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Please Note: The Doris Project is not currently available in the Isle of Man / Channel Islands

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After pressing 'Go' please wait a few moments whilst Doris returns a list of the Homes she has alerted on your behalf. Then keep an eye on your inbox for any vacancies they may offer.

What is residential care?

Residential care is full-time accommodation with 24-hour personal care and support. It's for individuals who need help with daily living tasks such as washing, dressing, eating, and taking medication, but do not require constant medical or nursing care.

Who is residential care suitable for?

It is ideal for older adults or people with physical or cognitive difficulties who can no longer live safely or comfortably at home, even with home care support.

What's the difference between residential care and nursing care?

Residential care provides support with personal and social needs, while nursing care includes medical supervision from a registered nurse. Some homes offer both under one roof, known as dual-registered care homes.

What services are typically included in residential care?

Services often include accommodation, meals, housekeeping, personal care, activities and outings, 24-hour staff support, and social engagement.

Can residents personalise their room?

Yes. Most homes encourage residents to bring personal belongings, photographs, and small furniture to create a familiar and homely environment.

Are family and friends allowed to visit?

Absolutely. Visitors are encouraged, and many homes have flexible visiting hours to support family involvement and connection.

How is residential care paid for?

Care costs vary depending on location and level of support needed. Funding may come from the individual, local authority support (following a financial assessment), or a combination of both.

How do I arrange a move into residential care?

Start with a care needs assessment from your local council. This will help determine whether residential care is appropriate and what funding may be available. You can also contact homes directly to arrange visits.

What should I look for in a residential care home?

Consider cleanliness, staff friendliness, activities, food, atmosphere, and resident feedback. It's also helpful to check Care Quality Commission (CQC) ratings and reports in England.

Can someone move into residential care temporarily?

Yes. Many homes offer short-term or respite stays - ideal for recovery, trial periods, or giving family carers a break.

What is a day care centre?

A day care centre is a community-based service offering daytime activities, personal care, meals, and support for older adults or people with disabilities or memory loss, typically for a few hours a day.

Who is day care suitable for?

Day care is suitable for individuals who are mostly independent or have low to moderate care needs but would benefit from companionship, supervision, or structured activity while family members are at work or taking a break.

What types of activities are offered?

Activities vary by centre but often include crafts, music, gentle exercise, games, reminiscence sessions, gardening, group outings, and festive events - all designed to support mental and physical wellbeing.

Do day care centres provide personal care?

Yes. Many offer light personal care, such as assistance with toileting, medication prompts, and mobility support. However, complex nursing care is usually not provided.

Are meals and transport included?

Most centres provide lunch, snacks, and refreshments, and many offer transport to and from the centre for an additional fee or included in the service.

How often can someone attend day care?

Attendance can be flexible - from once a week to several days a week, depending on individual needs and centre availability.

What are the benefits of day care for the individual?

Benefits include reduced loneliness, mental stimulation, a sense of purpose, maintained routines, and improved emotional and physical wellbeing.

What are the benefits for carers or family members?

Day care gives family carers valuable time to work, rest, or manage other responsibilities while knowing their loved one is in a safe and welcoming environment.

How much does day care cost?

Costs vary by provider and location. Some individuals may receive funding support from their local authority following a care needs assessment. Others may choose to self-fund.

How can I find and access a day care service?

You can contact your local council's adult social care team or speak to your GP. You can also search here on The Doris Project, or contact local charities that run day centres for older adults or people with dementia.

What is respite care?

Respite care is short-term care provided to someone who normally receives support from a family member or unpaid carer. It gives the regular carer time to rest or take a break.

Who can benefit from respite care?

Both carers and the person being cared for benefit. Carers get time to recharge, and the person receiving care enjoys a change of environment and support from trained staff.

What types of respite care are available?

Respite care can be delivered at home by professional carers, in residential or nursing homes, or through day care services. Emergency respite is also available in some cases.

How long does respite care last?

It can last from a few hours to several weeks, depending on need. Some families use it for planned holidays, hospital stays, or simply to avoid burnout.

What services are provided during respite care?

Respite care includes personal care (like washing, dressing, toileting), meals, medication support, companionship, and sometimes activities or therapies, depending on the setting.

