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: – I have heard on the media that a large number of older people are entitled to but are not claiming Pension Credit. How do I find out about it?
Answer: The simplest way is to Google ‘Pension Credit – How to Claim- which will give you all the information around eligibility and claiming.
If you do not have access to the internet you can call the Pension Credit claim line on 0800 99 1234 and they can fill in the application for you over the phone (lines are open Monday to Friday, 8am-6pm).
Question: A friend has mentioned that I may be able to claim a Carers Allowance as I look after my elderly mum who has health problems. Where can I find out details and how much. is the weekly benefit?
Answer: The simplest way is to visit the Gov.UK website and search for Carer’s Allowance. Eligibility details and how to claim plus further information can be found there.
You could receive £81.90 a week if you care for at least 35 hours a week and your mum is in receipt of certain benefits.
Question: I think I could benefit from a wheelchair. Can I get one on the NHS? Do I have to pay for any problems that might happen and need repairing? How long does it take to get one and how do I find out if I am eligible?
Answer: Wheelchairs from the NHS are free and repaired and maintained by the NHS at no charge. They do however, still remain the property of the NHS so cannot be handed on.
The eligibility is that an individual must, as a result of a permanent disability or medical condition, have a mobility problem that persists for more than six months or require palliative care. A wheelchair should be required for regular use (at least three days per week). The user must be functionally unable to walk and need to use a wheelchair for independent mobility.
The first step to see if you can get a prescription for a wheelchair is to visit your GP and explain your need. The waiting time can vary from a few weeks to three or four months.
Question: What is the fine for misusing a Blue Badge?
Answer: It is a criminal offence to misuse the badge, and doing so can lead to a £1,000 fine. Norfolk County Council takes court actions each year for misuse of the badge.
Able Community Care Ltd
T: 01603 764567
E: info@ablecommunitycare.com
www.ablecommunitycare.com