Member Article

Salix Homes helps elderly tenants stay warm and well

Salford housing association Salix Homes has been ensuring its elderly residents stay well this winter.

Salix Homes’ neighbourhood teams have carried out home visits and delivered winter welfare packs to more than 150 of its older residents as part of its annual Keep Warm, Keep Well scheme.

Now in its ninth year, the initiative supports people aged over 70 to ensure they are all set for the winter months, their heating is working, and they know how to access support if they need it.

During the visits, officers give advice on how to stay warm and healthy during cold periods, what to do if they trip or fall and ensure they are claiming the benefits they’re entitled to.

Residents are also given winter welfare packs containing a hot water bottle, blanket, gloves, socks, hat, thermal mug and a temperature gauge.

Pensioner Dorothy Law, aged 74, lives alone at her home in Charlestown and was thrilled with her winter welfare pack. She said: “I live on my own and don’t really have any family so it was a wonderful surprise to get a visit and my welfare pack. Everything in it will be really useful to me and the socks will keep my toes warm in bed!”

Mick Walsh, neighbourhood manager at Salix Homes, said: “The cold, winter months can be a very difficult and worrying time for some older people, some of whom don’t have any family and may be feeling lonely and isolated.

“A lot of older people can go for days and weeks without seeing anyone else, so it’s vitally important that they know that help and support is out there if they need it.

“So far this winter we have visited more than 150 of our elderly and most vulnerable residents to offer help and advice and ensure they don’t feel alone this winter.”

If you’re a Salix Homes tenant and feel you, or someone you know, could benefit from a winter welfare pack and a visit from the Neighbourhood Teams please call us on 0800 218 2000 or email: enquiries@salixhomes.org

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Hayley Collins .