.
Facilities
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- Eight ensuite bedrooms, each tailored to reflect the preferences and needs of the individual
- Spacious communal living areas
- A dedicated activity room
- An Activities of Daily Living (ADL) kitchen
- A fully equipped sensory room
- A beautifully designed sensory garden
- A spacious enclosed outdoor area
Surrounding Area
Elm is set within 30 acres of outstanding natural beauty on the Highfield Park estate in Llandyrnog. On the park there is a spacious activity hub where individuals can choose to take part in a variety of activities, which includes sport, arts, crafts, music and other activities. Elm offers individuals the tranquillity of countryside living while being conveniently located near local amenities and areas of interest in North Wales and the North West of England.
Both regions provide access to a wide range of colleges, libraries, leisure centres, cinemas, cafés, and shopping facilities. One key local resource is HWB Denbigh, a centre that offers educational, employment, and wellbeing opportunities. HWB Denbigh features teaching rooms, a music studio, workshop space, IT suite, teaching kitchen, and hosts a variety of activities including fitness classes. Denbigh also has a public library, small shops, and supermarkets.
Further afield, but easily accessible via Highfield House’s vehicle or public transport, are the historic market towns of Ruthin and Mold, the seaside town of Rhyl, the city of Chester, and the popular coastal resort of Llandudno, all set within the stunning North Wales countryside.
Registered Manager
Leah Davies, Registered Manager
Leah brings a wealth of experience and dedication to her role as Registered Manager at Elm. With over 18 years’ experience of supporting individuals with learning disabilities, autism, and mental health needs, Leah has developed a deep understanding of person-centred care within both residential and hospital settings.
Since joining MHC in 2011, Leah has progressed through a variety of roles, from Support Worker to her current position as Registered Manager, demonstrating her commitment to continuous development. She holds a QCF Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management, as well as a QCF Level 3 in Health and Social Care.
Leah is passionate about creating a supportive, inclusive environment where individuals are empowered to live fulfilling lives. Her leadership is driven by compassion, professionalism, and a strong belief in the value of person-centred care.
‘We are always striving to do better: to learn, to improve and to do the right thing.’
