Joan experience with our Regional Floating Support Service (Northern FS Scheme) began with a referral by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE). At the time of referral Joan was 90 years old and lived on the12th floor of an apartment block. Due to her mobility difficulties, the NIHE awarded her Full Duty Applicant status, as she would be unable to use the stairs in the event of a fire or other emergency.

Joan’s Floating Support Worker, Clare, worked with her to support the completion of the necessary requirements for the Housing Selection Scheme and to add her areas of choice. Joan came to the conclusion that she no longer felt she could manage in a completely independent apartment and, with the support of Clare, requested to be considered for Sheltered Housing. Her application was updated and Clare and Joan contacted services to express interest.

Joan had then came to a further decision to ask Social Services for assistance.  After an assessment, a new application was made for Supported Living. Joan was quickly offered a place and accepted the placement. Clare supported Joan throughout the process including setting up meetings with Choice Housing Association to complete paperwork and put things in place to arrange the move. She also assisted with putting together Joan’s Notice to Quit to her previous landlord.

Joan moved into her house in May 2024 and is now living in a service with 24 hour staffing and in a purpose built apartment which has been nick-named “the penthouse”.

Additional support that Clare provided over the eleven months included, budget planning with Joan and reducing her outgoings by helping her to cancel a number of ongoing charity donations, reporting a number of repairs at her previous property, and securing a referral for a home safety check.

Speaking about her experience with CedarJoan said 

“Support from Clare could not have been better. Clare is the top of the list of people who helped me”

 If you would like to know more about the Floating Support (+55) service visit our dedicated page.

Floating Support Older People 55+ | The Cedar Foundation (cedar-foundation.org)