Why are older people feeling more cut off from their families?
By design
The magic of double fold rollators
City Breaks
The easiest cities to get around
Feeding advice for the summer months
This is how we roll
Try for yourself at your nearest CareCo showroom
Welcome to CareCo Life’s Summer issue!
If there’s one thing we’ve learned from the people we meet through this magazine, it’s that enjoying life isn’t really about doing more all the time. It’s more about finding ways to keep doing the things that matter most to you. The places, the people, the small everyday pleasures. These things don’t change, it’s just that the routes to them sometimes do.
Karen, on our cover, knows that better than most. Her story is one of the best things we’ve published – it’s one of resilience, of a desire to stay independent in the face of challenging personal circumstances, and we’re thrilled to feature it in our summer issue.
Elsewhere inside, you’ll also find accessible city breaks worth planning for, a look at the smart tech making everyday life easier, and the inside scoop on how carbon fibre is ripping up the rulebook for mobility aids. Plus birdfeeding advice that carries a genuinely important update from the RSPB – worth reading before you next fill the feeders up. Oh, and make the halloumi
Trust me
that one.
By Design
The fold that’s twice as nice
Picture a rollator and you can probably see it standing upright, folded sort-of-in-half and leaning against a wall or in the hallway.
Simple – and definitely useful – especially at home. But when you’re loading up a car boot that’s already full of luggage or shopping, or stowing your walking aid in an overhead locker, having something that folds just a little more compactly can be a gamechanger.
That’s where double-fold rollators come in. The first fold brings the sides inwards as usual, reducing the width. It’s the second fold
that makes all the difference. On a double-fold rollator, the vertical uprights drop down horizontally, taking the folded height down with them.
The whole sequence takes a handful of seconds and what you’re left with is surprisingly compact in both dimensions – small enough for a carry bag, flat enough to slide onto the back seat, and much easier to manage.
The iCONNECT cascade
The proLite Carbon X Fold
The Rollafold
Rollafold
For trouble-free transportation
Folded width: 24cm
Folded height: 47cm
Carry weight: 7.4kg
The Rollafold folds down small, stows in the included carry bag, and generally just does exactly what you want it to.
If you’ve been making do with a regular rollator and cursing it every time you try to fit it in the car, this affordable doublefold rollator could be the answer.
iCONNECT Cascade
Confidence in every footstep
Folded width: 25cm
Folded height: 45cm
Carry weight: 8.5kg
The Cascade comes packed with brilliant features. Large 10-inch front wheels take on cobbles, gravel, and whatever the British summer throws at the pavement.
There’s a wide padded seat, a cup holder, cane holder, front and rear storage pouches – and that all-important double-folding frame.
Double-fold rollators
proLite Carbon X Fold
Folding freedom, carbon convenience
Folded width: 24.9cm
Folded height: 40cm
Carry weight: 7kg
The Carbon X Fold is built from carbon fibre – the same material used in Formula 1 cars and aircraft components – for a walking aid that feels close to weightless but never lacking in stability.
This is a Which? Best Buy, and as soon you get it in your hands, you’ll understand why.
I didn’t know they made that!
Everyday Essentials, recommended by our Occupational Therapist, Natasha Bruce-Jones
For around the kitchen
Struggling with jars, tins and cans, lifting a heavy kettle or standing for long periods can take the enjoyment out of cooking (and cuppas!).
Natasha is our dedicated Occupational Therapist, helping us design and select products that make everyday life easier, more comfortable and more manageable. With her expertise, we’ve picked out a handful of clever little tools and gadgets that can make a big difference when you’re faced with some of life’s most common mobility challenges.
After a fall
A fall can shake your confidence. These everyday essentials offer reassurance when you need it most.
For better sleep
A good night’s sleep makes a world of difference. These everyday essentials focus on comfort, positioning, and ease of movement.
Senza Heated Cushion
Steady Cup Holder
DryTec Pillow Protector
Atlanta Non-Slip Half Step
OpenInOne Automatic Jar Opener
Triniti Walking Stick with Seat
•
Anti-Hair Wrap technology Keeps the brush bar clear, and with our unique Auto-cleaning filter system you need never clean a filter again.
