The client lives alone in the family home she shared with her husband since 1950. The house holds decades of memories, identity and personal history. When her mobility declined and she required live-in care from 2020, remaining in her home was central to her wellbeing.
In November 2024, the client fell and fractured her femur. Following surgery, she was admitted to hospital and then transferred to a care home for rehabilitation. Although the placement supported her physical recovery, she was clear about one thing. She wanted to return home.
In April 2025, her family contacted the service to explore bringing her back. A reassessment was completed and in May 2025 she returned to her own home with live-in care reintroduced. She was visibly delighted to be back in familiar surroundings.
The client has poor mobility and relies on equipment for transfers, including a Sara Steady. She lives downstairs with a profiling bed and commode to ensure safety. However, one deeply personal goal emerged during reviews. She wanted access to the second floor of her home.
Upstairs was her former bedroom. It contained her clothing, jewellery and treasured collections, carefully organised over many years. Although carers brought items downstairs for her, she expressed that this was not the same. She wanted to see everything herself, to sort through her belongings, make her own choices for the week and sit quietly in her bedroom looking out of the window. It was not simply about clothes. It was about autonomy, identity and connection to her past.
The care team listened carefully. Rather than viewing the request as unrealistic due to mobility limitations, they engaged occupational therapy services to explore safe solutions. Following assessment, additional transfer equipment was provided to support safe movement on and off the stair lift. Two returns were installed, one at the top of the stairs and one at the bottom and transfers were approved as safe.
By August 2025, the client was able to access the second floor with support. The change was profound. She was able to spend time in her bedroom, sort through her wardrobe, choose her own outfits and enjoy quiet moments overlooking her garden. Even when she chose not to go upstairs every week, she repeatedly expressed how important it was to know she could.
Her family have shared how meaningful this has been. They describe their mother as content and empowered. They were particularly reassured that her strong wish to return home from the care home had been honoured and that her independence continues to be respected.
The measurable impact was not in steps walked or distance travelled, but in well-being. The client has consistently stated she feels happy, content and in control in her own home. Her confidence improved through having genuine choice, despite physical limitations.
This case demonstrates ‘Outstanding’ practice through listening, creativity and partnership working. By engaging external professionals and making relatively small environmental adaptations, the team restored access to a significant part of the client’s life. The outcome was not simply physical access to a room but renewed autonomy, dignity and belonging.
