There are lots of charities, businesses and organisations who make life better for seniors and their friends and families in Swindon, but not everyone knows about all of them!
Whether it is dressing to feel at your best, having appropriate transport to get around, or exercise options and social and support activities it is worth knowing about some of the services available in Swindon that can make life a little smoother and hopefully a lot more varied and enjoyable. Read on to discover our hidden service gems!
Dressability
Dressability’s goal is to help people to have a wardrobe that is truly tailored for their needs. Sometimes certain conditions can make it difficult or even impossible to maneouvre into a garment or do up fiddly little buttons on the shirt. Rather than give up on that item of clothing, Dressability can make a subtle, professional adjustment to overcome the issue. Examples include collars that use Velcro to attach or magnetic buttons or a consealed zip to allow a jumper to be put on from the side for someone who can’t lift their arms up. These simple yet effective adaptations are discreet and can enable a person to dress more easily or even independently.
The amends are finished to the highest of standards by the friendly team of professional tailors. Sharon Tombs, manager, told us that over the years they have come across so many requirements that there is no need for anyone to be shy whether it is clothing to accommodate a stoma bag, or clothing with access points for tubes, or waterproof inner layers to avoid wetness on clothing. They will come up with a brilliant creative solution whatever the obstacle to ensure people’s clothing remains a positive choice.
They are charity and amendments are much lower price than you’d imagine for such a bespoke, personalised service. Anyone with a condition can access the service as well as anyone over 65 with or without a medical condition. Dressability is based at Westmead Dr. Swindon. To find out more send an email to [email protected] or call 01793 512878.
Neuro Wellbeing Centre
Previous the “MS Therapy Centre” the Neuro Wellbeing Centre recently re-branded to spread the message that they have great services for anyone affected by any condition which is neurological. This means that the list of conditions they can provide help with includes: ME, Stroke, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and many more besides MS.
We visited the centre and saw how cheerful and welcoming it is with its purpose designed gym and exercise studio, social area and impressive offering including Oxygen Therapy and a NASA built Anti-gravity thread mill. Other services include counselling, social groups, yoga, pilates and other exercise classes.
There is an annual membership of £20 and after that services are either free or subsidised for those with a condition confirmed as neuro by a GP or at full price for those wishing to use the facilities who don’t have a specifically neuro condition.
Also based at Westmead Dr. Swindon there is plenty of parking and easy access. To find out more about the services visit the website https://neurowellbeingcentre.co.uk/ or call them on 01793 481700.
Dial a Ride
Getting around if you are no longer able to drive can be life restricting, especially if you are a wheelchair user, or have needs which make a standard taxi impractical. This is where Dial a Ride can open up opportunities to get out and about enjoying life as they offer reliable, punctual, safe and accessible transport services.
They provide door-to-door transport services meeting passengers’ personal mobility needs by providing the assistance needed throughout the journey. This could include locking their door for them, providing an arm as they walk out from their home to the bus or car and ensuring that they are safely in their home after the journey. They have vehicles that can take wheelchairs.
Dial a Ride is a local voluntary organisation with a dedicated team of staff and volunteers who work together to meet the demand for their services.
You can call them on 01793 616050 or visit their website https://www.dialarideswindon.org.uk/
Swindon Carers
Swindon Carers is a charity which supports unpaid carers of all ages from 5 years up including older carers. Registering with Swindon Carers if you have caring responsibility can open the door to information and advice, as well as a programme of social and educational activities available free to registered members including an older persons “Open Minds” social afternoon which has entertainment and the chance to connect, or the Dementia Group which provides a session separately for carers and the cared for loved one with dementia so that the carer can have a break and socialise with others in similar situation.
There is a support line for carers and it really is well worth registering for free if you have a caring responsibility including if you co-care with a spouse. To find out more and to register visit https://www.swindoncarers.org.uk/
Age UK Wiltshire
Age UK Wiltshire is a local charity delivering a range of services to help keep seniors informed, remaining independent and staying involved through later life.
One of the great activities available are the Fitness & Friendship Clubs they run which provide a great opportunity for older adults to socialise and stay active. Each meeting includes gentle exercise to help maintain strength, balance and flexibility. There’s also lots of time to enjoy chatting over refreshments of course.
There are several groups running in Swindon including a Tuesday group 2-4pm at Central Community Centre, Emlyn Street and a Thursday group at Royal Wootton Bassett also 2-4pm. More details can be found on their website https://www.ageuk.org.uk/
We hope you’ve found a service that will improve your life or the live of a senior you know. There are many more organisations and services we’d love to tell you about and Home Instead provide a Guide called the “What’s On Where” WOW Guide which givces a calendar of local activities. We also provide The Resources Directory which contains links to many other local and national services which can benefit older people. For copies please email [email protected]
If you are interested in supported living in this area then see if Home Care in Swindon & the Vale of White Horse could be right for you or your loved ones.