Moving Together Devon
For many elderly people the thought of moving home makes them anxious, not wanting to leave familiar surroundings, and people they know – even if it is in their best interest for comfort, safety and, independence.
I have always felt there was a need for a service that was tailored to last time movers and was delighted when out of the blue I was contacted by someone offering this. Carole Smyth had seen my Caron Cares page in Devon Life and was delighted our magazine cared enough to focus on eldercare needs.
Carole and husband Tom have just set up Moving Together Devon which although it sounds like an exercise class does do what it says, together they help people in Devon Move.
I went to visit them, in their lovely Exeter cottage, nestled above the platform at St James Park and in touching distance of City’s new football stand.
Carole explained that Moving Together Devon was a social enterprise designed for older and less able people, who know their home is unsuitable and needed to move.
Moving Together Devon help as much or as little depending on the individuals needs offering practical and emotional support, from sourcing a new home, sorting belongings, dealing with estate agents and solicitors, packing, helping on moving day – and all importantly settling people into their new home.
Moving Together Devon combines Carole’s 35 years experience as an OT in London, and Toms skills as a former mental health social worker to expertly advise people wanting to consider adaptations to their current home, providing information, and practical support.
Carole’s keen interest in special needs housing and adaptations stems from having visited many people who knew that moving or adapting their home would afford a better quality of life but couldn’t due lack of support or advice. She is perfectly positioned to advise, removing barriers, facilitating independence and peace of mind.
Carole and Tom moved to Devon eighteen months ago, happy to return to Exeter, and Carole worked as an Occupational Therapist and care manager in the Community Health and Social Care Team for Older People. She was horrified by the failing care system and struggled with not being able to offer support that was really needed.
Initially, all Moving Together Devon will be a ‘paid for’ service with hopes that later their social enterprise is will enable them to use the profits to meet social aims.
Some of what they do
- Identifying the most suitable home for someone
- Working with family and friends as required
- Creating a moving plan
- Helping sort belongings
- Help packing and to unpack
- Arranging refurbishment, adaptations and new furniture as required
Their initial plan is to offer surgery type sessions with Age UK and other charity groups, they hope in future to include older people who can’t afford this service linking with the NHS, DCC and Housing Associations.
Moving Together Devon offers a free consultation anywhere in Devon and can be contacted on 01392 273067.
Email enquiries can be addressed to carole@movingtogetherdevon.co.uk