Made to last The AirRAM 3 Plus is built to last 20 years with a durable floor head reinforced with aluminium to withstand pet wear and tear.
Grooms to perfection Effortlessly transitions from carpets to hard floors for a flawless clean.
Luxurious comfort Leather-bound handles for comfort where you need it most.
Long run time Clean your whole home on full power, on a single charge.
No tubes to block Gtech’s revolutionary patented AirLOC and dirt collection technology picks up dirt no other vacuum can.
Dynamic steering Effortless movement with forward inertia-drive and a low-profile handle for easy under-furniture cleaning.
Edge cleaning brushes Equipped with unique edge brushes, it cleans right up to the edges, leaving no dirt behind.
A ‘ghosted’ generation
Why are some older people feeling cut off from their family?
According to a survey by Age UK, levels of loneliness aren’t getting worse, but as the number of older people in the UK increases, naturally more people are being affected.
Is the new phenomenon of ‘ghosting’ partly to blame?
A modern concept, and one used mostly by younger people, ‘ghosting’ can be defined as a sudden ending of contact without explanation. This is often in a dating, friendship or recruitment context – with calls ignored or messages not returned. Whether it’s done intentionally, through a lack of thoughtfulness or as a result of just being too busy, being ignored can create feelings of frustration, annoyance and upset.
While you might not be familiar with the term ‘ghosting’, these feelings may well resonate. For older generations, especially those with
reduced mobility who spend more time at home, contact with family is extremely valuable. And if this drops off, you can be left feeling alone.
In most cases, families would be saddened to learn that this is happening to their older relatives. But the fact is, pressure from work, busy social calendars and families relocating are all contributing to less phone calls and face-to-face visits. And while technology might make keeping in touch easier, conversely, it’s also part of the problem.
People who go a week without speaking to a friend or family member are almost three times more likely to be lonely than people who speak to friends and family more often
Age UK
Are smart phones really a smart solution?
Most modern family communication revolves around mobile phones, apps and social media. Group chats are a quick and easy way to pass on an update or say hello. Far more time-efficient than contacting individuals separately.
But this only works if everyone has the same access to technology. If you’re not a user of social media, you won’t see things like the holiday photos that are posted. And if you don’t have a smart phone with a messaging app, you won’t see news of the party, exam results or school play.
Age UK found that people who go a week without speaking to a friend or family member are almost three times more likely to be lonely than people who speak to friends and family more often. So, if less calls are making you feel low, you’re definitely not alone.
– relocating for work, education or housing availability. Gone are the days of generations growing up and staying in the same community, where they’d see each other on a regular basis. So, it’s not your family ‘ghosting’ you if they don’t pop in. It’s more that time and money pressures make regular visits harder to accommodate.
Living away from children and grandchildren can make anyone feel cut off – but the issue is compounded if you have mobility issues. While younger relatives can easily hop on a train or in the car, you may find yourself wishing they would call in rather than you having to struggle on public transport or endure tiring treks across the country.
Lives have become busier
If you feel that you see less of your younger family members than you’d like, there’s probably a good reason for this. In past generations, grandchildren spent far more time with their grandparents – dropping in on their way home from school or spending weekends together. But this was before the explosion in after-school activities and wrap around care.
Even if you live near to your family, the likelihood is that working parents rely on after school clubs for childcare – leaving less time in an evening for them to visit you. The number of activities children do these days is far greater than in previous generations, too. From sports club, music lessons and academic catch up sessions to Duke of Edinburgh and drama classes – the list is endless. Not to mention the draw of gaming, which takes kids from the streets to their bedrooms. And all of these ‘steal’ time away from you.
Is there anything you can do?
While it’s not realistic to ask families to move closer, it’s not impossible for older people to dip their toe into technology to bridge the gap. Mastering the use of a phone for simple messaging or video calls could make a big difference to your life.
