GOLDEN YEARS was very important to me and you dealt with my queries very efficiently.’ Mrs Pearce. We don’t employ salesmen. Our experienced surveyors visit you to discuss your needs. We also pride ourselves in employing courteous and trustworthy fitters to install every bathroom. ‘Not only have they done a great job, but they have been so kind to my mum who is very fragile both physically and emotionally at the moment.’ We use specialist bathing products which come with a manufacturer’s warranty, plus our own 12-month installation warranty. In the last 20 years, we’ve never had anyone say they didn’t like their bathroom. In fact, people often send us letters and emails to say how much they love what we’ve done. ‘I am extremely pleased with my bathroom. It exceeds expectations!’ Angela. If you’re ready to seek help with your bathroom, call us on 01823 729564. See our advert on page 34.
Age UK Somerset encourage a move towards ‘normality’ with their ‘Let’s move together and improve together’ campaign
The last year has been an unusual and difficult one for most but for many older people it has been particularly hard, with long periods of self-isolation impacting both mental and physical wellbeing. Some have embraced modern technology, learning new skills and participating in online activities and social events, but these have not usually been as rewarding as getting out and spending time with friends and family. Throughout the pandemic, Age UK Somerset have supported older people in the County. Because they help those who are most at risk from severe illness due to coronavirus, and those whose movements have been most restricted, they have been busier than ever. Despite some services being paused due to their physical nature, others sprung up to meet the new needs of this
Former Ageing Well Manager Di Ramsay, with AW’s 88 year old yoga teacher, Ivy Thorne. Tragically, Di lost her fight with cancer last year; she was an inspirational manager who made a huge difference to the wellbeing of many older people in Somerset.
strange time, for example their telephone service called ‘Friendly Phone calls’, to help alleviate feelings of isolation and boredom. The charity’s Ageing Well team, who normally run and manage hundreds of communitybased exercise classes, have held a wide range of online exercise sessions since last July. These classes have encouraged older people to maintain their current levels of fitness and given them a chance to see familiar, friendly faces. Full technical support has been given by the team and classes have included Tai Chi, yoga, pilates, general fitness and relaxation sessions.
With plans to resume their community-based classes from the 17th May, Ageing Well are launching an inspiring ‘let’s move together and improve together’ campaign. Whilst wanting to encourage older people to start coming to classes again, they are aware that many are nervous of doing so. They are putting in stringent measures to provide the greatest level of reassurance, reducing the number of participants allowed in each class and introducing a new booking system. Classes will be re-started over a number of weeks, so that the team can oversee and manage them safely and effectively.
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