Angela Gifford, Managing Director of Able Community Care, answers your questions…
Able Community Care has been in the same family for four decades and now provides live-in care services throughout the UK.
Since 1980 we have provided care and have met with thousands of families who are seeking an alternative to moving into a residential care home.
Meeting people inevitably leads, either at the time of an assessment or even years later, to questions for which people are looking for answers.Information around all aspects of care is available but the road to finding out, especially at a time of crisis, about specific factors can be difficult and stressful.
Able Community Care receives calls and emails on a regular basis with people asking if we can help with their search for information.Recently these questions have been asked of us…
Question – Who can drive a person’s Mobility Car? Can family, friends, neighbours, if needed or wanting to take a person with a disability out?
Answer – Only drivers approved by DLM’s criteria and named under the ‘permitted drivers’ section of the Certificate of Motor Insurance are covered to drive a Mobility vehicle. Many drivers assume that if they have their own fully comprehensive insurance cover they can drive a Scheme vehicle but unless they have been added to the lease as a driver they are not able to. Three named drivers for the vehicle are allowed, including the person with a disability.
Question – How can I find out which ‘Meals on Wheels Services’ are available in my area. I am thinking that there might be small, local ones rather than the larger, franchise ones which we would like to use?
Answer – Meals on Wheels UK is a website created by the University of Bristol which provides a searchable database of information on providers who deliver both fresh and frozen meals across the UK. Just put a postcode in, and all local and national providers will come up with contact details, website, etc.
Question – Where can I loan a wheelchair for usually weeks at a time only?
Answer – Wheelchairs can be hired from mobility businesses across the country but the British Red Cross provides wheelchair hire services across the UK. Their wheelchairs are suitable for anyone over the age of 5 and are available in a wide range of sizes, with fitted footrests as standard and free accessories such as leg elevators, cushions, and stump supports available to improve the comfort of the chair. Wheelchair hire is £22 a week with variable delivery and collection options available at £25 if applicable.
Question – What are the new rates of the Attendance Allowance from April 2025?
Answer – From the 7th of April 2025, the higher rate of Attendance Allowance will be £110.40 per week, while the lower rate will be £73.90 per week.
Able Community Care Ltd
T: 01603 764567
E: info@ablecommunitycare.com
www.ablecommunitycare.com