Helping client Andrew with mobility & housing issues
Published on 30 November 2022 12:43 PM
Find out how Age UK Islington Navigator Constance was able to help client Andrew with a move to Sheltered Housing.
Read tips and guidance from our navigation team and guides from Age UK about Attendants Allowance and sheltered housing.
Andrew was referred to Age UK Islington by Adult Social Services’ Urgent Response team for ‘urgent’ rehousing.
When Andrew was discharged from hospital, it was discovered that the tiny flat where he had been living in for years had become unsafe for him due to mobility issues. He was also very isolated and he had essentially become a prisoner in his own home.
The flat was a single room in a converted house up 5 flights of very steep stairs and Andrew was unable to use the stairs independently. He was trapped in his room as there was not enough space to use his waking frame to get outside from his room. He was also worried about his neighbours.
When Andrew was discharged from hospital back to his flat, he had an episode where he collapsed and was admitted to hospital yet again. On discharge this time round, he was transferred to a rehabilitation centre in Islington where he could get more support.
“I came down to London in the 70s to spread my wings and I had been living in the same flat all those years. I used to work for a university as a messenger. I enjoyed it but retired in my 60s. Since then I haven’t been doing anything special. Looking back, once I couldn’t walk so well, it was terrible in the flat. Most of the time I was just sitting there and watching TV.
“In this new place where I am now, I am getting along quite nicely. It allows people to be themselves. Constance from Age UK Islington has helped me apply for sheltered accommodation and to do all the forms. There were lots of documents that I didn’t have. I’ll be able to start again now. I’m looking forward to it and being able to get on with life.”
Age UK Islington Navigator, Constance also helped Andrew to apply for Attendance Allowance which now helps him pay for his care. She also helped coordinate his discharge, working with the social worker to get this arranged and helped him to purchase items for his new home. He is expecting to move to the sheltered accommodation in the coming weeks.
Helpful tips from Age UK Islington Navigators & Age UK guides
Sheltered Housing
Can you no longer use the stairs? Is your house too large? Are your heating bills overwhelming? Are you over 55? Do you have antisocial noisy neighbours? Whilst there is a waitlist and people with the highest needs will be prioritised, you can apply to move to a safe, social, ‘managed’ property.
You can only move with a partner, there no spare rooms for other relatives or carers. Housing forms are the same as the usual route but it is not a bidding system – you get assessed and offered properties as they come up.
You can run a sheltered housing application along-side the traditional housing application as well. Other alternatives to putting in an application for sheltered housing in Islington, would be the Seaside & Country Homes or Home Swapper.
For more information:
https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/care/housing-options/sheltered-housing/
https://directory.islington.gov.uk/kb5/islington/directory/service.page?id=JLmeSGPLZQU
Assisted Living / Extra-care Housing
Assisted living (also known as extra-care housing) is a type of ‘housing with care’ which means you retain independence while you're assisted with tasks such as washing, dressing, going to the toilet or taking medication.
You would need to be assessed by a social worker for and your needs; only those people with high needs would be eligible.
For more information:
Attendance Allowance
Are you over pension age? Do you have care needs? Struggle to get dressed independently? Need to pay for food delivery because you can’t carry everything – you might be eligible for Attendance Allowance.
The form to apply is fairly straightforward. The main thing is that you need support with ‘your activities of daily living’ which can range from walking to the shops and cleaning to moving around your home and dressing.
When describing your care needs it is important to think of the greatest support needs you have on your worst day rather than your best day and it is important to get all the medical documents to send off as well.
For more information:
https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/money-legal/benefits-entitlements/attendance-allowance/
Need further help? Contact Age UK Islington Helpline
For advice or support with mobility or housing issues, contact Age UK Islington on their helpline: 020 7281 6018, Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm / gethelp@ageukislington.org.uk.