Colin’s Story

Published on 30 July 2025 02:38 PM
Our Out of Hospital Team helped Colin feel confident and independent at home again
At Age UK Gloucestershire, our Out of Hospital Team is here to support older people as they settle back into life at home after a hospital stay. We offer friendly, personalised and practical support which can make a world of difference.
Recently, we supported Colin, who was referred to us earlier this year after spending some time in hospital. Our Community Support Coordinator Theresa worked closing with him over several months to make sure he had everything he needed to feel safe, confident and happy at home.
Practical Support
Soon after Colin got home, Theresa arranged a visit from someone in his GP Surgery’s Frailty Team. They quickly recognised that he needed some extra nutritional support and arranged regular deliveries of food supplements. Theresa also arranged for an Occupational Therapist to visit. They provided practical equipment to help Colin move safely around his home and once he no longer needed this, Theresa arranged for their return. She also accessed a small grant from Age UK Gloucestershire to get Colin a falls alarm, which really helped him feel safer and more at ease.
Making Colin’s Home More Comfortable
Colin’s living room needed attention, with mould, peeling wallpaper and worn-out furniture, which made the space gloomy and uncomfortable. Theresa arranged for a decorator to give the room a much-needed refresh and thanks to a grant from Age UK Gloucestershire, she also arranged for the old and worn furniture to be taken away by the council and replaced with a comfortable new sofa and armchairs.
To keep Colin’s treasured ornaments and belongings safe during the decorating, another organisation stepped in to move them with care. They’ll return once the work is finished to put everything back just the way Colin likes it. Now his living room is not only safer but also a warm and welcoming place to relax.
Arranging Care and Financial Support
Knowing Colin would benefit from some regular support, Theresa helped him arrange for a carer to support him with weekly food shopping, cleaning, preparing meals or personal care if that is ever needed. To help cover the costs, Theresa supported Colin to apply for Attendance Allowance, which he’s now receiving. This extra money means Colin can pay for the help he needs when he needs it. She also pointed him towards advice about other benefits he might be entitled to, such as Pension Credit.
Making Life at Home Easier
Together with a friend of Colin’s, Theresa arranged to have a key safe installed so that people he trusts can get in easily when needed.
Working with a partner organisation, Theresa also arranged for some repairs around the house. A plumber fixed a broken toilet and some leaking kitchen taps, and an electrician has provided a quote for some essential electrical work too.
One final challenge, due to Colin’s mobility issues, was getting to the building society. Theresa accompanied him on two visits, to help him to access his savings. They were also advised on how to make this process easier moving forward.
Now that Theresa’s support has come to an end, Colin knows he’s not on his own. Our Help Team is just a phone call away if he ever needs more advice, guidance or support.
Need help after a hospital stay?
If you or a loved one are returning home after a stay in hospital and could benefit from some short-term support, please get in touch with Age UK Gloucestershire on 01452 422660.