Try asking someone in your family if they’ll help. Teenagers are great for this! Setting up a smart phone might feel like a big hurdle – but if they can get you started, you might be surprised that you can get to grips with a basic messaging app. Sometimes it’s as easy as pressing one icon on a screen to connect.
If there’s no one handy to ask, local libraries sometimes offer free sessions that can familiarise you with IT or smart phones. Or try the Age UK helpline on 0800 678 1602 for details of their digital inclusivity drop ins and other groups. Have you felt ‘ghosted’?
If you’ve ever experienced any of the issues we’ve covered here, we’d love to hear from you. If you’d like to share your stories with us and highlight any areas you find particularly tricky, we’ll aim to revisit this topic in subsequent issues of the CareCo Life magazine.
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£1736.60, Representative 29.9% APR
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Representative Example: Cost of Goods £1200, Deposit £50, Amount
Representative Example: Cost of Goods £1200, Deposit £50, Amount of Credit £1,150, Annual Fixed Interest Rate 26.47%, Monthly Payment
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Representative Example: Cost of Goods £1200, Deposit £50, Amount of Credit £1,150, Annual Fixed Interest Rate 26.47%, Monthly Payment
£1736.60, Representative 29.9% APR
£46.85, Term 36 months, Total Payable
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City breaks, made easier
Destinations designed for accessible travel
Planning a trip when you have a mobility aid is not as easy as just picking a place you like the look of.
There are important questions to ask, like ‘Is the public transport suitable?’ and ‘Will I be able to visit the places that interest me?’
Here are a few ideas for cities, which have put thought into making travel open to all.
San Sebastián, Spain
A popular destination for food lovers, nestling in the Basque Country, this city also has accessibility on the menu. The flat city centre and promenade are easy to navigate, while public transport is fully adapted – with low floors and designated wheelchair spaces.
If you love the beach, this city ticks all your boxes with three to choose from. There are access ramps and paths on the sand – plus an assisted bathing system on the stunning La Concha beach. And main attractions – like the San Telmo Museoa and Aquarium –accommodate a range of mobility needs.
Munich, Germany
A historical city with a vibrant heart, this is a great short break option for those using a mobility aid. With wide pavements and ramps around the city, you can explore with ease –from the Marienplatz square, with its famous Town Hall and glockenspiel, to nearby cafés and shops.
Fully-accessible subway stations and low-floor buses and trams make it simple to get from A to B. And wherever you end up – in a museum, gallery or park, like the beautiful English Garden – you’ll find they’ve gone out of their way to make your experience effortless.
Vienna, Austria
Much loved for its music, art and architecture, it’s easy to see why this city is award-winning when it comes to accessibility. From the airport, stations and public transport to its flat centre with smooth pavements, it’s a capital that puts inclusive travel high on the agenda.
There are a wealth of accessible museums and galleries – including the Kunsthistorisches Museum and Upper Belvedere Palace. Even the giant ferris wheel – the Wiener Riesenrad – offers a barrier-free experience, with ramps designed to welcome wheelchair users.
Chester, UK
Home to rich heritage, breathtaking buildings and great shops, this northern gem was the first winner of the European Access City Award in 2017 – so you can book a trip with the confidence, knowing that spending time here will be relaxing and enjoyable.
The centre is easy to navigate – even the 700-year old medieval shopping ‘Rows’ and UK’s oldest, longest and most intact Roman city walls – thanks to smooth paths, ramps and level access. Chester Cathedral and Grosvenor Museum are fully accessible – as is the fabulous Chester Zoo, just 20 minutes on the bus. So there’s plenty to do, whether you’re travelling alone or with family.
THE OAKDALE COLLECTION
Riser recliners, sofas and fireside chairs
Swansea
A culture distinctly its own
Our Swansea showroom at Phoenix Retail Park in Llansamlet opened this spring – four miles north of the city centre, a short hop from the M4, and surrounded by plenty of good reasons to pop in.
There's no pressure, just a friendly team and a good cup of tea waiting for you.
Anthony Sterckx , Showroom manager
Swansea has a sweep of coastline, a culture distinctly its own, and more to do than a single afternoon allows. Come into the showroom, see the difference the right mobility aid can make, and then make a day of it.
