Angela Gifford
Managing Director of
Able Community Care
01603 764567
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: I have been asked to buy a blood pressure monitor for a relative. I have looked online and there are dozens of them. What should I be looking for to make sure it is accurate, appropriate, etc.
Answer: The following advice comes from the NHS: If you are buying a blood pressure monitor, make sure it is approved for use in the UK. To make sure your monitor is accurate, choose one that has been listed as validated for accuracy by the British and Irish Hypertension Society (BIHS).
Question: When you get to age 70 do you have to take another driving test?
Answer: No, there is no requirement for a person to retake a test. At age 70 your licence does expire, but you just need to renew it with the DVLA.
Question: If I go into a care home, can I claim the Attendance Allowance?
Answer: If you enter a care home and are a private fee payer, then you can claim the Attendance Allowance. If you have already been receiving it, then the funding will continue.
Question: An elderly family member needs some new shoes but because of poor mobility does not go shopping. How can I measure her feet at home so I can order the correct size shoes online?
Answer: Foot size gauges, the type which all shoe shops have can now be purchased online. Amazon have a range for both children and adult feet. Average cost is under £10.
Question: I am getting older and do not have any close relatives. However, going through a document box I have had for years, I believe that there may be a first cousin, possibly two. Is there any way I can try to trace if they are still alive?
Answer: The Salvation Army have a Family Tracing service which helps to reconcile family members who have lost contact with each other.
They will ask for your details but also for the following about the person you are trying to trace: Their full name, date of birth, relationship to you and the reason you are out of touch.
You can ring them on 020 7367 4747 or write to them at:
Family Tracing Service,
The Salvation Army, 101 Newington Causeway, London SE1 6BN
You can also email to
family.tracing@salvationarmy.org.uk
