FAQs

Admissions & Referrals

Can we arrange a trial stay or short-term placement?

Yes, absolutely. We offer short-term placements at Ullswater Cottage, depending on availability and individual care needs.

Do I need a GP or local authority referral to access care?

No, you don’t always need a GP or local authority referral to access care at Ullswater Cottage. While we do accept referrals from healthcare professionals and local authorities, individuals and families are also welcome to contact us directly.

Whether you’re exploring care for yourself or a loved one, our team can guide you through the process—helping with assessments, care planning, and funding advice. If external referrals or assessments are needed, we can coordinate with your GP or local care team to ensure everything is in place.

How can someone be referred to Ullswater Cottage?

Anyone interested in a placement at Ullswater Cottage can be referred, there are several options to achieve this:

  • Health professionals – Referrals can come from your GP, specialist neurologist, physiotherapist or social worker.
  • Local authority – If you’re currently supported by a council-funded social care team, they can assist in making a referral – You can find out more via the West Sussex Council page.
  • Self-referral or family-led – You’re welcome to reach out directly to us; we’re happy to discuss your needs and guide you through the referral process.

Care Questions

What kind of staffing and clinical expertise is available onsite?

Ullswater Cottage is staffed by a dedicated multidisciplinary team with extensive experience in supporting adults with neurological conditions. Our care team includes qualified nurses, support workers, and therapy staff, all trained in specialist care techniques.

How do you tailor care for individuals with complex neurological conditions?

At Ullswater Cottage, we provide highly personalised care that’s shaped around each individual’s unique needs, preferences, and goals. Our experienced team works closely with residents, families, and healthcare professionals before, during and after the transition into the home. This helps shape the style of care at every phase to ensure we are offering the very best to everyone.

Who is eligible to receive care at Ullswater Cottage?

We specialise in both permanent and respite care for adults with a focus on those who are under 65 with long-term neurological conditions.

What types of care does Ullswater Cottage provide?

We offer both permanent and respite care for adults who are under 65 and live with a range of long-term neurological conditions. We know that everyones care needs are different so we take a personalised approach to care & support. We would love to welcome you for a visit to meet our friendly, experienced team and see how we can help.

Costs & Funding

Can someone help me understand my funding options?

We totally understand that navigating your funding options can be overwhelming, confusing and a stressful time. However, it doesn’t need to be that way, our team is here to guide you through every step. Whether you’re exploring local authority support, NHS Continuing Healthcare, or private funding options, we’ll help you understand what’s available and what steps to take.

Feel free to send us an email or give us a call to explore your options, alternatively you can read our our blog on how to get financial support when looking for a care home in West Sussex.

Do you accept privately funded residents?

Yes, we welcome privately funded residents at Ullswater Cottage. If you or a loved one are funding care independently, we’ll work closely with you to ensure the process is clear, transparent, and tailored to your needs.

Our team can provide a detailed breakdown of costs and services, help you understand what’s included, and offer guidance on long-term planning. We’re also happy to arrange a visit so you can get to know our home and team before making any decisions.

Is funding available through the NHS or local authority?

Yes, funding may be available through both the NHS and your local authority, depending on your circumstances. To find out more you can read our blog on funding options in West Sussex.

How much does it cost to stay at Ullswater Cottage?

The cost of staying at Ullswater Cottage varies depending on individual care needs, the level of support required, and the type of accommodation chosen. We offer personalised care plans tailored to each resident, which influence the overall cost.

Funding options can include local authority support, NHS Continuing Healthcare, or private funding. Our team is happy to discuss your specific situation and provide a detailed, no-obligation quote based on your needs.

Please get in touch with us to learn more about pricing and how we can support you or your loved one.

Daily Life & Activities

Can residents choose how they spend their day?

We believe in promoting independence, dignity, and personal freedom, so daily routines are shaped around individual preferences and not fixed schedules.

Whether someone prefers quiet time in their room, joining group activities, spending time outdoors, or pursuing a personal hobby, our team is here to support those choices with warmth and flexibility.

What does a typical day look like for a resident?

A typical day at Ullswater Cottage is shaped around each resident’s individual needs, preferences, and routines. We promote choice, independence, and meaningful engagement, while ensuring comfort and clinical support are always in place.

Mornings begin with a nutritional breakfast, followed by optional activities such as gentle exercise, sensory therapy, or 1:1 support. Midday includes a freshly prepared lunch and time to relax, socialise, or enjoy the garden. Afternoons might feature music, crafts, therapy sessions, or quiet reflection time, depending on the resident’s interests.

Evenings are calm and supportive, with dinner, personal time, and a peaceful bedtime routine—all guided by the resident’s pace and preferences.

Are family and friends able to visit regularly?

Of course, we actively encourage friends and families to come and visit their loved ones. We strongly believe that staying connected to loved ones is essential for our residents’ wellbeing.

Facilities & Accommodation

Do you provide any specialist equipment?

Yes, we provide a wide range of specialist equipment to support our residents’ comfort, safety, and independence. Each bedroom is equipped with features such as a fully adjustable profiling bed, an easy-to-use nurse call system, and access to an adapted en-suite bathroom or wet room.

We also use a variety of mobility aids, hoists, and other assistive technologies tailored to individual needs. Our equipment is regularly updated to reflect the latest best practices in neurological and physical care.

We’d be delighted to show you around, so why not arrange a visit to see how our environment supports everyday living?

Is there access to gardens or outdoor space?

Absolutely, we boast an abundance of safe, and accessible outdoor areas that can be used for activities, peaceful walks or a space to relax and soak in the sun!

Are the facilities suitable for people with mobility issues?

At Ullswater Care Centre, meticulous attention has been dedicated to the design of each of our 10 ensuite bedrooms. Each room is situated on the ground floor with accessible access to all other areas of the home.

Each bedroom includes a range of technologies and features that make life easier for residents, including a profiling bed, a nurse calling system, and an adapted bathroom or wet room. We actively promote personalisation, encouraging residents to bring treasured items from home, enabling them to truly transform their rooms into a personal sanctuary.

Can residents personalise their rooms with their own belongings?

We actively encourage residents to bring treasured possessions from home—whether that’s photos, ornaments, or favourite bedding to help transform their room into a space that reflects their personality and brings a sense of familiarity and comfort.

What are the rooms like at Ullswater Cottage?

At Ullswater Care Centre, meticulous attention has been dedicated to the design of each of our 10 ensuite bedrooms reflecting our commitment to going above and beyond. Residents have ample space to organise their personal belongings, and can enjoy beautiful views and designated areas for relaxation. Each bedroom is carefully furnished with a personalised colour scheme and offers a consistently comfortable environment.

Each bedroom includes a range of technologies and features that make life easier for residents, including a profiling bed, a nurse calling system, and an adapted bathroom or wet room. We actively promote personalisation, encouraging residents to bring treasured items from home, enabling them to truly transform their rooms into a personal sanctuary.