Anthony Sterckx, Swansea Showroom Manager says. "We'd love to see you –whether you're coming in to try something specific or just want to have a look around and ask a few questions. There's no pressure, just a friendly team and a good cup of tea waiting for you."
Swansea highlights:
Make the most of your showroom visit
National Waterfront Museum:
This free museum tells 300 years of Welsh industrial history – not through dusty cabinets, but interactive displays and real historic objects spread across 15 themed galleries. Fully accessible, there's a café on site when you need a rest and a cupp a.
Plantasia Tropical Zoo:
A glass pyramid in the middle of Swansea city centre, hiding a full indoor rainforest. Marmosets, caiman crocodiles, talking macaws, and enough creepy crawlies to keep the grandchildren talking about it for weeks. Step-free throughout, and entirely weatherproof – no small thing in South Wales.
Clyne Gardens:
Fifty acres of botanical gardens sweeping down toward Swansea Bay, internationally renowned and free to wander at your own pace. Accessible paths, open lawns, a vintage caravan café, and – if you look hard enough – a Japanese bridge, and the ruins of Clyne Castle tucked among the trees.
Clyne Gardens, Swansea
Life in Colour
Summer is well and truly here, bringing with it a very welcome splash of colour – and not just in your garden!
We’ve been dialling up the saturation levels for mobility aids for a couple of years now, and the results speak for themselves. Gloriously bold, brilliantly bright – these colourful picks are loud, proud and long overdue their time in the spotlight.
Mobility Scooters
Li-Tech Spectrum
Eleven shroud options, including a Union Jack design. The shrouds click on and off in seconds, so you can change your look whenever you fancy.
Purple
Pistachio Green
Walking aids
iLITE Solus Rollator
Meticulously crafted from ultralight carbon fibre, available in three punchy colours. Light enough to surprise you, bright enough to surprise everyone else.
Wheelchairs & powerchairs
paperback and easily tailored to your height and walking style. It’s this season's unexpected style statement.
CareCo Graviti SP Wheelchair
Comes in Purple, Teal and Cherry Red, is lightweight, foldable and puncture-proof –and it's guaranteed to turn heads.
iCONNECT ZR1 Carbon Powerchair
Carbon fibre curves with Lilac and Teal finishes to choose from. Not backwards in coming forwards.
Ruby Red
Paisley
Teal
Lilac
Seating
Coniston Fireside Chair
Velvet Teal, mid-century lines, tapered beech legs. Sought-after styling for the most fought-after chair in your home.
We want to hear from you!
Ultimate Comfort Collection
Beautifully bespoke, handcrafted in Britain, and available in an exquisite selection of fabrics and leathers.
What brings colour to your day?
Send in your stories and pictures and we could feature you in an upcomming issue of CareCo life!
Email: life@careco.co.uk
Velvet Teal Gold
Let's make a day of it
Our showrooms are open 7 days a week , helping you find the things that make every day a better day.
Pop in for a decent cuppa, but don’t stop there. With 40 showrooms nationwide, be sure to explore some of the great things you can do in the area!
Scan to find your nearest showroom
We keep moving, to keep you moving
Our Which? Best Buy carbon rollators. Now lighter and more portable than ever. See the full proLite range in our showrooms
Why have a stairlift when you can have a real lift?
Stay in the home you love with the UK’s best-selling homelift.
Reconnect your home
Regain access to all areas of your home with a stylish, cost-effective homelift. Save the cost and upheaval of moving and maintain your independent lifestyle with a Stiltz Homelift. It allows you to travel easily and safely between oors without any of the hassles of a stairlift.
Peace of mind
Buy with con dence directly from Stiltz, the UK’s largest homelift provider and you can sit back and let us reconnect all the areas of your home.
Have a chat with our friendly UK-based team about your Homelift Free, no obligation home survey Rated ‘Excellent’
Fit in any home
Quick and easy installation
Low energy use
Quiet as a whisper
Safety as standard
We handle everything
TechSplained: Using Voice Assistants at Home
If moving around the house takes a bit more effort than it used to, a voice assistant can come to the rescue.
