Steve's story: Living independently for as long as he wishes to do so
Steve has learning disabilities and mobility problems. When he contacted POhWER he was worried about the flat he was living in. As winter approached he was concerned that his current flat was too cold and difficult to heat. He was on the waiting list for alternative accommodation but nothing he had been offered fitted his needs which were efficient, inexpensive heating.
Not only was Steve worried about staying in his Stevenage flat but he had recently been bereaved; he was finding this difficult to cope with as there was limited support and it was affecting his ability to deal with the need to find a new home.
David, the POhWER advocate who worked with Steve, helped him research information about properties and ensured that it was fully explained in a way that Steve found easy to understand. He struggled with written communication so David helped him draft any letters needed and worked with Steve to make sure he fully understood any letters he was sent.
Steve and David discussed a number of options including a letter to the housing department outlining his particular needs, showing support from his GP and asking if he merited any more points to move him up the list. Steve also asked the housing association (his landlord) if they could improve the heating in his current flat. He also asked his GP about getting some bereavement counselling.
Steve chose to take these actions forward and David helped him draft a letter to the housing authority, leading to a discussion about whether his current flat would be suitable if the heating problem could be solved. A local counselling service was also found and David helped Steve to get a referral.
It was decided that the heating could not be sufficiently improved in Steve’s current flat so he would need to move. It was agreed with the housing department that Steve would be provided with details of alternative accommodation and he was offered the chance to visit possible properties with David after drawing up a list of his requirements.
David also contacted the local adult care services team and arranged for an occupational therapist to visit any chosen property with Steve to ensure the property would meet the his mobility needs and arrange for any alterations to be made.
Following his work with David, Steve was able to work with the housing department to go through the process of bidding for a new home and visit prospective properties with a list of requirements and have them assessed for his needs. He was successful in applying for a suitable new home. He is also having specialist bereavement counselling.
This is just one example of how POhWER is supporting people to live independently for as long as they wish to do so.
