Positive HIQA report on Roscommon care home but sleep disturbance issue for one young person wasn't adequately dealt with

Apple Hill, a residential bungalow near Roscommon town operated by Lotus Care Limited, provides 24/7 support to three children with mild to moderate intellectual disability and multiple neurodevelopmental conditions. The four-bedroom house includes personalised bedrooms, a large open plan kitchen and dining area, and access to a garden. Transport supports access to local community and services. HIQA found that young people’s views were sought and discussed, but there was no evidence of appropriate or effective action taken in response. Inspectors found repeated concerns raised in key worker meetings about sleep disruption caused by a peer and concerns for personal safety. Records from November 2025 showed ongoing overnight noise exposure and a significant adverse incident in school during the same period.

"Inspectors found that one young person had repeatedly raised concerns during key worker meetings regarding their sleep being disturbed by a peer. The young person also expressed concerns for their personal safety. Notwithstanding these concerns being made, there was insufficient evidence that the provider had taken appropriate action to safeguard the young person's rights or address the ongoing disruption."

"Daily notes from November 2025 were reviewed and evidenced a period of sleep disturbance where a young person was exposed to noise overnight. During this same period, this young person experienced a significant adverse incident in school, which resulted in their removal from the school setting for a"

"The report noted that young people's views were sought in the centre and discussed. However, there was no evidence that appropriate or effective action was taken in response."

"Apple Hill located near Roscommon town and operated by Lotus Care Limited was inspected by HIQA on February 19th this year with the report being poublished this week. The bungalow provides residential services to three children with a mild to moderate intellectual disability and Autism, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and, Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), Sensory processing disorder, Global development delay and other neurodevelopmental disorders, and who may present with additional needs."

Read at Irish Independent