Page 34 - link magazine

34 It's winter time. Keep warm with help from

• Sanctuary Everybody can play a part
Housing_
ui in helping older people keep warm this winter

Sheltered accommodation "We all know that really cold everyone now to look out for or you are worried about being
for rent for people of weather makes life difficult, even their older neighbours. Don't cut off, contact the fuel company
dangerous, for many older wait until the cold arrives! Cold straight away - the phone
retirement age
people," says Jo Osorio, Age weather also brings all the number is on the bill. It's vital to
For details, call Concern Swindon director. worries about paying fuel bills. keep warm and you shouldn't be
"That's why we're asking If you have problems with them disconnected during the winter."
01793 511333
Fax: 01793 431067
e!
Sanctuary Housing Association Cold in bed? Don't b
Swindon Area Office Don't be cold in bed this have plenty of blankets to give
89/91 Cricklade Road
winter. Age Concern Swindon away which can be collected
Gorse Hill, Swindon SN2 1 A
from 14 Milton Road, Swindon
(Monday - Friday between lOam
and 4pm). To have some
SWINDON MOBILITY CENTRE delivered, call 692166.
"Blankets-on-Wheels' is just
FOR ALL YOUR NEEDS
one of the many services offered
ELECTRIC AND MANUAL WHEELCHAIRS, SCOOTERS
by Age Concern Swindon this
- * New and used machines - 30 in stock
winter. Portable gas or electric
* Repairs servicing accessories fan and convector heaters are
* Stairlifts: new and reconditioned available for emergencies as well.
* Bath aids and walking aids These services are free but
donations are always welcome!
* Everything for the disabled and elderly
* 24 hour call out
Hire Winter tips and
For emergency service telephone: amacht,e
your
YO
helpful advice
01367 253642 anytime
holidays
Office hours telephone: 01793 423484 - \N,f"\ Age Concern England pub-
Or call in at Unit 21 Axis Business Centre Westmead lishes over 40 free factsheets and
three are especially useful at this
time of year. Factsheet I is about
Abbeyfield Welcome help with heating your home;
Factsheet 18 is a brief guide to
Moving to Abbeyfield is strange money benefits; Factsheet 13 is
Oh, what a difference! Oh, what a change! for older homeowners and gives Age Concern at the ready .. to lend
My room is cosy, my food is cooked information about financial help you heaters or to give you blankets
I must confess I'm truly hooked. for repairs and adaptations. in an emergency. For help, call Age
I sit with friends to eat my meals, You can get the full list of Concern Swindon on 692166.
You've no idea how good it feels. factsheets and copies of all of
And if I say it's really strange them from Age Concern Swin-
It's not for the loss, but for the gain. don, 14 Milton Road, Swindon
I wake in the morning, someone is there, SN1 5JE. Beat the cold
I wash my face and comb my hair, without breaking
I make my tea and eat my toast,
I read my paper and thumb through the post. the bank
Walk into the garden, hear the birds
And for once in my life I'm lost for words. The Energy Saving Trust and
local electricity companies are
Written by M Hurrell, Wrexham
working in partnership to help
Is someone you know getting older? older people heat their homes
Are you worried about them living alone? more efficiently. Under the
Budget Heating Plan people over
Abbeyfield may have the answer 60 who currently rely on an open
you are both looking for: fire to heat their home could be
+ Freedom from shopping and cooking supplied (free) with an electric
+ Independence and privacy fire in their hearth, a fan assisted
storage heater in their main liv-
•• Warmth and comfort all year round
ing room and, in some cases, cav-
+ And the cost? Around £130 a week. ity wall insulation or a storage
ONLY ONE ROOM LEFT heater in the hall too.
Abbeyfield House Canipaigningfor better cold weather For a leaflet about the Budget
73 Bath Road, Swindon payments to pensioners with some Heating Plan write (no stamp
Tel: 01793 822455 Abbey4eld Jlindraising for Age Concern Swin- needed) to Freepost NEA 1275,
Registered Charity 200719 Where older people find care is housing don - and having a bit offun at the Newcastle-upon-Tyne NET IBR
same time or phone (free) on 0800 243 114.