Being at risk of homelessness

whistles

I had a meeting this week with adult social services. It came as a huge shock to learn that I am not actually in supported accommodation anymore. I was when I moved in, I haven't moved. Social services discontinued that set up with my carer. I was then changed onto Direct Payment employing the same person who had been supporting me before. So nothing actually changed in that respect, but financially things were cut greatly as my hours were the minimum they could be.

I now need to move due to the property being sold, the person who did my new social care assessment seemed to understand and listen to what I was saying. However the other person wants me to move straight to a flat with floating support as I am intelligent and will manage fine.

This is a car crash waiting to happen! After 30 years of living with others and not living independently, I don't know how to do a weeks shop, pay bills, function day to day in the world everyone else simply gets on with. I function in mine.

Yes I come across as being "normal" but my short term memory cannot be relied upon. I get confused, distracted, disoriented, forgetful and that's without having to shop, cook, clean and keep a flat. And without my medical condition joining in.

Sheltered housing was my preferred choice, that's off the table as the social worker won't write a letter in support of me needing that, yes I am not yet 55, but you can apply with disabilities. Supportive accommodation was my second choice if I didn't cope with sheltered. I had assumed that was what the set up I was still living in.

I don't have / present with any mental health issues (not yet, but I can see that coming if they can't!!!)

No way did I consider moving out into my own place, why would I. After 30 years of not having my own place, living with others, why would I choose to suddenly live alone. That makes no sense whatsoever.

I fear my health is going to deteriorate as a result of this, why do we need to find out how bad things are before I get moved to where I feel I can cope. I can't process what has happened, what is happening, so I won't have room in my brain for independence.

Holly_Scope

Hi @whistles that is a big change and sounds like it's come as a shock - I can appreciate why you feel overwhelmed with the transition. Especially with what you've said about your memory etc.

Have I read it right that you've transitioned to having a carer? Do you have an idea about how much involvement your carer will have with your day to day? Sorry if I've misunderstood.

whistles

I am waiting to see someone from the council to discuss the floating support.

The social services said they would provide me with a support worker as my carer died. They haven't finished the assessment and said something about applying for funding.

The direct payments will be stopped as that was arranged between them and my carer. They don't want me to find anyone, so that's a relief.

Holly_Scope

I'm so sorry to hear about your carer.

Fingers crossed you can get some clarity from your council meeting and the finished assessment as to the type of support, and how much you'll be receiving. I'm just thinking if you've got some reassurance you'll have quite a bit of contact and support with the things that worry you the most, that might help put your mind at rest.

Please let us know how your meeting goes.

whistles

The issue is not being able to start looking at moving until I know what accommodation the social services recommend, what support they will provide, and how much of that I need to contribute. I don't know what I can afford or what things even cost without the housing team support.

It's taken a month to get the first meeting which I had to chase up and sort myself. Therefore they filed me under capable which isn't true. Not regularly, reliably or safely. I haven't ever lived on my own before, I haven't ever had my own place before. I don't think I even want that. Capable or not. I won't be able to afford the rising bills.

Holly_Scope

@whistles I can appreciate that really doesn't help set your mind at ease having to chase them up given the circumstances! Is your meeting soon?

whistles

Not heard anything.

Social services said it could take a few months to assess. But they were putting in a support worker straight away.

My brain takes that as this week.

Holly_Scope

That's good you have something in place temporarily at least @whistles. Hopefully it is this week. 🙂

whistles

I will be chasing them up, I shouldn't have to.

But the squeaky wheel gets oiled first.

whistles

I still have no support worker, it's only just been agreed by the panel. Then they need to sort funding.

Someone has temporarily taken over support, but they lack the time and I might see them twice a week. It's meant to be one hour Monday to Friday. So I need the new support asap as I am struggling.

Holly_Scope

Hi @whistles thanks for the update! Seems like things are moving (albeit slower than you'd hoped)!

Have you made your temporary support worker aware you need more support? Wondering if they might be able to raise this with their manager to get something more suitable in place.

Best wishes,

whistles

Social services are aware that the current person can't support fully.

Its been that way for nearly two months now.