Bringing Devon home made all the difference

When Devon was admitted to hospital after a bleed on the brain and a series of mini strokes, few could have predicted how long and difficult his recovery would be.

But what his FitzRoy team in Birmingham knew from the start was that home – not hospital – would give him the best chance to rebuild his life.

Devon has been supported by the team for around two years, and in that time they’ve built a strong, trusting relationship with him. That connection proved vital as they worked together to bring him home after a long hospital stay and a spell in an assessment unit that left his health and wellbeing deteriorating.

Over the months he was away, the team saw Devon become increasingly withdrawn, losing not only his strength but also his sense of self. When discussions began about his next steps, it was suggested that he should move into a nursing home. However, manager Danielle and her team were confident that what Devon needed was to come back to the place where he felt safe, known and part of a community.

Bringing Devon home required strong advocacy and close partnership working between the FitzRoy team, his social worker and commissioners. His support needs had changed so new arrangements were needed – from specialist equipment and room adaptations to increased staffing and funding. The team worked together to make sure everything was in place so that when Devon returned, he could settle straight back into familiar surroundings and routines.

When Devon came home, the team gave him time to help him settle in and regain confidence and bit by bit, the Devon they knew began to come back, his humour, his warmth and his spark. With consistent encouragement and support, he started to regain strength and rediscover his independence.

Small steps made a big difference. Devon began lifting his legs, dancing in bed and joining in cooking and vacuuming, with staff making adaptations so he could still take part. His speech improved too, from using only a few words, Devon is now chatting easily with staff and visitors again.

Most importantly, Devon was back to doing the things that made him him – like visiting his local butcher for bacon and sausages. Being home meant he could reconnect, regain confidence and rediscover joy in everyday life.

Nurses and other professionals visiting Devon have commented on how much brighter and full of life he is. His family have seen it too.

Devon’s brother said: “Devon’s return to FitzRoy has been nothing short of a miracle. He was a little quiet for a few days, but soon realised he was home and safe. Anyone who visited him whilst away from FitzRoy could see the decline in health and his cognitive behaviour and became very concerned for him. It was a huge relief knowing he was eventually returning to FitzRoy. He has a very good rapport with all the staff and soon settled back in. His rehabilitation is ongoing, but going in the right direction and he knows that he has returned home.”

Devon’s story shows why home – not hospital – is where recovery happens best. It highlights the power of person-centred care, strong advocacy and the difference consistent relationships make. In just two years, the team have built a deep understanding of who Devon is and what matters most to him, and that’s helped him rediscover himself and thrive at home.