Having spent 27 years at Sawyers Close, Mr Hearne was finding that his flat had become too big for him to manage and that he was having trouble keeping it clean and tidy.
As well as this, being on an upper floor with mobility issues meant he had trouble using the stairs or getting out to the shops or even to post a letter.
It was through chatting with the local housing team that Mr Hearne realised there were other options available to him outside of Sawyers Close. He met with local housing officer Gemma Gould to upload his details and look at his options on Thames Home Choice.
In less than a month Mr Hearne found a new home and moved into it, with Abri helping him every step of the way. He replaced living at Grasmere for a new home in Leslie Dunne, an Abri Independent Living property just round the corner in Windsor.
Mr Hearne has embraced the active social life at Leslie Dunne, strolling round the community garden and winning the Bingo - twice!
Mr Hearne said:
“I don’t regret it. I went from feeling totally isolated to making about a dozen friends within a month of moving here!”
If you think downsizing might be for you, or if you have any other housing queries, please contact your local officers janet.richardson@abri.co.uk or gemma.gould@abri.co.uk