Adrian's Story: Finding the Right Place to Call Home

After more than 20 years of moving between hospitals and different support settings, Adrian, a gentleman in his 60s has finally found the stability, support and independence he deserves in Gloucestershire. 

Living with treatment-resistant bipolar disorder, Adrian experiences periods of both high and low mood which often made it difficult for previous services to meet his needs. Since 2002, he had been admitted to hospital 27 times and found it incredibly challenging to remain in residential services for any length of time. Despite everyone’s best efforts, the right environment had simply never been found.

When the opportunity arose for him to move into his own Supported Living lodge, Choice Care worked closely with the hospital team to make sure the transition to his new home was as smooth as possible. Rather than rushing the move, colleagues invested time in getting to know Adrian before he arrived, spending six weeks building relationships and understanding his preferences while he remained on his ward with familiar colleagues and surroundings. This was followed by a further six weeks of joint working alongside hospital colleagues in his new property, ensuring continuity of support and giving him the confidence to settle into his new home. This thoughtful, person-centred approach meant the team could understand not only the support he needed, but also the environment in which he would thrive. 

Today, Adrian lives in his own lodge within the peaceful surroundings of an orchard. The lodge gives him the privacy and quiet he values, while also allowing him to spend time with his support team, family and friends whenever he chooses. He enjoys relaxing at home, watching television, welcoming visitors and getting out and about in the local area with support from the team. 

His brother says seeing the difference has been incredibly rewarding: 

“It’s taken a long time to get him here, but it has been worth the effort. He’s settled, he’s happy and he’s getting a much better quality of life. He seems very relaxed; he’s communicating well and having really good conversations. It’s wonderful to see him doing so well.” 

The family have been particularly impressed by the dedication shown by both the team and NHS throughout the transition. Despite the complexity of the move and the close coordination needed between services, colleagues remained focused on ensuring Adrian felt safe, understood and supported every step of the way:

“I’d absolutely recommend one of these lodges and the support that my brother is given. It’s a beautiful setting and the team genuinely support people. They’ve given my brother a home where he can feel comfortable, supported and able to enjoy life, and that means everything to our family.”

Since moving into his lodge, Adrian has remained out of hospital and continues to enjoy a much more settled life. While everyone recognises there may still be challenges in the future, his family now have confidence that the people who support him, both at Choice Care and through the NHS understand him as a person and are equipped to support him through both the good days and the more difficult ones. 

Looking ahead, the focus is on helping Adrian to continue to enjoy life, spend more time doing the things he loves and increase his independence, while always having the reassurance of a supportive team around him.