For Robert Scarlett, the past year has been one of the toughest he has ever gone through.

The 78-year-old was confined to a hospital bed for nearly 12 months after he had trouble breathing following a string of illnesses.

Things went from bad to worse for the Thornton Heath man when, while still living out of that hospital bed, his wife of 45 years passed away just before Christmas.

“When I first returned home, I was fearful about what would happen to me as I was on my own for the first time in nearly 50 years," Mr Scarlett said.

"I relied on medication for a number of long-term health conditions and needed visits from carers three times a day.”

Unable to use the stairs without help, he became confined to the top floor of his home, with only an electric heater to keep him warm through the winter.

Before long Mr Scarlett had lost weight and started having panic attacks, for which he needed regular medication.

Things were not looking good.

But everything soon changed.

Brigstock Road Medical Practice referred him to Age UK Croydon’s personal independence co-ordinator Sylvarani.

Working with partners from across the health service, the Croydon Council and the voluntary sector, Sylvarani arranged for heating to be installed in Mr Scarlett's home, helped him apply for financial support and most importantly, had him walking walking up and down the stairs again.

"Thanks to Sylvarani and the team of people supporting me, I can move around more and cook my own meals, which has helped me gain some weight.

"I’m even getting up and down the stairs a few times a day and have been working with my doctor, so I’m well enough to start driving again.

"And I’ve not been back in hospital since. I’m so much more confident now and it’s all thanks to the support I received.”

Patricia Murphy, head of community nursing at Croydon Health Services NHS Trust, praised the work done by the personal independence co-ordinators, including the ones who helped Mr Scarlett.

 “This winter our A&E was under huge demand but PICs certainly helped us cope," she said.

"They have reduced unnecessary visits by bringing services together to help people stay well, rather than waiting to treat someone in hospital when they become ill.

“Our hard-working community nurses and other staff greatly appreciate how PICs address the underlying causes that make vulnerable people need NHS care. 

"Now many of our recurring patients feel more in control of their health and are regaining independence.”