Staying Safe: Navigating Services and Feeling Supported at Home Again

After a fall at home, our client—an older woman living alone with severe hearing and sight loss—was referred for social prescribing support. She was finding it increasingly hard to manage daily tasks and was feeling isolated and unsure where to turn.

A home visit revealed several immediate concerns: she was overpaying for cleaning, receiving inconsistent care, and had not had her eyes tested in some time. She also needed a GP assessment for ongoing health issues.

With gentle, practical support, the link worker helped her:

• arrange a new, affordable cleaner
• request a review of her care plan
• organise a home eye test
• secure a GP home visit, which uncovered a possible fracture and led to important hospital treatment

Further support included arranging a chiropodist, a mobile hairdresser, and planning a benefits check to ensure she receives what she is entitled to. Although communication was challenging, our client consistently shared her gratitude. She said she felt “very thankful” to have someone helping her navigate services and stay safe in her own home.