• 30/10/2025

Dorothy’s story: staying independent with support from Revival

Dorothy

At 81 years old, Dorothy had always valued her independence. Living alone, she took great pride in managing her home, keeping it tidy, and staying connected with her friends and family. But over time, her health began to make daily life more challenging.

Simple routines like getting dressed in the morning, cleaning, or preparing meals left her short of breath and in pain. Dorothy wanted to stay in her own home, but she needed a little extra help to make that possible.

That’s when Adult Social Care referred Dorothy to Revival, and our team was ready to step in and support her.

Listening, understanding, and taking action
When one of our Revival Support Workers first visited, they spent time listening to Dorothy’s story, understanding what mattered most to her and what kind of support could make the biggest difference.

Together, they put a plan in place that would help Dorothy stay independent while she waited for her social care assessment to be completed. Revival made a referral to the DWP to check if Dorothy was eligible for Attendance Allowance, ensuring she could access the financial support needed for ongoing care. Her GP was contacted to request that her emollient cream could be added to her prescription, removing the cost burden.

Dorothy was also given information about a trusted cleaning service and Wiltshire Farm Foods, who deliver nutritious ready-made meals, perfect for days when cooking felt too tiring. And, knowing how much Dorothy valued social contact, our team suggested a befriending service, giving her regular chats and a connection to her community even when she couldn’t get out.

Building confidence and comfort at home
With Revival’s support, Dorothy began to feel more confident and reassured. She knew she had people she could turn to, people who genuinely cared about her wellbeing.

The small changes made a big difference. Having meals delivered to her door meant she could eat well without the strain of cooking. The cleaning service helped her keep her home just the way she liked it, and the befriending service gave her the social contact she had been missing. With the Attendance Allowance application underway, she also felt secure knowing that long-term help was within reach.

Dorothy says that Revival’s support has changed how she feels about living alone: “Revival have allowed me to remain independent, to feel supported and included.”

She’s now thriving again, confident, connected, and comfortable in the home she loves.

We’re here to bring your home to life
At Revival, we believe everyone deserves the chance to live safely and independently at home. Whether it’s short-term support after an illness, help managing your home, or connecting you to your community, we’re here to make sure your home is a place where you can thrive.

If you or someone you know could benefit from our support, get in touch with the Revival team today, we’re here to bring your home to life. Call 0333 014 3389 or email the trusted team on hello@thisisrevival.org.uk