Starts at Home Day
Friday 1st September is Starts at Home Day - a day to celebrate the value of care and support services and the difference that having a safe and secure place to call home can make to people’s lives.
We spoke to two of our Independent Living tenants, Tony and Nora, to hear how living at a later-life development has helped them.
Tony’s lived at Almelo House for eight years, after the flats were recommended to him by a friend. He’d worked for many years as a chef in Brighton before moving back to Preston for family reasons.
“I like it here,” he says. “It’s friendly and easy-going, everyone gets along well. I don’t have any problems. The Manager is really good, she organises things like bingo and sing-a-longs, there’s always lots going on.”
As well as enjoying organised activities at Almelo House, being close to plenty of shops, cafes and bus routes means Tony can get out and about easily, going to church and visiting his daughter.
Tony and his family also have the extra security of a 24/7 emergency response service: “It’s made a difference” says Tony. “I know there’s more help when I need it.”
Nora moved to Ingolcroft in May this year, after coming to realise that where she’d been living was becoming more and more unsuitable for her. She’d been through some significant health issues and felt the need to live somewhere quieter and calmer. “I couldn’t cope any more, it was too noisy” says Nora.
Since moving to her comfortable, accessible flat, Nora’s been a lot happier: “It’s nice and quiet, I get on with my neighbours and everyone knows each other. I can join in with activities or keep myself to myself. I like the quiet life.
“I feel safe here. (Manager) Karen has helped me a lot. She’s helped me sort out my finances, so I can save up to buy things for my flat and decorate it. She’s also got me the rails and handles and other things I need so I’m safe. Community Gateway promote independent living and that’s what I’ve got – I’ve got my own door, my own keys and I know people are there to help if I need it. I’m very independent.”
Nora also appreciates the way staff explain things to her: “I respect them for talking to me on my level,” she says. “They don’t judge me, and make sure I understand everything so I feel a lot better.”
She has particular praise for scheme manager, Karen: “She goes out of her way to help me and give me advice, and checks I’m ok if she hasn’t seen me out and about. She’s not like a warden - she’s everyone’s friend.”
“I’m very happy, I know that when I need help it’s there. This is the first flat I’m making my own.”