Pension Credit is a means-tested benefit in England that provides financial support to eligible individuals or couples who have reached the state pension age. Pension Credit tops up a person’s income to a minimum of £201.05 per week for single pensioners and to £306.85 for couples, or more if a

A British bank created “The M-word” campaign a few years ago. It was apparently in response to research from Lloyds Bank that showed MONEY is a bigger taboo in British families than politics, sex, or religion. Well, I would add “CARE” for elderly loved ones to that list of “taboos”, and

When a family first contacts me, the person who phones me up often starts with, “I don’t know how you can help?”. And my reply is nearly always, “Well, tell me your story”. Most people who get in touch with me have been recommended to do so by a friend,

The Internet of Things (IOT), and voice-activated technology such as Amazon’s Alexa and Apple’s Fall Detection Watch feature have all helped bring the possibilities of elderly home monitoring into families’ conversations about eldercare. As technology advances, more people are using Home Monitoring Systems as part of a Care Solution for

This month (November) is National Family Caregivers Month Recently, after reading articles about the shortage of carers in both residential settings and in people’s homes, I have felt frustrated and sad to read so many comments suggesting that there would be no need for these carers if families “pulled their

What is the care cost cap and when does it take effect? The Government’s 2021 Vision for Adult Social Care means that from October 2023, they will introduce a new £86,000 cap on the amount anyone in England will need to spend on their personal care. This means that even

This month I am grateful to Sue Grogan of Joined Up Working for sharing her personal story. This photo is of me and Mum. She looks ok doesn’t she, glass in hand, smiling at the camera? I’m smiling too – all is good, isn’t it? What you can’t see about

While the summer may lift our spirits, temperatures can sometimes become uncomfortable and even dangerously hot. Anyone can be affected by the heat, but a person may be more at risk if they have a long-term health condition or are on certain medications. If you have elderly relatives, friends or

Many families wrongly pay for care at home or long-term residential care fees for loved ones. This may be because they have been incorrectly advised or because they believe they have to pay. Here are the top 10 most common reasons that this may happen: Loss of independence – many

Sophia Dickinson BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy This month, I am delighted to host a guest blog from Sophia. I met Sophia several years ago, and we share the same “person-centred” approach to our services. That means we look at your loved one and what will work for them to improve