War veteran and ex-gunner Frank Gambrill, 94, from Whitstable, is now recovering at home thanks to Home First.
The great-grandfather spent six days in the Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother Hospital in Margate after a fall on 4 November.
Frank is grieving for his wife, Shelia, who died just a month ago. They had been married for 63 years and he was keen to get back to his home town, where he has lived all his life.
He said: “It’s been a very difficult couple of months. I cared for Shelia for a year before she died and she didn’t want to go into hospital either.
“I suffer from gout and have been in lot of pain. My leg was so painful. It just went from under me and over I went. I couldn’t get up or move or anything.”
Frank managed to call his daughter, Jennifer, who dialled 999. As soon as he was admitted to hospital, the team, made up of doctors, nurses, therapists and social care professionals, discussed his treatment daily and how to get him home safely.
The fluid was drained from Frank’s leg and after six days in hospital, he was ready to be discharged and the Home First Team kicked into action.
He said: “I was so glad to be back home, it’s much nicer to be in your own surroundings. I was surprised the team was over here so quick. I can’t believe all the attention from the lovely nurses.
“I can’t do gardening anymore, but I don’t like to be just sat in hospital, I suppose hardly anybody does.”
Frank was assessed by occupational therapist Ryesa Jewitt and Personal Nursing Assistant Charlotte Curtis, who visited him during the next three days.
They brought in others members of the team and arranged for a walker upstairs, chair raisers to help Frank get up and down without twisting, and something to transport his meals so he can be more independent.
The team also arranged for KCC’s social care team to look at modifying Frank’s bathroom so he can have a shower and help with his personal care.
Frank said: “My son Barry is moving in with me, but I can’t wait to get back on my mobility scooter so I can start getting to the shops again and also pop down the pub.”