We’re sharing stories from our supported housing colleagues and their customers. Our Housing Support team have shared some great stories that showcase the brilliant and varied work they do to support our customers:
Mrs C
Ms C struggles with ill health and can only eat soft foods or fluids. The cost-of-living crisis has really had an impact, leaving her worried and anxious about money. To help herself with the cost-of-living crisis she batch cooks' soups and other soft foods and freezes them. She microwaves them to heat them up. She has dietary requirements and constrictions due to her illness, therefore food parcels are not an option for her.
She called into Housing Support extremely anxious as her cooker and microwave had broken at the same time, and she was very worried about how she might eat. Through a referral to the Somerset hardship fund, I supported her to get a cooker delivered, and £196 of energy vouchers, freeing up some money which she then bought her microwave with. She was delighted with the support and settled much of her anxiety and worry over money and the increased cost of living.”
Mr B
I started working with Mr. B after he was discharged from hospital. Unfortunately, whilst he was in hospital, the water cylinder in his property leaked, causing damage to his flooring. Independent Living quickly found alternative accommodation in a local schemes guest room which had the facilities to ensure he had a comfortable stay whilst the repairs to his property were underway.
It was important to maintain good communication between all areas of the business involved in making repairs to his home, meeting his care and support needs and keeping him updated. Homecare was tasked with checking the electrics were safe in his property, repairing the damaged cylinder and drying out the floor. After the property had dried out, new carpets were fitted. Meanwhile, I liaised with the discharge team to ensure the customer’s package of care was delivered and fed back any issues or concerns. I worked closely with the Independent Living Partner, Michelle Hamlett, who arranged for a new PCRFA and Fire safety visit as the property was cluttered. During this period, I learned that Mr. B really wanted to live somewhere with more support around him. We discussed Extra Care Housing and he felt this would be a better environment to meet his needs.
Mr. B continues to be supported to manage his Independence, feel safe in his home, and is encouraged to engage with his package of care in order to stay healthy and well.