Age UK Calderdale and Kirklees, in conjunction with the Calderdale and Greater Huddersfield CCG, are providing a new service to keep older people safe and warm in their own homes this winter (the service will run until March 31).
People can contact the service themselves or can be referred by your GP or Social Services. Age UK can help with:
Home safety checks, to help avoid trip and falls, and give advice on keeping warm and well.
- Provide home support visits, these can be tailored to the individual’s needs, to provide companionship or help with shopping etc.
- A day out at one of the service’s centre in Halifax, transport included.
- Winter support packs, that include fleece blanket, tinned food, packet soups and tea and coffee.
- Draught excluders, and some other equipment.
- It may also be possible to provide electric blankets in some cases.
Colin Cromack from Age UK Calderdale and Kirklees said: “It is great to be able to offer this free service for older people who can easily become isolated and lonely during the cold, dark winter months.”
Mr Brian Holmes, who lives with his elderly mother in a poorly insulated home, were referred to the Winter Support Service which was able to fit draught excluders on doors and windows, a jacket on the hot water tank, a ‘cold alarm’ to alert them when the temperature drops to dangerous levels and refer them for an electric blanket.
To find out more call Age UK Calderdale and Kirklees on 01422 262011.