Waltham Forest (Parliament Politics Magazine) – A disabled Chingford woman says Waltham Forest Council “dumped” her in an inaccessible Ilford care facility after a stroke and then “forgotten about.”
Sophia Aresti, 46-years-old, was admitted to an assisted care facility in Ilford in April 2023 after suffering a major stroke in 2021 that left her incapacitated.
She claims that although she was initially informed that she would only be residing there for a maximum of two months, the council “relinquished” its obligation to find her a new home, and the months stretched into more than two years.
Ms. Aresti was advised to think about asking for housing from Redbridge Council, but Redbridge informed her that she was not qualified since she was from Chingford and had been placed in the home by Waltham Forest.
Sophia, who uses a wheelchair, has repeatedly requested to be transferred to a more accessible home in Chingford, claiming that the property where she was placed by the council is “unsafe and unsuitable.”
She is the only female in the home, which she shares with four men who have serious mental health conditions, including schizophrenia. Sophia said she is constantly woken up by shouting, banging, and loud music through the night.
“They’re just so loud, if they’re not banging stuff all night; they’re arguing with the care staff. Just last night, I was up until 5am because there was one guy who was walking around banging all night. I fell asleep for a bit but then another guy started putting his music on and banging.”
She adds:
“I’ve been in the shower and they’ve tried to come in because they’re not fully aware I’m in there.”
Sophia has outgrown her wheelchair due to weight gain from inactivity, which exacerbates the problems she encounters on the property.
The fact that the front door of the property is too narrow to fit a larger wheelchair exacerbates the situation. Sophia’s occupational therapist warned her that if she continues to use the same one, she could get sores.
She says she spends her entire day sitting down and alone at the assisted care facility, characterizing life there as depressing and routine.
She said:
“I’d wake up, and just be on the commode from 8am to 8pm; I wouldn’t go out or anything.
There’d be different carers every single day. It was awful. I was just left on the commode – they wouldn’t take me out to the shops, nothing.”
Sophia says she just wants to be re-homed:
“I need Waltham Forest to find me a home where I can be more independent. A home that is fully accessible and in Chingford, which is where I’m from. I want them to stop ignoring me.”
Councillor Louise Mitchell, the cabinet member for adults and health, said:
“We have been working with Ms Aresti and her family for several years to support her. The level of care required in this case has unfortunately rendered several potential options unsuitable. In July this year, we made a referral for Ms Aresti to benefit from an Independent Advocate, who has now been assigned.
We understand the frustration that this is causing for Ms Aresti and her family, and we continue to make every effort to work with them to achieve an appropriate long-term resolution where her needs can be met as soon as possible.”
How might this case change Waltham Forest’s housing practices?
The council may be required to conduct more detailed and personalized assessments of individuals’ housing and care needs, especially for vulnerable residents with disabilities or health conditions, ensuring accommodation suitability.
Following legal precedents and critiques, Waltham Forest might systematically issue fresh, comprehensive PHPs that clearly outline support steps tailored to individual applicants’ circumstances.
Closer monitoring and follow-up: To avoid cases of vulnerable residents being “forgotten,” the council may implement stronger case management and monitoring to ensure ongoing suitability and accessibility of housing arrangements. The council may enhance policies to prioritize accessible housing options and appropriate assisted living facilities for those with specific mobility or care requirements.
Improved collaboration with adult social care, stroke recovery teams, and disability services could ensure holistic support and timely housing interventions.