About Helen House and Douglas House
Helen House
Helen House is a bright, comfortable home-from–home for children from birth to 18 years-old with life-shortening conditions.
There are eight beds in total, two of them are emergency beds. There are also four family flats so the whole family can stay at the same time.
When a child is accepted, the family is offered a number of nights annually which they can pre-book for respite care. These days are in addition to those for more acute care, including symptom control, or for end of life care.
There is a spa, games room, music room, lots of games, books and toys and other fun things to do. We often have outings and activities going on to make the most of respite time.
The Helen House Care Team includes registered children's nurses, nursery nurses, carers, physiotherapist, play specialists, aromatherapists, a teacher and the Family Support & Bereavement Team.
There is 24 hour medical cover provided by a small team of doctors who have a specialist interest in paediatric palliative care. They visit every day if needed and there is always a doctor on call.
Douglas House
Douglas House is quite different from the average adult hospice, which tends to focus on an older age group. Our building is bright, vibrant and not at all clinical in appearance – more suited to someone aged 16-35. There are seven beds in total, including one emergency bed.
When a young adult is accepted, they are offered a number of nights annually which they can pre-book for respite care. These days are in addition to those for emergency care, including symptom control, or for end of life care.
We have lots of facilities to suit younger people. These include a Jacuzzi, a games room, a music room and even a bar! It is also possible to have days or evenings out, to make the most of respite time. At Douglas House the young adult will meet other young people their age group who are facing similar challenges, in an atmosphere that focuses on living life to the full.
The Douglas House Care Team includes registered nurses, registered learning disability nurses, carers, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, an aromatherapist, volunteers and the Family Support & Bereavement Team.
There is 24 hour medical cover provided by a small team of doctors with a special interest in palliative care. They visit every day if needed and there is always a doctor on call.
Want to know more - click here to read more information about referrals and eligibility, or you can call the Helen House Care Team, or the Douglas House Referrals Team on 01865 794749.