Whether you love them, hate them, or find yourself slightly baffled by them, there’s no doubting how useful the likes of Siri and Alexa can be at home.
Picture this. You’ve just settled comfortably and you realise you left the big light on. Or the room feels a touch too warm. The radio would be nice company. With a voice assistant, you can fix all of that from the comfort of your riser recliner.
They can even help at the front door. With a smart doorbell, you can see and speak to visitors using a phone or tablet, so there’s no rushing and no pressure. You answer when you’re ready – or not at all! Voice assistants can even be programmed to help with things like medications, appointments and cooking timers. The best thing about them is how little attention they need.
For the most part, you won’t even notice it’s there – but life will definitely feel a little bit easier.
And despite what you might expect, there’s nothing technical about using one. You talk. It listens. Occasionally it gets it wrong. You try again. Which, in most homes, feels entirely familiar anyway!
Five ways to use your voice assistant at home:
Control lights and plugs without getting up
Turn lights on and off, dim them, or switch appliances (lamps, fans, heaters) on and off by voice.
Adjust the heating
Change the temperature, turn the heating on or off, or check what it’s set to without walking across the house.
Answer the door without rushing
With a smart doorbell, you can see and speak to visitors using a phone or tablet.
Set reminders
Ask for reminders to take tablets, attend appointments, or do specific tasks.
Reduce reliance on remotes and phones
Play the radio or TV, make calls, check the time or weather, or ask simple questions without tapping a small device or navigating a screen.
The magic of the mud
Why Britain Still Loves Festival Season
For generations of music lovers, the start of the Great British Summer has meant one thing: thousands of wellies heading towards a muddy field somewhere in the countryside.
Over the decades, Britain’s festival scene has grown from a counter-culture movement into a nationwide celebration enjoyed by millions. What was once considered an endurance challenge for the young has now transformed into a far more inclusive experience for people of all ages and abilities.
Festivals for Every Generation Festivals these days are no longer solely the domain of teenagers sleeping in damp tents. Older music lovers are returning to the festival fields of their youth – or even discovering them for the very first time.
Many events now offer:
• Dedicated accessible camping
• Mobility-friendly pathways and viewing platforms
• Quieter rest spaces
• Better toilet and washing facilities
• Shuttle services and improved transport links
These changes mean that enjoying live music outdoors no longer has to involve roughing it.
From folk in the countryside to nostalgic 80s revival weekends, jazz by the coast, and huge headline performances under the stars, there are festivals designed with accessibility in mind.
The mud may still make an appearance – after all, this is Britain – but the modern approach festival organisers are taking means the spirit of the festival has never been stronger. It’s simply grown up alongside the generations who first fell in love with live music all those years ago.
Do you have treasured festival memories?
We’d love to hear your stories (and see your pictures)! Get in touch at: life@careco.co.uk
A carbon powerhouse
With added front and rear suspension
Halloumi Burgers
with Easy Slaw
A fantastic option if you’re looking to mix it up on the barbecue this summer.
Paired with a bright, tangy coleslaw and a soft bun, it is the ultimate tasty meat-free combination.
Fit your food processor with the slicing blade to finely shred the cabbage and red onion. Switch to the grating blade to shred the carrots. Alternatively, use a sharp knife to slice the cabbage and onion as thinly as possible, and a standard box grater for the carrots. Place all your shredded vegetables into a large mixing bowl.
2. Dress the Slaw
Whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper. Pour the dressing over your shredded vegetables and toss everything together until evenly coated. Set aside to let the flavours develop.
3. Grill the Halloumi
Preheat your barbecue grill (or a ribbed griddle pan on the stove) to a medium-high heat. Lightly brush both sides of the halloumi slices with olive oil to prevent sticking.
Grill the cheese for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side until it develops beautiful golden char marks and becomes warm and soft in the middle. At the same time, place the split brioche buns face down on the grill for 30 seconds to lightly toast them.
