Anthony's Story
Anthony's Story: Finding Belonging and Support through Connection.
Finding Connection at Iris Hayter House
At 78, Anthony has built a warm and sociable life at Iris Hayter House. He has a close bond with his sister, who remains an important part of his life even though they live far apart. They keep in touch with Christmas cards and phone calls, which give Anthony the comfort of family connection whenever he needs it. Within the home, Anthony enjoys lively conversations and laughter with both staff and residents. He particularly valued a holiday to Hayling Island this summer, where he spent time exploring, relaxing, and making memories alongside friends and staff.
Living with Complex Health Needs
Anthony lives with schizophrenia, which he manages with antipsychotic medication. Alongside this, he faces several physical health challenges, including arthritis, which limits his mobility and makes walking painful. He also has ongoing issues with his dentures, which cause discomfort and sometimes affect his speech, as well as a heightened fear of contracting illnesses. These difficulties can make daily life more complicated and add to his anxiety, particularly before his depot injections.
Barriers to Community Life
As a result of his mobility issues, Anthony often relies on taxis and his wheelchair to get around. Outings require careful planning and staff support, as he needs someone to assist with his chair. The limited availability of staff sometimes made it harder for him to go out as often as he wanted. This left him frustrated at times, and he would describe trips out as “too much hassle,” preferring to stay at home instead.
Planning Together
To support Anthony, staff worked closely with him to create a weekly timetable of activities. By asking about the places he most enjoyed visiting and the things he liked to do, the team built a schedule around his interests. This gave Anthony time to prepare mentally for outings and meant trips were better organised, helping him to feel more confident about taking part.
Growing Confidence and Sociability
Since then, Anthony has become more engaged and sociable. He now expresses his needs more openly and with confidence, which has helped him build stronger relationships with residents and staff alike. He has also become more involved in community activities, which has reduced feelings of loneliness and allowed him to make new friends outside the home.
Creativity and Companionship
On the days Anthony prefers to stay in, he spends time listening to music and working on crafts with staff support. These creative outlets give him a safe way to express himself and explore his imagination while enjoying the companionship of others.
Feeling Supported
Anthony describes his experience simply as “everything is alright here,” and he is happy with the support he receives. His GP has also praised the staff, saying: “The staff at Iris Hayter House are excellent and provide outstanding support to Anthony. This care creates a safe environment, allowing Tony to feel secure and settle well in the home.”
Looking Ahead
Anthony’s story highlights how creating a compassionate and welcoming environment can help people thrive. With the right support, he has become more confident, more connected, and more able to enjoy the things that bring him happiness.
