A Dundee dad who felt ‘trapped’ in sheltered housing for more than a year says he’s finally getting his life back with a move to his own flat.
Alan Smith, 59, has been living at Servite Court, a home for the elderly in Dundee, since September last year.
He moved in after suffering a stroke and developing a leg problem which left him in a wheelchair.
But Alan received some good news last week: His time at Servite Court is almost over, and he’s been given a new home of his own to move into.
Alan says: “I got a letter last week saying the flat was available. So I was taken up to have a look at it.
“They had the occupational therapist there to see what changes it might need. It’s in a good area, nice and quiet.
“I’m really pleased to be getting out. This was meant to be temporary, but it has felt like forever.”
‘I’m finally beginning to be positive’
Moving into his own place is something Alan has been waiting for since arriving at Servite Court 14 months ago – and he’s excited to have his independence back.
He continues: “The flat is close to shops so I’ll be able to go out and about and do my own shopping, which I couldn’t do here. It’s quite an exciting time.
“This is sheltered housing and I’m living with support. You’re sheltered away from everything here. You don’t see much of the world outside this place.
“They try their very best here and I can’t complain about the care I’ve received, either here or at Ninewells. They’re a great bunch of people and very helpful.
“I’m finally beginning to be positive about things.”
‘I’m determined to walk again’
Alan was originally moved into Servite Court while awaiting an operation on his Achilles tendon to enable him to walk again.
He’s been undergoing rehabilitation with the hope of getting him walking again since having the operation in February this year.
Alan explains: “I’m able to get around a lot more using the Zimmer frame at the moment.
“Hopefully I’ll be able to stop using it once I get my balance back and get some muscle tone in my leg, which I’ve lost because I’ve been sitting in a wheelchair.
“People here comment on it and say I’m getting far better at walking – they tell me to slow down now! I’m really happy with the way things are going.
“I’ll definitely be out of the wheelchair for good at some point. I might need to use a walking stick or something like that.
“I just want to be walking again and I’m determined I’ll do it.”
‘I’m getting my life back’
Over the past year, Alan has struggled both with his physical recovery and the mental toll of living in sheltered housing.
Getting into his own place will make a huge difference, he says.
“I was on a downer for a while, it was quite soul destroying. But things seem to be moving ahead now. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.
“It was not knowing how long it was going to go on for. I’d say to myself ‘this time next year, I’m not going to be here. I’ll be in my own place.’ So it’s brilliant.
“Hopefully I’ll get a job. I’ve always worked all my life. I’ve seen a few online I’m thinking about applying for.
“My mobility has been a bit of an issue, but being able to move around a bit more will certainly help.
“I’m looking forward to getting back socialising and doing the things I like to do – playing guitar and cooking, which I’m not really able to do here.
“I’m getting my life back.”
Dundee Health and Social Care Partnership was approached for comment.
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