Story 2 - Keeping a couple connected at a difficult time
Why they contacted us
Over Christmas and New Year, an older man with a learning disability experienced a sudden increase in physical support needs. He and his wife had been managing at home, but the situation became unsafe and urgent support was needed to support him. He required an emergency residential placement.
A short-term bed was found, but it was some distance from his home and family. Being apart had a clear impact on both his and his wife’s emotional wellbeing.
What we did
Adult Social Care acted quickly and with compassion by:
- arranging safe emergency accommodation
- recognising how important it was for the couple to stay close, our teams regularly contacted local care homes to find a suitable placement nearer to his wife
- continuing to advocate for the couple until the right option became available.
The difference it made
The man has now moved to a residential care home that can meet his physical needs, close to where his wife lives. They can see each other more often and have started going out into the community together again. Both report feeling happier, more settled and less anxious.
How we know
Feedback from the couple and staff shows clear improvements in wellbeing, confidence and hope after a very difficult period.