Iris has lived in the east of England for the past 17 years. Family is important to her, illustrated by the many photographs that line the walls of her living room.
She has two grown up daughters, each with four sons, as well as two great-grandsons and a great-granddaughter.
Iris is never lonely, as her daughters live locally, popping in regularly to take her shopping and help with cleaning. Her oldest grandson, who’s 29, also visits her often to see how she’s doing. “I’m very lucky in life to have a caring family,” says Iris.
A strong work ethic
Iris started work at 14 when she left school, and continued to the age of 76. She worked mainly as a cleaner in care homes and hospitals. Iris used to enjoy the social aspect of her job, having a routine, and chatting to the patients she met.
She didn’t want to give up work as she enjoyed keeping active and being around people, but her deteriorating health meant she had no choice but to retire.
“It was only due to my feet that I had to give up, because I was in so much pain at the end of the shift that I thought: ‘this is ridiculous, I can't keep doing this’,” explains Iris. “I did miss it when I left, but I don't miss it so much now because I see my friend once a week, and both my daughters once or twice a week.”
Before the support, I was struggling. I was very grateful to receive the extra money, and it’s improved my life a lot.
Struggling to keep up with the rising cost of living
Iris’ worries about the rising cost of food meant she was regularly buying cheap microwave meals, and on some days she would have nothing to eat at all. “I’d look at the price and think ‘I can’t afford that’,” says Iris. “Food went by the wayside.”
Since receiving support from Age UK, she is now able to afford a good diet, with fresh vegetables and meat. Having fresh ingredients rather than being limited by ready meals means she can also batch cook, and can stretch her food to save time and money.
“When I buy a chicken, I cut it all up and make a stew out of it, and I freeze some of it, so I've got it for another time. I do make a lot of stews because you get the carrots and parsnips and all that in it. And they're warm. They keep you warm.”
“It sounds little, but it is so important to me to be able to have proper dinners. Before I bought these pound microwave things. But luckily enough that has stopped.”
Getting into a better situation
As well as living with COPD and asthma, Iris had a hip operation five years ago, and, later, developed arthritis in her knee and ankles . It’s therefore difficult for her to get around the house, and requires the use of a stick. It was only after speaking to an Age UK adviser that Iris realised the compromises she was making to get around the house.
“He asked me how I got dressed in the mornings. How did I get dry after the shower? And I just said, ‘Well, I have to hang onto things’. So, he said, ‘Well, that's not normal living’. So, he went all through it with me, and then sent me a form. The benefits adviser was absolutely excellent, so I was really chuffed.”
Thanks to the assistance of the Age UK Advice Line, Iris was able to secure the Attendance Allowance, Pension Credit and Winter Fuel Payment she was entitled to.
Now she doesn’t need to be anxious about what will be left over after she pays the bills each month - this extra money has enabled her to put the heating on when she needs it, and shop for nutritious food instead of the cheaper, unhealthier options.
And Iris makes sure that she’s keeping as active as possible at home, making sure she goes up and down the stairs three times a day, as well as practicing the exercises she’s been shown by a physio.
“Before the support, I was struggling,” Iris says of Age UK’s help. “I was very grateful to receive the extra money, and it’s improved my life a lot. I count myself very lucky.”