How do I arrange respite care?

You can request a carer's assessment and care needs assessment from your local authority. These will determine eligibility for support or funding. Private respite care is also available directly through care providers.

Is respite care free in the UK?

Some people may be eligible for part or full funding from the local council, depending on financial assessments. Others may self-fund the service if they prefer flexibility or immediate access.

How far in advance should I book respite care?

It's best to book as early as possible, especially during holidays or busy periods. Emergency respite may be available in unexpected situations such as illness or carer fatigue.

Will my loved one be safe and well cared for during respite?

Yes. Respite services are delivered by trained professionals in regulated settings. Families are encouraged to visit providers in advance and ensure care plans are shared and tailored.

Can someone with dementia receive respite care?

Absolutely. Many care homes and day centres specialise in dementia care and offer short-term stays or day visits with appropriate support for cognitive needs.

What is care at home?

Care at home (also known as domiciliary care) involves trained carers visiting or living with a person to assist with tasks such as washing, dressing, medication, mobility, meal preparation, and companionship.

Who can benefit from home care?

It's suitable for older adults, people recovering from illness or surgery, individuals with disabilities, or anyone needing help with day-to-day tasks to live safely at home.

What services can home carers provide?

Home carers can offer personal care, domestic help (cleaning, laundry), shopping, companionship, medication support, and sometimes basic medical assistance, depending on training.

How often can carers visit?

Visits can range from a quick 30-minute check-in to several visits a day. For those with higher needs, live-in care or overnight support is also available.

Can care at home be tailored to individual needs?

Yes. Care plans are created based on the individual's needs, preferences, and routines. Support can increase or decrease over time as circumstances change.

What is the difference between home care and live-in care?

Home care involves scheduled visits from carers. Live-in care means a trained carer lives in the home full-time, providing round-the-clock support.

Is care at home suitable for people with dementia?

Yes. Many home care providers offer dementia-specific support, helping individuals stay in familiar surroundings, which can reduce confusion and distress.

How is home care arranged?

Start by contacting your local adult social care team for a needs assessment. You can also approach private care providers directly for self-funded care.

What does home care cost, and is funding available?

Costs vary depending on the level and frequency of care. Some people may qualify for financial support from their local council or through NHS continuing healthcare.

Is care at home safe and regulated?

Yes. Registered home care agencies are inspected by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in England to ensure standards of safety, effectiveness, and care quality are met.

What is mental healthcare?

Mental healthcare includes a range of services and treatments designed to support people experiencing emotional, psychological, or behavioural difficulties. This can include therapy, medication, crisis intervention, or long-term support.

Who can benefit from mental healthcare?

Anyone. Mental health challenges can affect people of all ages, backgrounds, and walks of life - from anxiety and depression to more complex conditions like bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or dementia.

What are the signs someone may need mental health support?

Signs include persistent sadness, mood swings, withdrawal from social life, difficulty coping with daily tasks, changes in sleep or appetite, and thoughts of self-harm or hopelessness.

Where is mental healthcare provided?

Care can be provided in a variety of settings - GP surgeries, mental health clinics, community centres, hospitals, care homes, or even at home through outreach services.

What types of mental health services are available?

Services may include talking therapies (like CBT or counselling), psychiatric assessment, medication, peer support groups, dementia support, inpatient care, or emergency/crisis intervention.

Is mental healthcare confidential?

Yes. Mental health professionals follow strict confidentiality rules. However, if someone is at serious risk of harming themselves or others, certain information may be shared to ensure safety.

How do I access mental healthcare in the UK?

You can speak to your GP for a referral, contact NHS mental health services directly, or access local charities and support groups. In urgent cases, NHS 111 or emergency services can help.

What support is available for carers or family members?

Family members and carers can access information, counselling, respite care, and peer support. Many mental health services involve families in care planning to provide the best possible outcomes.

Is there a difference between mental health and dementia care?

Dementia is a specific condition affecting memory and cognition, often requiring specialist care. It falls under the broader umbrella of mental healthcare but has tailored services and support pathways.

How much does mental healthcare cost?

Most mental health services in the UK are free on the NHS. There are also free services offered by charities. Private therapy and counselling options are available for those who prefer or need faster access.

