George, 85, lives at our Croftlands Extra Care Independent Living Scheme in Ossett.
He worked as a rail fleet repair specialist for 50 years, travelling the length and breadth of the country. In recent years, George found himself living alone in his own property and after a health scare, explored moving into supported housing.
George is popular, known for his cheeky jokes and a willingness to muck-in when it comes to organising the booming social calendar. He prides himself on maintaining his independence despite his setbacks, living a full life while accepting he needs a little helping hand these days.
George said: “I had a heart attack and ended up in Pinderfields Hospital for a while. I was living on my own and the doctor told me and my niece that he wasn’t going to let me go back.
“They were worried about what might happen if no one was around so they said I should come and look around an independent living place to see what I think. As soon as I came in, I said to my niece ‘this is a bit of me, you can sign me up’.
“It is perfect for me here, there is support and people to talk to when you need it and a bit of your own space as well. The important thing is if I’m not feeling so well, I only have to push a button and there is someone there in two minutes to see if I’m okay.
“In my bungalow I would have been laid there for hours before anybody got to me. When you get to my age that is the sort of thing you have to really start thinking about.”
Croftlands is a purpose-built development of 27 one-bedroom apartments set in gardens with a large social and dining area. As an extra care scheme, Croftlands is ideal for anyone who needs a little more help.
With an experienced scheme manager and our Care Link system installed in every home as standard, residents can live with the peace of mind that in the event of an emergency, support can be called immediately. Residents receive the same service 24 hours a day, seven days a week, all year round from WDH.
At Croftands, George has become a central part of the social scene, organising entertainment and activities that are always popular. He said: “You should see it on a day when we’ve got a turn on, the place is always packed out, there is never a free seat.
“We’ve had all sorts of performances, the best one recently was a drag act! People really got into it; it really was great fun.
“Each day we have a three-course meal, there is always something good to choose from. When I lived on my own, I didn’t take care of things like that, if I was tired or unwell I couldn’t be bothered a lot of the time.
“We have a good time here and I think people might be surprised by how much goes on. We’re all independent people, I still like to pop out to the shops but it’s nice that I can tell the employees here that I’m heading off in case anything happens.”
George has enjoyed living at Croftlands to such an extent that he decided he wanted to leave a permanent reminder of his time there.
George said: “One of my good friends that I spent a lot of time with passed away and I thought afterwards that it was a shame there wasn’t something to remember him by.
“I spoke to my niece, and she agreed it would be great if I could put some money towards getting some really nice garden furniture here. I love sitting out here, I like to think that in the future people might think of me while they’re sitting out enjoying the sunshine too.”