By Emma O’Brien, Neighbourhood Advisor
I want to share the story of Elizabeth, an 82-year-old tenant I have supported to move from a home that had become far too big and difficult for her, into a place that with some changes will better suit her needs. Elizabeth had been living in a three-bedroom house that she simply could not move around safely in anymore. After a long stay in hospital and time in a spinal rehabilitation unit, she was advised it would not be safe for her to return home in her wheelchair.
Before I go any further, when I talk about “rightsizing”, I mean something very simple. Rightsizing is just moving from a home that has become too big or hard to manage into a smaller, easier and safer place that works better for your needs. For Elizabeth, this was needed.
From the start, the focus was on understanding what mattered most to her. Together, we worked through every challenge to help her settle into a bungalow that gives her the comfort, safety and independence she deserves.
When I first spoke with Elizabeth, she was staying in a spinal unit in Southport after a significant injury. She explained straight away that her old home was no longer suitable. She told me:
“I couldn’t really go back to my three-bedroom house. My wheelchair wouldn’t fit in, and I couldn’t get upstairs. I had to live in my living room.”
Elizabeth’s partner and carer, Joe, also attended an event we hosted at Barton Hub for tenants who were living in homes that were either too big or small. It offered information and advice on how tenants can move to a home that better suits their needs.
Joe shared how worried they were about Elizabeth returning somewhere she could no longer live safely. From the beginning, it was clear the right home could make a huge difference to her wellbeing.
Once Elizabeth was referred to me, I worked with medical professionals, social workers, Salford Home Search and colleagues across ForHousing to get things moving in the right direction. Her daughter helped get her set up on Salford Home Search, which is the council’s Choice Based Lettings system. Even when progress felt slow, and at the time issues with the website, we kept talking and kept checking what was available.
At the same time, I looked into other possibilities for her. We arranged a viewing at Amblecote Gardens, which is a housing scheme where people can live independently but still have support close by if they need it. This is called extra care, which is a type of housing where tenants have their own home but there is on‑site support available when needed.
Unfortunately, this wasn’t successful. Even with disappointment along the way, Elizabeth stayed positive. She kept sharing how she felt, and I made sure her voice shaped every decision.
In October, Elizabeth was discharged from the spinal unit and returned to her old house. Sadly, it was just as difficult as she had feared. She could not move around safely, could not reach the bathroom and could not wash properly.
She told me those weeks were tiring and very uncomfortable. Hearing that really brought home how much a home affects everything, and it made me even more determined to help her find somewhere she could feel safe and settled again.
In October, Elizabeth was discharged from the spinal unit and returned to her old house. Sadly, it was just as difficult as she had feared. She could not move around safely, could not reach the bathroom and could not wash properly.
She told me those weeks were tiring and very uncomfortable. Hearing that really brought home how much a home affects everything, and it made me even more determined to help her find somewhere she could feel safe and settled again.
“When I heard there was finally a bungalow for me, I was honestly over the moon. We had been waiting ages, checking all the time, and for months there was nothing. But Emma never gave up and I kept my faith in her. I really couldn’t thank her enough when she told me. It felt like a big weight had lifted.”
After everything she had been through, this felt like the moment everything changed for her.
To help ease the move, our voids team, who look after empty homes, supported her by waiving the charge for leaving larger items behind. It was another example of different teams working together to make the overall experience smoother for her.
The home was signed for in December. Over Christmas, Elizabeth and Joe spent time getting things sorted and making the place feel ready so she could move in early January. She wanted the bungalow to feel warm, safe and settled from the moment she arrived. She told me:
“We had to get rid of a lot of furniture… we knew it wouldn’t fit.”
Her family helped with the move, and she arranged for flooring and blinds to be fitted before any furniture went in, so she could settle comfortably from day one.
Feeling safe and independent again
After moving in, Elizabeth told me how relieved she felt. She said she was really happy to be able to wash safely again and take a shower in comfort. Hearing that reminded me how much difference the right home can make to everyday life. There are still a couple of things we are working through, especially with her front and back doors being too narrow for her new wheelchair. Adult Services and one of our surveyors have already been out to look at it, and I am continuing to support her while we explore the best way forward.
One of the most important things for Elizabeth was staying close to her family. Her son now lives only a couple of streets away. Her daughter and other relatives are also nearby. Being able to stay connected to them plays a huge part in her overall wellbeing.
Elizabeth’s message to others
Elizabeth wanted people to hear this part clearly. Her advice for anyone in a similar situation is:
“My advice is just to keep going and don’t give up. Have a bit of faith. Keep asking and talking to people, because you will get there in the end. I’m so glad I didn’t stop trying.”
Moving to a smaller home that truly suited her needs has made such a difference to her day-to-day life. She often told me how much easier everything feels now compared to when she was struggling in a house that was far too big and no longer safe for her. Rightsizing has given her back comfort, confidence and a sense of independence she had missed for a long time.
Supporting Elizabeth reminded me why listening to tenants and acting on what they tell us is so important. Her story shows how life changing the right home can be. It has given her comfort, independence and peace of mind.
There is still a little more to do around her access, and I will continue to support her with that. Everyone deserves a home where they feel safe, supported and able to live well.
Elizabeth wanted to leave others with a bit of encouragement too. She told me:
“I couldn’t have asked for better. I’m so thankful for this bungalow. It’s smashing and it just suits me. I love it.”
If Elizabeth’s story has made you think about whether your home still meets your needs, or if you’d like to know more about rightsizing or mutual exchange, we are here to help. You can talk to us anytime about your options. We will listen, support you and help you find a home that feels right for you. You can find out more on our website here.