What is palliative care?

Palliative care is specialised support for people with serious or life-limiting illnesses. It focuses on improving quality of life by managing pain, symptoms, and emotional, spiritual, and practical needs - not just treating the illness.

Is palliative care only for people who are dying?

No. Palliative care can begin at any stage of a serious illness - not just at the end of life. Some people receive palliative care for months or even years alongside ongoing treatments.

Who provides palliative care?

A palliative care team may include doctors, nurses, social workers, care assistants, chaplains, and therapists. The team works together to support both the patient and their loved ones.

What conditions is palliative care used for?

It can help people living with cancer, heart failure, COPD, dementia, Parkinson's disease, motor neurone disease, and many other life-limiting or progressive illnesses.

Where can someone receive palliative care?

Palliative care can be provided at home, in a care home, hospice, or hospital. The goal is to deliver care in the most comfortable and appropriate setting for the individual.

What kind of support does palliative care offer?

Support includes pain relief, symptom control, emotional and psychological care, help with decision-making, support for family members, and assistance with practical matters like care planning or benefits.

How is palliative care different from hospice care?

Hospice care is a type of palliative care for people nearing the very end of life, usually with a life expectancy of six months or less. Palliative care, however, can start much earlier in an illness.

Do you have to stop other treatments to receive palliative care?

No. Palliative care can be given alongside treatments like chemotherapy, dialysis, or surgery. It's not about "giving up," but about improving comfort and dignity.

How do I access palliative care?

Speak to your GP, hospital team, or district nurse. They can refer you to a local palliative care team. Some areas also have hospice outreach or charity-run services.

How is palliative care funded?

In the UK, most palliative care services are free through the NHS or local charities. Some private care options may be available for those who wish to supplement care.

What is the Two Generation initiative?

Two Generation is a home-sharing scheme that matches older adults who have a spare room with individuals who are happy to provide light companionship and a regular presence in the home.

Who is this service for?

This is ideal for older people living alone who could benefit from some company and peace of mind. It's also suitable for responsible individuals (often younger adults or key workers) seeking safe, affordable accommodation who are happy to be a helpful presence in return.

Is the home sharer a carer?

No. The home sharer is not expected to provide personal care, medical support, or perform regular household chores. Their main role is to be a kind, reliable presence - a companion, not a caregiver.

Is there any cost involved?

Yes. Both the Householder and Homesharer pay a monthly support fee to Two Generations for the setting up, vetting, monitoring, and maintaining contact throughout the duration of the Homeshare. The Householder will pay around �150 per month to Two Generations but is also able to request direct contributions from their sharer towards bills, utilities and council tax. The Homesharer will always be expected to pay for their own food. The fee that the Homesharer pays Two Generations is dependent on location and contribution requests from the Householder; it is likely to be around �399 per month, and we aim to ensure it will always be a far more affordable option for them compared to private rental costs. We never want financials to be a barrier, and so bursaries are always available to our Householders.

How are matches made?

Each Homeshare is bespoke depending on our Householders' requirements. We carefully consider lifestyle, personality, and expectations to find the right match for you. Every Homesharer is thoroughly vetted via in-depth interviews, Enhanced DBS checks, and referencing. Both parties have the opportunity to meet several times before any Homeshare is confirmed, and each Homeshare begins with a one-month trial period.

Is there an agreement in place?

Yes. A simple written agreement outlines the expectations, responsibilities, and boundaries. This helps ensure mutual respect, clarity, and a positive experience for both parties.

What kind of people become home sharers?

Home sharers may be key workers, mature students, or individuals who simply prefer a more community-minded and supportive living arrangement. All are thoroughly vetted.

What if the arrangement doesn't work out?

We stay in contact and offer support throughout. If either party feels the arrangement isn't right, we'll step in to resolve concerns or help end the agreement respectfully.

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Welcome to The Doris Project Ltd

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Welcome to The Doris Project Ltd

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Welcome to The Doris Project Ltd

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After pressing 'Go' please wait a few moments whilst Doris returns a list of the Homes she has alerted on your behalf. Then keep an eye on your inbox for any vacancies they may offer.

Frequently Asked Questions