Livingwell celebrates its fifth anniversary

The Livingwell service run by Wheatley Care, part of Wheatley Group, has helped over 1000 elderly tenants live independently in their own homes.

The anniversary was marked with a special event at Wheatley House in Glasgow.

In April 2018, Wheatley Group launched Livingwell to replace sheltered housing services in the city. The service was designed to enable and support tenants aged 55 and over.

Livingwell brings together colleagues in care and in Wheatley Group’s housing service by providing a safe, secure home, support with wellbeing, and providing activities to reduce isolation.

There are 32 Livingwell sites in Glasgow and one in Livingston, providing support to 1064 residents.

The service tackles social isolation through a range of activities that promote active, healthy lives, and are designed by the tenants. This includes film nights, lunches, dances, theatre performances and musical shows.

Mary Scahill, who lives at the Livingwell service at Carntyne in Glasgow, said: “I love Livingwell to bits. I’ve been at the service for four years and the Baillieston one before that.

“It’s a fabulous home and the neighbours are all really lovely. I was brought up in the east end of Glasgow and love living there. There’s such a great community in the service. We all help one another when we need it.”

Maureen Harper, who lives at the Livingwell service at St John’s Court in Glasgow’s Hyndland, said: “I’ve been at the service since the start. There are lots of activities and I really feel looked-after there.

“Everyone in the service gets on with each other, we are all really friendly and you don’t feel like you’re ever alone. Livingwell really works well for me, and the staff do so much for us.”

Laura Pluck, Group Director of Communities at Wheatley Group, said: “In its first five years, Livingwell has improved the lives of more than one thousand older people across Scotland.

“We are very proud of the Livingwell service and how it has improved the lives of those who are supported in their own homes. Not only has this service allowed older people to continue to live independently, but it has also helped tackle social isolation through the diverse range of activities designed by tenants and delivered by staff and partners.

“It was great to have this celebration and hear from some of the tenants we support across Scotland, as well as being able to give a big thanks to the staff who provide that vital care.”