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: 

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. 

After many months of waiting and searching, we finally had the news we had been hoping for. In November, a two bedroom fully adapted bungalow became available in an area close to her family. When I told Elizabeth, she was absolutely over the moon. She said: 

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.

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 highlights the impact that timely, joined‑up working can have when someone’s housing needs change. By listening carefully to her circumstances and working closely with health professionals, Adult Services and housing colleagues, it was possible to secure a home that better supports her health, safety and wellbeing. 

While there is still some follow‑up work planned around access, Elizabeth’s move has already made a clear difference. Rightsizing into a more suitable home has helped her feel more comfortable, independent and settled, and has enabled her to remain close to the people and support networks that matter most to her. 

Elizabeth described the outcome simply when she said: 

Her story is a good example of how partnership working, early conversations and a shared focus on individual need can lead to positive, lasting outcomes for tenants – positively impacting their lives.