Staying at Home
Most elderly people do not move to a care home, or to sheltered housing. If you are finding it difficult to manage, but would like to stay put, there are ways in which you can make life easier or safer.
You may like to think about:
- Trying our HOOP Tool: this simple questions an answers appraisal process will help you assess how well your home suits you and offer immediate suggestions to help solve the problems identified.
- Contacting your local social services department to ask for an assessment of your needs if you think you need home care, special equipment, meals or to go to a day centre.
- Contacting your local Age Concern to find out about social activities, visiting schemes or information services.
- Contacting the Pension Service to make sure you are claiming all the benefits to which you are entitled.
- Contacting your GP to ask for a check-up or advice on health conditions; or perhaps arranging to see a chiropodist, district nurse or health visitor.
- Investigating the possibility of having an emergency alarm to allow you to call for help 24 hours a day if you have an accident or are unwell.
- Contacting a local Home Improvement Agency (often called Care & Repair or Staying Put agency).
- Contacting your local Police Station and asking for a visit from the Crime Prevention Officer. He or she will be able to give you advice about home security and may be able to arrange for extra security fittings.
- Releasing equity from your home to give you some capital or extra income.
- Contacting EAC’s free Advice Line on 020 7820 1343, or by email.