Warmth stories

Raising awareness and getting support for Spread the Warmth is vital - but how does it actually help older people?

Here are just a few examples of how Spread the Warmth helped older people last winter.

Mrs J

Mrs J is aged 91 and lived in almost total isolation and didn't qualify for a ‘care package’ as she was assessed as having sufficient (albeit limited) mobility to move around indoors at home. After a visit and assessment from a Good Neighbour Scheme staff member, Mrs J was allocated a volunteer who maintained high level support and contact during December and January. She also got a winter pack, which proved particularly useful as her existing telephone was faulty and couldn't be relied upon in the event of an emergency/power cut.

Mrs P

Mrs P returned home from hospital on 15 December after having had an operation on her leg. Not only was she incapacitated because of the operation but she also has rheumatoid arthritis which is particularly painful during the cold weather.
Her home help delivered a ‘bundle of warmth’ package on 16 December, including a warm fleece, thermal gloves, hat and socks together with a box of soups and thermos flask - it was very warmly welcomed. The home help was able to fill up the flask before she left in the morning so that Mrs G could have warm drinks all day. 

Mr T

Mr T lives in a small terraced house, is housebound and has poor mobility. The cost to heat his home was excessive in the very cold spell and it was affecting his health, as he would prefer to sit in the cold than to put the heating on. He was afraid that he could not afford to pay the bill when it came. Mr T’s carer - who visits him twice a day, contacted Age UK Advice. We suggested he should apply for the winter warmth grant, which he got, enabling him to keep his heating on for longer which helped to keep him warm during the cold spell.

Mr S

Mr S is 90 and lives alone and he heard about our day centre from a friend. He says that coming to the centre means everything to him as this is the only social interaction he gets. He enjoys meeting friends and making new ones at the centre and said that the winter warmth goody bag was much appreciated and would serve him well during the winter evenings.

If you need information and advice please contact Age UK advice on 0800 169 65 65. Age Cymru works with Age UK to bring you Age UK advice. 

See also...

• Donate a coat this winter and help spread the warmth
• What is Spread the Warmth? Find out more
• Information and advice to help stay safe and healthy this winter