A Place of One’s Own
Otterhayes provides, for up to 18 residents, the warmth and family-style surroundings to promote their personal development. Residents live as a contributing member of the Trust; where their individual capabilities and behaviour patterns govern the life-style they are able to follow, and progress between structured and supported living.
Residents may be accommodated in one of the five units each representing a stage between close supervision and care and near self-independence. Every resident can enjoy personal privacy in individual rooms many with en-suite facilities, and all are encouraged to make their rooms personal.
Otterhayes is situated in 4 acres, but just 2 minutes drive from Ottery St. Mary with its shops, churches, pubs, health centre, and library and bus services to Exeter, Honiton and Sidmouth.
The 4 acres include small woodland with stream, a vegetable garden, walled lawns equipped for outdoor pursuits and summer barbeques. All are maintained with the help of residents and various out buildings are equipped for pottery, craft, computers, training kitchen, workshop, club house and practical activities.
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Daily Life
Residents are encouraged and helped to take a full part in life at Otterhayes. From the simplest disciplines – getting up and preparing for work - to giving practical help with laundry, shopping, cleaning and cooking for themselves and their companions, they are involved as fully as they are able.
Leisure
Free and leisure time are just as important as the task-led part of each day; whether inside Otterhayes or in the near by towns, residents are encouraged to make their own choices as many family members does; a quiet hour with a friend to play music, watch a video. T.V. play a game or for some a trip to the local pub.
Holidays
Every year Otterhayes gives its residents the opportunity to go on holiday. These holidays are tailored to suit the individual, be it a trip abroad or something closer to home. Recent trips have included France, Spain, Corfu, Portugal, The Canaries, Euro Disney,Cornwall and Bristol. Each holiday is discussed with the residents and carefully selected so as to give the best holiday experience for the individual.
There are work opportunities aplenty here – in woodworking, in pottery, in horticulture, building maintenance and decoration, and in computer, project / craft skills, drama, and dance, formal education is not neglected. Total Communication programme (widgit) is used to help develop both literacy and numeracy and encourage spoken language. There are several buildings or rooms including a clubhouse for social gatherings and activities on offer.
A full days work is encouraged within his / her abilities. This may include college, a job in the local community or one of the many tasks which are abound at Otterhayes. Groups of residents also undertake conservation work with various organisations. These include Stover Country Park, Yarner Woods and various sites under the supervision of East Devon Coast and Countryside Services. Otterhayes provides vehicles for all activities.