STAYING PUT
Old age can bring different physical and mental challenges for everyone. Simple adaptations to the house or extra help often make it possible for an older person to stay at home for longer. ‘There is far more support available in the early stages than people realise. There’s lots you can do to make a home accessible,’ says Ruthe Isden, from Age UK. Support might be help with shopping, transport, meals on wheels; or enabling equipment, such as grab rails. Need to know
◆ Anything recommended by the council that costs under £100, for instance, a grab rail or bath step, is provided free.
◆ There are grants to help towards costs. Check eligibility for a Disabled Facilities grant at gov.uk/disabled-facilities-grants.
◆ Visit findmyhia.org.uk to find a local Home Improvement Agency; they can give advice on making home modifications.
◆ For anyone funding their own ability equipment, such as a stairlift, always try first and get someone to check the paperwork.
◆ Visit livingmadeeasy.org.uk for practical advice on daily living equipment.
◆ Age UK also has an advice line – 0800 055 6112 (open 8am-7pm, 365 days a year).
IN-HOME CARE Shrinking budgets and stricter eligibility criteria mean that fewer people now get personal care (help with washing, dressing, eating, medication) through their local authority. Privately funded agency care is easier to access but can cost from £18 to £30 an hour. Live-in care allows people to stay in their own homes and provides 24/7 peace of mind for family. It’s not cheap, from £650 to £1,000+ per week, but it can be more cost-effective than two care-home places for a couple.
‘Do your homework – not all care agencies are regulated. Get testimonials and download a copy of their accounts from Companies House online,’ says Martin Bamford, MD of Informed Choice Independent Financial Planners. Need to know
◆ Use a member of the UK Homecare Association (ukhca.co.uk) and check what care they are registered to provide.
◆ If you’re a carer who spends much of the week caring for a relative/friend you might be entitled to a carer’s allowance (£62.70 a week). See gov.uk/carers-allowance.
◆ Visit ukcareguide.co.uk/home-care.