After being told that the house that he had rented for 19 years was to be sold, with only two months notice given to him by his old landlord, Steven found himself in a state of panic. Steven contacted Jigsaw Homes Group’s over 55s housing team to check availability of an apartment nearby. Within a couple of weeks, Steven got a call regarding an availability at an apartment in Leigh, Greater Manchester.
As it had been a very long time since Steven’s last move, he was unsure about what his next steps were. Our dedicated over 55s housing team and welfare support worker guided him through the moving in process. Steven could not believe how much help he received on moving in to his forever home. Steven said, “I cannot thank everyone at Jigsaw enough for, not only helping me through a difficult period but, helping me to move in my new home and settle in with ease”.
Carol moved in to a Jigsaw over 55s apartment to be closer to her family, as she has three daughters that live nearby. This was the main reason for Carol to move from her 2-bedroom bungalow.
Carol said; “Being close to family, the laundry facilities, having my own independence and no restrictions whilst living amongst a community with similar likes, having an accessible shower room, spacious communal facilities and the opportunity to make new friends was a real selling point for me as I was quite lonely in a house on my own during the 2020 lockdown. Everything you need is also on your doorstep! This includes a host of local amenities ranging from shops, cafés, restaurants and excellent public transport links”.
Carol also enjoys the fact that living in a Jigsaw over 55s apartment keeps her in touch with society, thanks to the social aspect of the apartment complex. Carol enjoys the regular singing sessions, coffee afternoons and arts and crafts that are hosted in the well-kept communal gardens. This has had a positive impact on her health and has supported getting back her social life after lockdown.
Ellen fell in love with the senior living lifestyle whilst working as a volunteer at another apartment scheme. After searching the market for suitable accommodation, Ellen came across one of our Extra Care apartments and instantly fell in love with the size and location of her soon-to-be new home.
Ellen moved in to her new apartment with the help of our Extra Care team and her son & daughter-in-law, who live close-by. With her new home, she did not have to worry about property maintenance and the active social life kept her busy throughout the week.
Ellen said; “I was taken aback by the quality, size and location of the scheme and the helpfulness of Jigsaw staff. It was just like my old home but without the worry and anxiety of repairs and maintenance and peace of mind that someone is available 24/7 if I need any extra assistance. I feel so safe and secure and am able to interact with like-minded people.”
Ellen also enjoys the option of socialising with friends from time to time and the tranquillity and security of her own apartment, as and when she pleases.
Deborah was born in Wiltshire, but moved to Nottinghamshire in the early 90s, where she lived in a private rented property to be closer to her children. She rented privately for over 5 years, in which time the property was sold twice.
As a tenant, Deborah found this to be very stressful. It was when the landlord increased the rent, Deborah looked to find a new home. She saw an online advertisement for an apartment for the over 55s from Jigsaw Homes Midlands and immediately contacted them to arrange a viewing. She was ‘thrilled to bits’ when she signed up, as this kept her closer to her children and near to shops, GP surgery, leisure centre and a host of local amenities.
Deborah enjoys the comfort of knowing it’s a secure tenancy (her home won’t be sold on to another landlord) and the size of her new home is ideal for her needs. She also doesn’t have to worry about maintenance of her home or garden anymore. Deborah also likes the security of restricted access in to the building, giving her peace of mind knowing she is safe and secure at all times.
Jean found herself in difficult circumstances and was offered an over 55s apartment in Tameside through sheer luck. Jean was unsure at first whether it was the right place for her as she felt, having to downsize from a 2-bedroom flat to a studio apartment, she wouldn’t be able to adapt. She thought that it would be difficult to make it on her own, but found everyone in the apartment complex was lovely and helpful and made Jean feel welcome straight on her first day.
Over the first few weeks, Jean enjoyed having people around her for support and made her new comfortable and warm studio apartment her own. Jean said, “I knew that if I needed some assistance, there was someone available who understood what my worries were and listened to my concerns.
If you find yourself having to make a decision about your future, I would suggest you arrange a visit to the apartment and talk to the other residents about your worries you may have about moving home. They will gladly discuss with you everything you need to know and what can be gained from living in a secure and safe place, before you decide your future.”
I was born in Nottingham in the late 1950s. After leaving school at the age of 15, I joined the Royal Navy. I found myself working all over the UK and Europe, and occasionally further afield after leaving the Royal Navy.
Before moving to the East Midlands, I lived in South East Asia for 10 years. I left South East Asia mainly because I was missing my family. Looking for somewhere to live was relatively easy for me. It was just a matter of looking on the Jigsaw website, choosing the location where I wanted to live and then apply for the available property.
The main reasons I chose Jigsaw Midlands over 55s housing were to be close to my family, be within easy access of public transport, have a host of local amenities within walking distance and live in a quiet and pleasant home with nice gardens and private parking.
Mrs Davis lived in a ground floor flat in sheltered accommodation, belonging to another housing association, where her home was flooded twice in 12 months when a nearby stream burst its banks. When she contacted Jigsaw Homes Group over 55s housing team, Mrs Davis was temporarily housed in a caravan in a rural area and was very isolated due to having no transport and was claiming on her insurance for her belongings and all furniture ruined in the flood.
After speaking to one of our over 55s housing advisor, Mrs Davis moved in to Wesley House with support from her sister and Jigsaw. Our dedicated over 55s housing team completed all benefit forms with Mrs Davis and, due to her circumstances, Jigsaw managed to get her housing benefit to cover both properties for the period of her move. Our over 55s housing team, liaised with Mrs Davis’s previous landlord to end her current tenancy early because her old flat was uninhabitable.
Mrs Davis, loves her new flat and its perfect location, is extremely grateful for the support she received during the move and continues to receive when required.
Mr & Mrs R moved from their privately owned home of 57 years to an Extra Care Living apartment in the East Midlands. The decision to give up their home was a difficult one, but a decision fully supported by their children who could see their parents struggling to live independently as time went by.
Within a month, they adapted to their new way of life in their new home. A nutritious, freshly cooked midday meal served in a delightful well furnished and spacious dining room, peace of mind regarding security, inclusion of utilities in the rent and no maintenance worries have already given them a more healthy, care-free lifestyle, one they could not have achieved if they continued to live in their private home. Mrs R has made the best use of in-house services such as hairdresser and a cleaner who also does all the laundry.
They enjoy socialising and making new friends and taking daily walks after lunch in the landscaped communal garden. This was a huge decision, especially at their age, and, along with their children, wished they had made the move a lot sooner.
