FAQs

White Lodge Care Home is a family-owned residential care home that has been managed by the same family since 2001. The Directors and the team are deeply committed to providing the best possible care for residents and to supporting staff in their roles. White Lodge provides 24-hour care and support for older adults in a welcoming, safe, and homely environment, focusing on comfort, dignity, and individual well-being.

Do you have nurses on-site?
We don’t have nurses on-site, but our qualified carers are trained to deliver personal care, administer medication, and support with the management of wound and catheter care. 

If nursing input is required, we work closely with the Community Nursing Team to ensure residents receive the right support.

Do you provide end-of-life care?
Yes. We offer compassionate end-of-life care, allowing residents to remain with us as their health declines. 

We also work closely with community nurses and palliative care teams to help manage symptoms and ensure the resident’s comfort and dignity are fully supported.

When might a resident need to be transferred?
A transfer would only be considered if a resident’s condition changes significantly and poses a risk to themselves or others, or if their needs can no longer be safely met.

Who manages the home?
Our Registered Manager, Dyanne Dayot, has been part of White Lodge since 2010. Her experience, compassion and strong leadership provide stability, and a deep understanding of residents’ needs.

What are your staff qualifications?
All our carers receive regular professional training in areas such as medication management, dementia care, safeguarding, infection control, and moving & handling. Several of our team members are qualified nurses in their home countries with strong clinical backgrounds. We are supporting them to gain UK nursing registration to continue their careers here.

What is your staff turnover like?
We are proud to have minimal staff turnover. Most of our carers have been with White Lodge for many years and know our residents very well, providing consistency and familiarity.

Do you accept local authority funding?
Yes, we accept local authority–funded placements, provided the funding meets our fees. We also welcome joint or part-funded arrangements.

Do you offer respite stays?
Yes. The minimum respite stay is two weeks, giving residents time to settle and benefit from our full care and support.

Is there a trial period for new residents?
Yes, we offer a four-week trial period. After this, if both the family and our care team agree that we can meet the resident’s needs, the stay can become permanent.

What is your deposit policy?
We ask for a one-month deposit, which can be paid within three months after the trial period ends.

How do you assess new residents?
Assessments may take place over the phone, at home, or through information gathered from families and professionals involved in the resident’s care. This ensures we fully understand each person’s needs before they move in.

Do residents keep their own GP?
Yes, residents can remain registered with their own GP if practical.
Alternatively, we have a GP or Paramedic Practitioner from the local surgery who visits the home regularly to review residents’ health needs.

Do you support hospital appointments?
We don’t provide escorts for appointments, but we can assist in arranging patient transport (e.g. EMED) if the resident is eligible.

What happens in an emergency or hospital admission?
If a resident needs to go to A&E, we contact the family immediately.
Our staff cannot accompany residents to hospital, so we ask family members to meet them there.

How do you manage medication?
All medication is ordered directly by us through the resident’s GP and delivered to the care home.
It is administered by trained carers in line with GP instructions and recorded carefully for safety and accuracy.

What is a DoLS (Deprivation of Liberty Safeguard)?
DoLS is applied when a resident lacks capacity and certain restrictions are needed to keep them safe.
For example, if a resident wishes to go home but it is in their best interest to remain at White Lodge for safety reasons, we apply for a DoLS from the local authority. A Best Interest Meeting is held with the care home, family, and Next of Kin to make sure decisions are made collaboratively and in the resident’s best interest.

What activities do you offer?
We provide personalised activities based on residents’ interests, including music, arts and crafts, gardening, gentle exercise, and social games. Each activity is designed to promote enjoyment, engagement, and well-being.

Do you offer trips or outings?
We currently don’t organise external outings, but families are encouraged to take residents out for walks, meals, or visits when possible.

Can residents go out independently?
Yes, if a risk assessment confirms it’s safe and the resident can return independently. We advise families to accompany them initially until they are familiar with the area.

What are mealtimes and food like?
We use Apetito for our meals, which cater to all dietary needs, preferences, and cultural requirements.
During the right season, we also use apples, pears and plums from our own garden to make homemade puddings and desserts.

Can residents bring their own belongings or furniture?
Absolutely. Residents are encouraged to bring personal items, small furniture, and decorations to make their room feel like home.

How do you handle laundry?
We provide a full laundry service for residents’ everyday clothing and bedding.
Please note that we do not offer dry cleaning services.

Can family and friends visit anytime?
Yes, family and friends are always welcome. We simply ask that visits are respectful of residents’ routines and comfort.

How do you communicate with families?
We keep in touch through calls, emails, and meetings. Families are regularly updated about well-being, appointments, and any changes in care.

Can families join activities or events?
Yes - families are encouraged to take part in activities and special events when possible.

Do you have parking?
Yes, we have a secure car park with an automatic gate for residents, families, and visitors.

How do you keep residents safe?
We have 24-hour staff, secure entry systems, and regular safety checks. Each resident has an individual care plan and risk assessment to ensure their safety and wellbeing at all times.

What if we have a concern or complaint?
We value open communication and feedback. Any concerns can be raised directly with the Manager, and we will respond promptly and fairly.