Providing accessible housing to support timely hospital discharge, jointly working with housing support to promote health & wellbeing
Lochaber Housing Association was approached by a healthcare professional about an individual who was medically fit for discharge from hospital but required accessible
housing to meet their medical needs. A suitable ground-floor property with level access and an accessible shower was identified and made available.
Challenges
Uncertainty and finding change overwhelming.
The potential for loneliness and isolation following hospital discharge.
The rural location meant the individual had limited knowledge of the area where they were being re-housed.
No support network, New Start Highland housing support was put in place.
Successes
Lochaber Housing Association’s Handyperson’s Service provided adaptations to enable the tenant to live safely and with dignity. The adaptations reduced barriers within t the home and promoted independence, providing a safe transition from hospital to the property.
Throughout the allocation and sign-up process, the Housing Officer provided support to ensure a smooth transition from hospital to the new property including attending
appointments, and support to complete the housing and medical forms. The Housing Officer completed the tenancy sign-up prior to discharge, minimising potential delays.
As part of this support, the tenant was provided with information about their tenancy
rights and responsibilities, ensuring they understood the terms of their tenancy and the support available.
Lochaber Housing Association provided the tenant with energy support to stay warm, help to pay for energy and advice on how keep energy costs manageable. Included in this support was a warm pack, heated throw, thermal curtains and a one-off payment towards energy costs.
Lochaber Housing Association and New Start Highland jointly visited the tenant
regularly to provide support with settling-in, adaptations, repairs and tenancy related help and advice. This partnership working ensured the tenant was supported
throughout the moving process.
New Start Highland’s housing support included:
- Support engaging with agencies in relation to healthcare, housing and wellbeing; ensuring information was shared and support was provided.
- Helping arrange removals, set up utilities, the internet, online grocery shopping and other settling-in tasks.
- Support accessing benefits increasing the tenant’s income and promoting tenancy sustainment.
- Funding was sourced through the Independent Living Fund for additional equipment meeting the tenant’s medical needs, promoting safety and comfort in the home.
- Help applying for the Blue Badge parking permit and disability bus pass.
- Putting the tenant in touch with Shopmobility who provided mobility equipment to promote independence and confidence.
- Budgeting advice, support opening mail and help paying bills.
- Identifying the tenant was entitled to additional financial assistance which opened funding opportunities from charities, which in turn provided additional mobility equipment.
- Help applying for assisted bin collection.
- Keeping the tenant informed on accessible transport options and available social activities and community events to support overall wellbeing.
- A referral for Self-Directed Support empowering the tenant to plan tailored help giving them greater control over what they needed.
- Bridging the gap between the tenant and healthcare professionals ensuring co- ordinated support for their ongoing care and support needs.