I'm 46 - why am I in an OAPs' home?

Nigel Pockett has been living at The Firs, Kempsey, near Worcester, since he was released from hospital after having his right leg amputated four weeks ago and – while he likes the fellow residents – the 46-year-old would like some company a little closer in age as everyone else is over 60.

Indeed, the person next closest in age to Mr Pockett is 21 years older.

“The next youngest person is 67,” said Mr Pockett. “They are all lovely people and they have all tried to help me settle in, but even they are asking ‘what are you doing here?’.”

The Firs – which is described on Festival Housing’s website as “supported housing” for retired people – was offered to Mr Pockett after his leg amputation meant he could not return to his ground floor flat on Elgar Avenue, Malvern.

His unhappiness has been further increased by the fact he is far away from family and friends in Malvern.

“My support worker said I should not be here, my doctor has written a letter and all the residents are prepared to sign a petition.

"It seems to me they took me out of hospital and then nobody wanted to know,” he said.

Gay Lloyd, one of Festival’s housing managers, said: “We are sorry Mr Pockett is not satisfied with his new accommodation.

“After discussions with health professionals, Mr Pockett was invited to view The Firs as an alternative to staying in hospital as it offered the adaptations he needs such as wheelchair access and a level access shower.

“Mr Pockett chose to accept this accommodation.”

But Mr Pockett has said he was so drugged up at the time to control the pain, he barely knew what he was doing.

“I was so drugged up with morphine and whatever else I just agreed,” said Mr Pockett.

Mr Pockett has been asked to fill in a form to get himself moved – but until then he will have to remain at The Firs.

Mr Lloyd said: “If he would like to move properties we have sent him forms for the Home Choice Plus scheme through which he can apply for other properties.”