CARE SERVICES

While funding is available through your local authority, pressure on local and central government budgets means your choice of care can be reduced. 

Funding will reach a certain level but you or your family may have to pay the difference between what is available and what you would like by making what is called a ‘third party top-up payment’ Before you decide to pay for a home yourself, make sure you receive a local authority assessment. This will prevent problems in the future if you are not able to continue paying your own fees. 

All the regulations for payment of care fees, whether in a care home or in your own home, are complicated. Organisations such as Age UK and Elderly Accommodation Counsel can offer advice and information. 

You can order a copy of our free ‘Older Person’s Community Care Guide’ about the NHS and private services and funding available to older people. This guide gives you more information about living independently in your own home as well as your options when choosing and paying for a care home. 

Community Alarms and  Telecare Services

If you are worried about having an accident or falling ill while you are in your own home alone, community alarms provide emergency access that is staffed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The community alarm is connected to your telephone line and can be activated via a pendant worn around the neck or a wrist band. They provide reassurance to your family and friends that help, if needed, is only a touch of a button away. 

Telecare systems are a range of simple sensors that either raise an alarm or act as a reminder to help to keep you safe and independent in your own home, they include items such as: door sensors, movement sensors, medication reminders and smoke, gas or flood detectors. 

The housing department of your local council, Age UK and private companies provide this valuable service.