As someone whom Independent Age helps, he knows he can turn to us if he can’t afford the essentials - as he did when we replaced his worn-out overcoat and his TV, which he lost in a burglary. But 20 years ago, when we first met him, the former pharmacist had nowhere to turn, and was desperately short of money. A Salvation Army volunteer told him about Independent Age and he applied.
James’s troubles started in 1977 when he became homeless after a divorce. Three years later, he had a major operation on his lower spine and never recovered enough to work again. By the time our volunteer came to visit him, he was 63, suffering from degenerative arthritis of the lumbar vertebrae, and living in a council bedsit without even a proper chair to support his back.
Eventually the council found him a bungalow and we assisted with grants towards removal costs and furnishing. We also helped him with special glasses he needs, which he would never have been able to afford without our help - and that’s just one of the ways in which we regularly help him.
James said: ‘Independent Age has been wonderful.’