4. Assemble and Enjoy
Spread a generous spoonful of smoky BBQ sauce or sweet chilli jam onto the bottom half of each toasted brioche bun. Top with a few leaves of rocket, followed by the warm, grilled halloumi slices. Pile a mountain of your fresh, crunchy slaw right on top (or serve it generously on the side) and close the bun.
Top Tip
Serve immediately in soft brioche buns This makes it incredibly easy to bite into and chew.
The Odyssey:
Novel Retellings of Greek Myths
This summer, one of the world’s oldest stories arrives on the big screen in spectacular fashion.
Nolan’s upcoming blockbuster The Odyssey stars Matt Damon as the legendary Greek hero Odysseus – and it promises to introduce a whole new audience to a tale that has captivated readers for almost 3,000 years.
The story follows Odysseus’s long and perilous journey home after the Trojan War, battling storms, monsters and impossible choices along the way.
It’s a story of adventure – and with Christopher Nolan behind the camera it promises to have more than its fair share of cinematic bombast – but at its heart, The Odyssey is a tale about one man’s determination to find his way back to the people who matter most to him.
The film draws heavily from a celebrated 2017 translation by classicist Emily Wilson. Her version caused quite a stir when it was first published, with its use of modern, direct language and an approach that portrays Odysseus as a complex and flawed character rather than a traditional hero.
Wilson’s translation has sparked a renewed interest in Greek mythology, arriving at a time when modern retellings of ancient myths are more popular than ever. Whether you're planning a trip to the cinema or looking for your next great read, The Odyssey is a powerful story of resilience in the face of adversity. And thousands of years after it was first told, its themes of perseverance and hope are as compelling as ever.
About the Author
Emily Rose Caroline Wilson is a BritishAmerican classicist, author and translator. She is a professor of classical studies at the University of Pennsylvania.
In 2018 her translation of Homer's Odyssey became the first by a woman into English verse. Her translation of the Iliad was released in 2023
Join the Carbon Revolution
There’s a material that aerospace engineers have relied on for decades.
That elite cyclists, golfers and rowers – we’re looking at you, Per Ardua team! – choose over anything else.
Stronger than steel, lighter than aluminium. Resistant to rust and fatigue. Rigid, refined, reliable. And now it’s in rollators, powerchairs, ramps, mobility scooters – even walking sticks.
The difference carbon fibre makes is almost unbelievable. Pick up a carbon rollator and the weight (or lack of it) almost catches you off guard.
The material does what no other material can quite manage: it reduces the effort needed to use a piece of mobility equipment, without sacrificing any of the strength or reliability.
carbon fibre, collapsing to just 25cm wide and light enough to carry single-handed.
SAVE £50 With code: ZESQ326
The Carbon Mobility Event begins 1st
July 2026
Our carbon fibre range – rollators, wheelchairs, scooters, ramps and more –brought together in one place, with discount codes you can use online, over the phone and in any of our showrooms. Come in, try them for yourself – and join the carbon revolution.
to lift, manoeuvre and transport than traditional wheelchair designs. sections together, and the whole thing deploys in seconds.
SAVE £50
With code: ZESQ326
SAVE £50
With code: ZESQ326
Offer expires: 30/09/26
Illuminating your space
The Lumos 2in1 is the lamp that bends to your every need.
Add or remove sections to switch between desk and floor use, so you have the perfect light for work, reading, or puzzling.
The adjustable neck lets you aim light exactly where you need it while the weighted base keeps it firmly in place, without the worry of it toppling.
