Turning a house into a home
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With an estimated 2000 people being cared for in long-term hospital settings, it's important that NHSE funding helps us to provide appropriate housing. Adapting properties for these tenants has a big impact on their lives - and why it’s so rewarding to see their homes take shape.
When looking at pictures and architectural drawings of properties, it’s sometimes tricky to visualise the adaptations. To visit in person and see the work in progress is great as we can see changes unfolding and how they will meet the needs of our tenants.
A property we bought in Manchester was a great find for one of our tenants because it was in a secluded, quiet road in the suburbs.
The tenant who moved in had spent a long time in hospital, so it was fantastic to work with the contractors and the project managers on a 12-week program to make the right adaptations to suit her complex needs. For example, a bespoke front entrance was built for privacy.
The tenant’s father was involved at an early stage as we searched for properties, while the tenant’s occupational therapist at the hospital and the support provider MacIntrye gave their input to ensure the property was just right. We changed doorways and improved the flow of the rooms. We also made sure there were double doors into the bedroom and the en-suite bathroom to improve the entrances.
As we were using grant funding from the NHSE Transforming Care program, we had regular engagement with the NHSE lead and the commissioning team to give updates.
We’re supporting somebody to come out of a long-term stay in hospital and live in their own home, in a community which is a great result.