Many thanks to Dorothy and her family for kindly allowing us to share her story. Dorothy’s new lease of life with Liaise began in 2024, when moving home, once an unthinkable challenge, became the start of a positive new chapter.

Facing the Challenge of Moving Home

Dorothy had been living in her apartment at Casarita in Norwich, which required significant maintenance work. This meant she needed to decide whether to move temporarily or permanently. At the time, her mental health and well-being meant she hadn’t wanted to leave her home for over three years, making the thought of any move feel overwhelming.

Using our Outcomes Pathway Tool as a guide, the team focused on what mattered most to Dorothy, helping her feel safe, improving her well-being, and gently supporting her towards greater confidence and everyday independence. She was supported to understand, consider, and prepare for the changes ahead, both emotionally and practically, so she remained involved and in control throughout.

A Warm Welcome at Ashwood House

A wider network of Liaise homes across the region worked together to find the best temporary home for Dorothy, while the maintenance team began refurbishing her apartment.

At Ashwood House, her temporary home, the team prepared a warm welcome. Her room was decorated, everything made ready, and her favourite sweets waiting for her arrival. With a safe, well-led transition plan in place, shaped around Dorothy’s outcomes, she surprised everyone by agreeing to leave her home for the first time in three years. Colleagues from Casarita were also there to provide familiar faces and continuity during the move.

Settling In and Achieving Outcomes

Dorothy settled into Ashwood House straight away. She began using shared spaces and joining in with activities, something she hadn’t done in over ten years. Her confidence grew, her well-being improved, and her world began to open up again. These changes reflected the outcomes in our Outcomes Pathway Tool, particularly around feeling good and mental health and growing independence.

A New Lease of Life

So positive was the change that Dorothy chose to make Ashwood House her permanent home. Her refurbished apartment at Casarita then became a new home for someone else in need of care and support.

Dorothy’s journey truly reflects what a new lease of life with Liaise can look like, built on teamwork, understanding, and clear outcomes that help people feel settled, confident, and ready for the next chapter.

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