Peace of mind around the clock
Help is at hand if you, or someone you care about, is struggling to live independently at home
We all want to stay living happily in our own home for as long as possible. But, unfortunately, independent living can become more of a challenge in later life. Problems with mobility, difficulty managing everyday chores or fear of having a fall can all make us wonder if moving into residential care may be a sensible option after all. But what many of us don’t realise is that there is actually plenty of assistance and support available to help people continue to live safely and independently in later years. This includes help with everyday expenses. People who need help with personal care, for example, may be entitled to a benefit called Attendance Allowance. You need to be 65 or over and not currently claiming Disability Living Allowance to qualify. For a claim form, phone the Attendance Allowance helpline on 0345 605 6055. Support is also available for people who are caring for loved ones, whether at home or from a distance. You may be entitled to Carer’s Allowance, for example, or to practical support from your local social services department. Another option that you or your relative may want to consider is telecare, or assistive technology. In a nutshell, this is technology that allows people to stay safe and independent in their own homes for longer. It can also help to give relatives and carers peace of mind. Telecare technology may sound complicated but it’s actually very simple. It includes personal alarms – usually worn as a pendant or on the wrist – that allow people to call for assistance at the touch of a button. It also includes movement sensors that, for example, can tell you if someone has left the house or got out of bed. The examples given above are just a taster of the range of help and support that’s available for people who want to continue living independently. You will find a full round-up of all the different sorts of support available in our new Yours Guide to Helping Loved Ones Live Independently. The guide brings together all the expert advice and information you need to help you or your loved one find solutions and carry on as normal. The guide was produced in partnership with Eldercare who have been providing telecare services for people living in their own homes since 1987. Each year, they take more than one million calls and provide reassuring, caring support to 70,000 people living in their own homes. From simple pendants, wristbands and mobile phones to comprehensive telecare packages, they tailor the perfect solution for each individual client. Eldercare’s telecare solutions are affordable too – find out more by calling 0345 603 4576.