Ben, a retired postman, and his wife Barbara lived in the house Ben was born in over 70 years ago. Ben found caring for his wife Barbara a challenge and the number of repairs needed on the property caused him endless worry while he was trying to make her life comfortable.
As soon as they heard about Gifted Housing they knew it was for them. Gifted Housing provides a service to older people who donate their property to Age UK in their life time, and then receive help with maintenance, property costs and support to stay living in the property as long as they want.
“We knew that the combination of help with arranging and paying for maintenance and the support with care issues from the care co-ordinator was just what we needed to help us continue living at home”.
The Gifted Housing maintenance manager visited them as soon as the property transferred to the Charity’s ownership and agreed a programme of work to suit the couple. This included a new roof, and external painting. The Care Co-ordinator provides support with regular visits and expert help on health and care matters.
“Not having to worry about maintenance on our home and being supported to look after my wife is such a relief. I would recommend the service to anyone, especially people who don’t have relatives to support them”
If you’d like to find out more please contact:
Age UK Gifted Housing Service, Freepost RTAC-TELC-RHAK Age UK Linhay House, Ashburton Devon TQ13 7UP
Tel 0800 389 5295 email ghs@ageuk.org.uk or visit www.ageuk.org.uk/giftedhousing
