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Over 50s
Guide to staying in your home
When living independently becomes more challenging there's extra help available – such as financial assistance, domestic services or housing options that give you the added security of calling on someone in an emergency.
Support to stay in your own home
If you want to live as independently as possible, you may need support to stay in your own home. The social services department of your local authority can provide a wide range of services, from financial assistance to meals at home that will help.
Nominating a helper to collect benefits or a pension for you
There may be a time in your life when you can manage your finances but it becomes harder to get to the post office or bank to receive your pension or other benefits. If that's the case, you can nominate a trusted friend or relative to help.
Help with heating your home
If you need help to pay for heating or to improve insulation in your home, you may be able to get money from a government grant scheme, depending on where you live.
Warm Front scheme
If you need help paying for heating and insulation improvements in your privately owned or rented home, you, your partner or civil partner may be able to get money from the government's Warm Front grants scheme if, for example, you're receiving income or disability-related benefits.
Guide to greener living
The environment and greener living are issues of increasing concern for over 50s. While people over 50 enjoy an affluent lifestyle in general, they also have a large carbon footprint. However, you can take action to balance energy use in many ways: by recycling, volunteering on conservation projects, saving energy and insulating your home.
Keeping safe at home
Taking simple, inexpensive precautions could save your life. You can protect yourself in your home by fitting smoke alarms and planning escape routes.
Meals at home services
Hot, and sometimes frozen, meals can be delivered to your home if your health means you have problems cooking. This service is sometimes referred to as 'meals on wheels'. Like most support that is arranged to help you stay more independent, a 'meals at home' service may be offered to you following an assessment of your needs by your local social services.
Your home, adaptations and equipment
Information on home adaptations, equipment for independent living, Disabled Facilities Grants and financial assistance
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