The Fynvola Foundation is the leading charity provider of nursing care for older learning disabled people, who are recognised as one of the most excluded and vulnerable in society.

 

OUR AIM is to offer a unique and much needed service to older learning disabled people where they are valued and treated as individuals. They can end their days peacefully, in comfortable surroundings and secure in the knowledge that they are receiving the very best specialised nursing and palliative care.

Evidence of Need

 

A variety of independent research studies and government white papers have highlighted the inadequacy of current provision to meet the needs of older learning disabled people.

 

Varied mental health needs are a major feature of our beneficiary group. For example those with Down's syndrome can develop Alzheimer’s disease in their 40s or 50s, leading to a profound deterioration in their quality of life and often the need for constant nursing.

 

The learning disabled are 2.5 times more likely to have significant health risks and problems, including long term illness. Such problems can result in reduced mobility, increased dependency and a requirement for specialist care and treatment, particularly in the case of life limiting illnesses.

 

Learning disabled people need to be engaged as much as possible through a variety of activities appropriate to age and condition. A range of social and day activities will be available, with access to physiotherapy and occupational therapy on site.

 

We recognise there is a need for respite care. As Fynvola is a community service, from April 2010 one bed will be allocated to older learning disabled people for respite, crisis situations and convalescence.

 

Background

 

Fynvola was established in 2007 by Jenny Gurney, who has been working with learning disabled adults for over 40 years. Jenny got involved in the cause after her eldest daughter, Susie, was born with Down’s syndrome. As a qualified teacher of dance, music and movement, Jenny ran a dance school. She used her experience of Susie’s physical development to design specific programmes for teachers and other professionals.

 

20 years ago, Jenny developed a scheme in East Kent called Family Investment. This not-for-profit organisation allowed parents to buy shares and generate the capital to create residential homes and day care opportunities for adults with learning disabilities. The scheme also gives adults with learning disabilities the chance to leave the parental home and live independent lives with purpose and occupation.

 

Jenny then brought together a group of interested people to create the registered charity - Fynvola Foundation (charity number 1122788). These people brought a range of experience and skills to oversee Fynvola, and became the Council of Management.