Before Rob* reached out for advocacy support, he was living independently in his own home with a care package that included regular visits. But after taking an overdose of insulin, a diabetic nurse decided it was unsafe for him to manage his insulin alone. Rob was persuaded to enter a respite placement that was meant to last six weeks. During this time, his insulin was administered by staff and securely locked away.
However, the respite placement was not what Rob had been promised. Instead of a supported accommodation, he was placed in a care home designed for people with dementia. In his 30s and living with mild learning difficulties, Rob felt completely out of place and increasingly isolated. Feeling trapped and misled, he reached out to People First for advocacy support.
“If I’d known the truth about the placement, I would never have agreed to it,” Rob said.
The advocate worked closely with Rob, visiting him regularly to understand his situation and identify the professionals involved. It soon became clear that his social worker was on long-term sick leave, and no one had taken over his case. Rob had effectively been overlooked.
The advocate acted quickly, requesting that a new social worker be assigned. Once this happened, they began working together to explore appropriate long-term housing options, always ensuring that Rob’s voice was central to every decision. The advocate kept in regular contact with professionals, ensuring that Rob’s mental health and well-being were not ignored while solutions were being found.
After persistent advocacy and careful planning, Rob moved into a supported accommodation: a ground-floor flat in a location of his choosing. The new home offered independence and privacy while providing 24/7 on-site support for his insulin administration, exactly what Rob wanted. He was able to decorate and furnish the flat to his own taste, enjoying the balance of independence and support.
Rob’s journey was not without challenges. When the advocate first became involved, there were no active professionals on his case, and no updated assessments had been completed. What was meant to be a six-week stay in respite stretched to eight months. Finding a suitable home in Rob’s preferred area was difficult due to limited availability but persistence paid off, and Rob found the right place for him.
Advocacy made all the difference. By holding professionals accountable and ensuring Rob’s wishes were heard, the advocate helped restore momentum to his care planning. Most importantly, Rob felt valued, reassured, and supported throughout the process. Thanks to person-centered advocacy, he regained his independence, dignity, and the confidence to live safely in a home he loves.
* name changed for privacy
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Rob was supported under Care Act Advocacy; if you would like to find out more about how our Care Act Advocates can help you, please read our 'Good to Know' guide here.
Care Act Advocacy is free, confidential and independent from health and care services.
If you think you are eligible for a Care Act Advocate, please reach out to your social worker or local Adult Social Care office.
If you have tried to contact your social worker or local office and have had difficulty, please contact us directly and we can help you.
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