30. Tart, alcoholic apple beverage traditionally poured from a great height in local taverns (5)
32. German state of which Munich is the capital (7)
33. Major European river popular for cruises, touching four capital cities (6)
Down
1. Essential British festival footwear (7)
3. The grand imperial dynasty that ruled Austria from the Hofburg Palace (8)
6. Luxury car manufacturer headquartered in Munich (3)
8. The massive autumn beer festival that actually begins in September (11)
9. The aristocratic name shared by Chester’s luxury hotel, museum, and bridge (9)
10. The unique northern Spanish region and language where San Sebastián lies (6)
13. Musical genius who composed The Marriage of Figaro while living in Vienna (6)
14. The small village nearest the Glastonbury Festival site (6)
16. Chester has the most complete circuit of Roman and medieval city _____ in Britain (5)
17. Ancient Greek poet traditionally credited with composing the Iliad and The Odyssey (5)
19. Classic Viennese apple pastry, ideally served with cream or custard (7)
21. To top the bill on the main stage on Saturday night (8)
22. The historic name for Chester's famous race course, the oldest in Britain (6)
23. The river that cuts through the centre of Munich (4)
27. Wiener _________, the classic breaded veal cutlet dish (9)
29. West Country county that hosts Glastonbury (8)
31. La ______, shell-shaped beach flanking San Sebastián (6)
For the birds
Doing the best for our feathered friends
You’d
be forgiven for thinking that, come summer, the birds can look after themselves. After all, our gardens are bustling with life from around May onwards, aren’t they?
But while our avian friends largely can fend for themselves at this time of year, a well-stocked feeder still matters more than you’d think.
A word of warning first
In April 2026, the RSPB issued new guidance: from 1 May to 31 October, pause filling bird feeders with seeds and peanuts. The reason is trichomonosis, a parasitic disease that affects the mouth and throat of birds, making it hard to eat, drink or breathe – and one that spreads rapidly via contaminated feeders in warmer months. (It's okay to keep offering small amounts of meal-worms, fat balls or suet year-round.)
July and August
Meal-worms are the summer staple. High in protein, they support birds through moulting – an exhaustive process of replacing feathers that peaks in July and August. Suet pellets also work well. Young birds will return reliably to a feeder they trust, so keep it stocked, and keep it clean.
September
The first winter migrants begin to arrive in September, while resident birds are feeding more urgently to build reserves before winter.
A garden they’ve visited all summer is one they already know – that familiarity is worth more than a full feeder in October.
Attracting more birds, year-round
Food is only a part of it. Dense planting gives birds cover and nesting spots.
A shallow dish of fresh water (changed daily) draws species that never touch a feeder. And native berry-bearing shrubs like rowan and holly will keep birds fed through winter.
Taking back control
Karen makes a change
Following a diagnosis of MND, Karen needed to re-evaluate her sense of control.
Karen from Bradford, West Yorkshire, is a loving wife, Mum, and Grandmother who enjoys going out and socialising. In May 2025 she was diagnosed with MND. Scan here
Motor Neurone Disease affects about 500 UK residents at any one time. It can make gripping, walking, speaking and swallowing increasingly difficult for patients.
While there is currently no cure for MND, there are many methods to help ease some of the symptoms. Muscle weakness is one of the main symptoms of MND. It affects the mobility and movement of the person, who can need ongoing care and support.
Soon after her diagnosis, Karen recognised a mobility aid would help her stay independent. The world of mobility was completely new and daunting for Karen, as she explains: “I knew nothing about powerchairs or any mobility aids!”.
Most important to her was not losing her independence by having to be pushed in a wheelchair. With that in mind, Karen apprehensively visited her nearest CareCo showroom in Leeds to find a mobility aid that would suit her needs.
Try for yourself
The Abilize Cobas Powerchair is the perfect blend of ergonomic efficiency and show-stopping style. The supportive padded seat and armrests ensure total comfort throughout your day, while the intuitive controls help you to navigate any terrain.
Powered by lithium-ion, the Cobas delivers an impressive 22 mile range, giving you the freedom to explore with confidence. At home or out and about, the Cobas is an essential and dependable partner in your journey that really goes the distance!
Scan here to find out more about the Abilize Cobas Powerchair
I didn't want to rely on anybody
else pushing me
Karen Thornton, CareCo customer
Through the expertise, kindness and compassion of our mobility experts, Karen was introduced to the world of powerchairs. The number of different models impressed Karen, who found what she was looking for in the Cobas powerchair.
