Able Community Care has been in the same family for nearly 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…
Angela Gifford, Managing Director of Able Community Care answers your questions…
Question: Can I have information about Disabled Facility Grants please?
Answer: Disabled Facilities Grants (DFG) are a national programme funded by central government to help to ensure that people with a disability, chronic illness or a reduced level of mobility can continue to live independently and safely within their own homes. The maximum grant award is £30,000.
For example you may need to:
• widen doors and install ramps or grab rails
• improve access to rooms and facilities, for example with a stairlift, or level access shower
• improve access to your garden
• build an extension, for example a downstairs bedroom
• provide a heating system suitable for your needs
• adapt heating or lighting controls to make them easier to use
You apply to your local Council for further details but any DFG you receive will not affect any current State benefits you currently have.
Question: If I lend my Blue Badge to another person, is this illegal?
Answer: Blue Badge misuse is a criminal offence that could lead to a £1,000 fine and confiscation of the badge. Misuse of a Blue Badge by the badge holder includes parking in the wrong place or parking for too long where there is a time limit, using a badge that is no longer valid or that has been reported as lost or stolen, letting a friend or relative use the badge for any reason, for example carrying out errands for you.
A study in 2022 revealed that between 2019 and 2021 there were 3,496 prosecutions for drivers illegally using another’s Blue Badge and another 171 offences committed by the Blue Badge holder themselves.
Question: Unfortunately we will have to clear a relative’s home soon. We would like to contract with a House Clearance Company but have no idea who are ‘good ones or bad’ ones! Any information would be appreciated.
Answer: The UK House Clearance Association (and I quote) ‘is dedicated to protecting customers’ interests and the house-clearance industries’ reputation from the adverse impact of rogue-house clearance companies’. All their members are:
1. Fully covered with liability insurance, so in the event that anything does go wrong, you are fully covered.
2. Fully licensed with the environment agency to transport the items from the house clearance. Did you know that if fly-tipped waste is traced back to any particular household, that household is liable to a fine of up to £5000?
3. Genuine registered UK companies fully registered with the UK tax office.
4. Fully accountable for whatever reason. The UK House Clearance Association will act as a mediator between yourself and the company in question to resolve any issues or concerns that you may have.
Their website is easy to use, just put in the county to find a company in that area and all members details come up whom are local.