Veronica's* Story

On the surface, Veronica generally seemed fine. But when REACH Community Outreach Advisor Tracey visited her at her home, she discovered Veronica’s living conditions were shocking. However, it meant that we were able to get her the help she really needed.

“When Veronica first dropped in at the Resource Centre, she wanted our help to apply for a bus pass as she had just become a pensioner. She was presentable and personable and walked with the aid of a stick. Nothing about her gave away any deeper need.

“She came by to ask for help with a few other things, her requests written on little bits of paper. But something didn’t add up, so I suggested I pay her a visit at home.

“From the outside, the house looked very ordinary. But when I went inside, the smell hit me.

“Veronica couldn’t get upstairs to the only bathroom and toilet. She was having to strip wash in the kitchen sink and use a commode downstairs. A kind friend would come to empty the commode but when they weren’t around, Veronica had to wait.

“Veronica also had a dog but because she couldn’t walk him, she lets him out in the back garden. You can imagine the mess out there. Sometimes he toileted in the house.

“Occupational Therapy had already visited and reported Veronica’s living conditions to the Housing Team. But when I rang the Housing Team, they still had her categorised as low priority. They have now made her a top priority and are trying to find a bungalow for her and her dog. They are also organising a carer to visit daily.

“Veronica had been on Universal Credit and Housing Benefit and thought that, once she reached pensionable age, things would swap over automatically. She hadn’t realised she needed to apply to get her pension and reapply for Housing Benefit. I helped her and she has now received £1900 in Housing Benefit, enough to pay off the rent arrears she had, which is a big relief to her. We’ve also applied for a reduction in Council Tax which will help her modest income to go further.

“I’ve also applied for Attendance Allowance which will help Veronica pay for her care, someone to walk her dog and clean up the garden. Recently, when her beloved dog needed a vet, Veronica stopped eating – it was the only way she could afford his treatment. He means the world to her, especially as she has no family or social network. I quite understand she doesn’t want to give him up, so we’re seeing if another charity will help with his vet bills.

“As too often is the case with isolated people, Veronica fell through the statutory safety nets that should have been there for her. This is why REACH has such a vital role to play – we can give clients the time and space that statutory services can’t. What would have happened to Veronica, had we not been there for her? I’m just so glad that she came to REACH for help.”