The Cobas was an easy choice due to the simple controls and the stylish build of the chair. “I would recommend the chair to other people, just purely because of how comfortable it is, how easy it is to manoeuvre, and the way it looks. It’s a nice looking chair”. Karen felt confident again to try to do the things she used to. Holidays, days out, light displays with the Grandkids at Christmas – the things that put a smile on Karen’s face were once again possible. The Cobas also allowed her to be fully in control of her movement and not rely so much on others.
As a thank you, we'll give you a £250 M&S voucher or £500 towards your next CareCo purchase. Email: customerstories@careco.co.uk
Pop in for a cuppa
Extended Summer Hours
Showrooms open until 7pm on Mondays & Thursdays!
We have showrooms all across the UK, and we’re always excited to see our guests face to face.
Nothing beats getting hands-on when it comes to finding a mobility aid to make your every day easier. With new showrooms opening all the time, we’re on a mission to make it as easy as possible for you to try before you buy.
Free, easy parking in front of the store with easy access and customer toilet facilities available.
STIRLING Opens September
GLASGOW
EDINBURGH Opens August
We look forward to seeing you soon
NEWCASTLE
STOCKTON-ON-TEES NOW OPEN
STOCKPORT Opens October
SHEFFIELD
LINCOLN
LEEDS LEEDS OUTLET HULL PETERBOROUGH
BRIERLEY HILL
CHELTENHAM
STOKE-ONTRENT HAYES
Thank you
for taking the time to read our sixth edition of CareCo Life.
We'd be nothing without the people who pop into our showrooms, pick up the phone or visit our website day in day out. It's why every single review means so much to us!
If you’re happy with our service, and we’ll always strive to make sure you are, we’d really appreciate a review on Trustpilot.
If you’re not completely satisfied, then our customer service team are on hand 7 days a week.
Call us on 0333 015 5000, or drop us a message on support@careco.co.uk and our friendly team will get back to you.
Just remember to keep an eye on your junk inbox in case our reply accidentally goes in there!
Great service and information
The service and information we were given in store was very good indeed. And placing an order over the phone was so easy and the lady was so helpful and accommodating.
Highly recommend them.
Date of experience: 13 May 2026
Mrs Antoinette Birch
Large showroom
Large showroom. Well laid out. Very helpful staff, explaining everything in detail. Very happy with my triwalker.
Date of experience: 4 May 2026
Great experience from start to finish
Great experience from start to finish. Reasonably priced, easy ordering and delivered next day to inside the house. Product robust but easy to assemble. Does what it says on the tin.
Date of experience: 11 May 2026
Michele
Barbara Bright
Do you know someone with a drinking problem?
THE SOLUTION
the months
If the answer to any ONE of these questions is no, they will need someone to help them access their drink.
This help is not always available when needed.
The Hydrant - A multiple awardwinning drinking system that solves the problem of reaching, lifting or holding drinks — giving back dignity and independence.
Buy today spread the cost up to 36 months
Hang it from a bed, chair or wheelchair for immediate access at all times
Buy today spread the cost up to 36 months
Buy today spread cost up to 36 months
Long flexible tube
Bite valve that prevents drips
No lifting required, no spillage
Choose to spread the cost over 36 months
Choose to spread over 36 months
Choose to spread the cost over 36 months
Choose to spread the cost over 36 months
Opt to pay your loan o in 4 months and we’ll cancel any interest*
Opt to pay your loan o in 4 months and we’ll cancel any interest*
from the day your loan starts and will only be pay o the amount of credit advanced within the
from the day your loan starts and will only be
*Interest is charged from the day your loan starts and will only be cancelled if you pay o the amount of credit advanced within the Pay in 4 period.
Opt to pay your 4 months and we’ll any interest* *Interest is charged from the day your loan starts cancelled if you pay o the amount of credit advanced Pay in 4 period.
Opt to pay your loan o in 4 months and we’ll cancel any interest* *Interest is charged from the day your loan starts and will only be
APR
Opt to pay your loan o in 4 months and we’ll cancel any interest* *Interest is charged from the day your loan starts and will only be cancelled if you pay o the amount of credit advanced within the Pay in 4 period. Representative
