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Victory Unit helps more than 150 people back home
A small unit specialising in social rehabilitation for older people has helped more than 150 people to return to their own homes and communities.
Run by Portsmouth City Council, the Victory Unit helps older people to readjust to living independently again, following a stay in hospital or even a spell in residential care.
As well as encouraging people to relearn basic living skills such as preparing meals and personal care, the unit provides physiotherapy to help with mobility and makes sure there are plenty of social activities. The aim is to give older people the confidence they need to return home or to other suitable accommodation such as 'extra care' or sheltered housing.
The unit's team of professionals includes a physiotherapist, occupational therapists, social workers, rehabilitation care assistants and support workers, a speech therapist and a mental health nurse.
Leo Madden, Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care, said: "We want to help as many people as possible to continue to live as independently as possible for as long as possible.
"After a stay in hospital or residential care, many older people want to return to their own homes but can find it hard to readjust. With the help of a passionate team of professionals at the Victory Unit, older people who would previously have needed residential care have been able to return home and continue to live independent lives."
Available to Portsmouth residents who are aged 65 and over, the Victory Unit has eight private rooms and an adapted kitchen.
Since it opened in 2004, the Victory Unit has provided support for more than 200 people and have helped more than three-quarters of those to return home or to suitable accommodation in the community where they can continue to live independent lives.
