“I’m looking forward to going to all the places I’d forgotten about”
Doris B lives in LS8 and is 85. She has mobility difficulties due to a progressive neurological condition as well as diabetes, thyroid problems, eczema and asthma.
Having worked from the age of 14, Doris retired at 60 due to back trouble and was then involved in a range of charity work. She has four surviving children, but is only in regular contact with one.
Doris feels strongly about keeping her independence for as long as possible.
“I want to stay in my own home,” she says. “I was brought up in a children’s home and I will not go into a home again – I’d creep around on my hands and knees if I had to.”
Doris uses her personal budget to employ her friend Pauline who provides most of her support.
“I decided to try using a personal budget because I was unsatisfied with the help I was getting before.
“I’m not hard to please, but I don’t like different people rushing in and out all the time.
“I’ve known Pauline for 25 years. She lives just round the corner. I’ve been paying her to help me with some things, but now I can employ her properly - it makes all the difference.
“Pauline will be able to support me with showering, dressing and preparing meals. And she will be able to help me get away for the weekend, go out to the theatre or visit my family. I’m looking forward to getting out and about, going to all the places I’d forgotten about.
“It would be dreadful if I didn’t have Pauline’s help. I like the fact that I’m choosing who I get my support from. It makes a big difference to me – getting help from someone I know.
"I would certainly recommend using a personal budget to other people my age!”
For more real life stories visit the self-directed support case studies page or read national case studies on the government's Putting People First website.