We have been contacted by a PhD student at the University of Birmingham. Her research is about new relationships in care homes in later life. She wants to explore when residents (aged 65 and over) who are married or have a partner living outside... Continue reading

Angela was asked by the amazing Ruth Germaine to be interviewed for her podcast series #WhoCaresAnyway. This brilliant recording is the result! Are you ready to make mischief? What if growing older wasn’t about limitations, but about possibilities? What if care focused not on what... Continue reading

At the end of last year Nottinghamshire County Council (NCC) invited WIGO to play a part in its annual 2 day learning and celebration event in Newark. Hundreds of Council staff gathered to explore experiences, learn, connect and celebrate success. People had roles like social... Continue reading

Alice Alice lived alone in a small flat in the south of England, with help from nearby family and visits from a worker from a homecare agency.  One night she fell from her bed and admitted to hospital for observation. When it was time for... Continue reading

WILTSHIRE CENTRE FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING JOB ADVERT TRUSTEE We’re looking for a trustee to join our Board. Are you that person? (see below) You have an aversion to the phrase ‘but we have always done it this way’ You are hopeful and positive, genuinely believing... Continue reading

Molly’s story My name is Molly, I am in my early 80s and I live in a northern seaside town. My Husband Joseph died after a short, unexpected illness 27 years ago, leaving me to live alone in our shared home.  I am a Mam... Continue reading

As part of our current ‘Gobby’ survey of people’s experiences of and hope for social care, we are collecting stories. Here is Anne’s story Anne’s story My name is Anne, I am 87 years old. I live alone in a Yorkshire village in the bungalow... Continue reading

I’ve recently had some thought-provoking conversations with several interesting people. As a result, I find myself sat in front of my keyboard, mulling on ‘when I get old’ and crafting this blog. One conversation was with an older relative, nearing end of life with cancer... Continue reading

Have you caught the latest episode of The Piano. https://www.classicfm.com/discover-music/instruments/piano/80-year-old-pianist-dementia-love-theme/ Duncan and his wife Fran are friends who come every month to a local pop-up cafe  to play and sing to the people enjoying food and companionship. They create a very special atmosphere. Duncan is... Continue reading