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Living well in your home

WomanWe all want to feel safe‚ comfortable and relaxed in our homes. Problems can arise‚ though‚ because:

  • of the age and condition of the property;
  • our needs change due to ageing and disability.

This guide explains steps you can take to ensure that your home remains safe and secure so that you can get the maximum enjoyment from it for as long as possible.

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Index


 
Meeting your changing needs

As we grow older‚ it often becomes more difficult to carry out certain tasks or activities. Changes in vision‚ mobility and manual dexterity can all have an impact on day-to-day living. However‚ there is a wide range of equipment and home adaptations available to enable you to carry on living independently. You may be able get financial assistance towards the cost of the equipment you need. You can also take small practical steps‚ which may cost little or nothing‚ to make things easier for yourself.

Smaller items include tap turners‚ adapted kitchen utensils and cutlery‚ and aids to assist with tasks such as washing and dressing. Other items‚ such as grab rails and raised toilet seats‚ may require some installation in your home. Larger items‚ such as stairlifts and walk-in baths‚ can be expensive and require professional installation.

It is important to find the equipment that is right for your needs. If the local authority will be assisting with the cost of your equipment you will be asked to take part in an assessment of your needs. If you are buying equipment privately‚ seek advice from a specialist organisation like the Disabled Living Foundation. There is a network of local Disabled Living Centres that can provide information and advice‚ and offer the opportunity to try out items.

What next?Contact the Disabled Living Foundation for more information on disability equipment and how to obtain it. 

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Arranging and funding adaptations

Disability equipment‚ particularly larger items such as stairlifts and accessible bath and shower equipment‚ can be expensive. In England‚ local authorities have to provide minor adaptations (costing less than £1000) free‚ if you have been assessed as needing them. In England‚ a Disabled Facilities Grant may be available from the local authority to assist with the cost of more expensive equipment and adaptations. In Northern Ireland‚ Scotland and Wales the local authority can tell you what financial help is available.

The first step towards getting help with the cost of equipment and adaptations is to approach the local authority social services or social work department and ask for an assessment of your needs. This is to confirm whether you need the pieces of equipment that you are asking for.

What next?Contact the local authority to request an assessment. Details should be in the phone book. If you cannot find them‚ contact your local Age Concern.  

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Community alarms

Community alarms are emergency response systems that can be used to summon help if you have a fall or other accident. There are a number of different systems on the market but usually you will have a pendant or other transmitter to keep around your person. The local authority may provide alarm systems to some older people.

What next?Contact the Disabled Living Foundation for a factsheet on community alarms.


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Repairs and improvements

If you need to arrange repairs or improvements to your home‚ there may be local agencies that can help you to arrange this. The available help may not extend to financial assistance though: local authorities do not have to provide funding for home repairs and improvements not covered by the Disabled Facilities Grant‚ although they can choose to do so.

There may be a local home improvement agency – they are sometimes called Care and Repair or Staying Put – which can provide help with identifying what work needs to be done‚ finding suitable trades people and also pursuing any available sources of financial help towards the cost.

What next?To find out if there is a home improvement agency in your area‚ contact your local Age Concern‚ the council housing department or Foundations‚ the national coordinating body for home improvement agencies.


 
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Warmth and heating

In winter‚ being warm is essential for health and comfort. The best way to dress for the cold is to wear a number of layers of thin clothing and add and remove layers as required. Eat a balanced diet and have at least one hot meal a day and regular hot drinks through the day.

Try to heat the all the rooms you will be using during the day to 21ºC (70ºF). If you cannot‚ keep your living room warm during the day and warm your bedroom and bed before retiring in the evening. If the room gets too warm turn the thermostat down rather than opening windows for long periods.

Heating your home is easier and cheaper if the property is insulated and your system works properly. Draught-proofing doors and windows‚ insulating the loft and lagging the hot-water tank and pipes can all help to keep your house warmer. Check your heating system works properly and have it serviced once a year. Also‚ make sure that you can work the controls and know the setting to get the level of heat you want. You may be able to get financial help with the cost of these improvements.

 

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Financial help with heating and insulation

The Warm Front scheme in England offers grants to provide homes with adequate heating and insulation. The grant can be awarded to cover a range of energy efficiency and heating improvements to the home. Homeowners and private tenants aged over 60 can apply but eligibility is means-tested. If you do not qualify for a grant‚ you may qualify for a smaller rebate against the cost of heating and insulation work. Similar schemes operate in Wales‚ Scotland and Northern Ireland.
what next?

What next?Contact Warm Front for further details of the scheme.

 

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Help with fuel payments

Most people aged 60 or over are entitled to the Winter Fuel Payment‚ paid by the Government to assist with heating costs. Previous recipients should get the payment automatically. If you have not received the payment before contact the Winter Fuel Payment helpline for further details.

If you get Pension Credit Guarantee Credit you may receive an extra cold-weather payment during periods of prolonged cold temperatures.

If you are having trouble meeting your fuel bills and are over 60‚ ask your supplier to put you on its Priority Service Register. Companies should not disconnect all-pensioner households during the winter months.

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Energy efficiency

By cutting your energy consumption‚ you can reduce your bills and help the environment. In addition to large jobs‚ such as insulating your home (see page 8)‚ you can save a surprising amount of energy by making small changes in your behaviour.

Check your heating is not higher than you need it to be comfortably warm (see page 7). A reduction of 1°C in room temperature can save £40 per year. Is your hot water too hot? The cylinder thermostat should not need to be higher than 60°C (140°F).

Turn the lights off when you leave a room. Do not leave appliances on standby or recharging for longer than is necessary.

Only boil as much water as you need (or to cover the element in your kettle). Use half-load and economy settings on other appliances when you can. Fix any leaking taps.

Switch to energy-saving light bulbs. These last up to 12 times longer than ordinary bulbs and can save up to £100 over the lifetime of the bulb.

What next?Contact the Energy Saving Trust for more information about energy efficiency or for details of your local energy saving advice centre.

 

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Fire safety

The most important step you can take to protect against fire is to install smoke alarms in your home (see below). There are also practical actions you can take to reduce the risk of fire‚ including the following:

  • Never leave candles or cigarettes unattended. Make sure they are on a heat-resistant surface and are properly extinguished before you leave the room
  • Keep your kitchen appliances clean. If fat‚ grease and crumbs build up they may catch fire
  • Plan the escape route you would use in the event of a fire. Keep it clear and make sure everyone in the house knows where door and window keys are kept

What next?Your local Fire and Rescue Service can give advice on fire safety and reducing risks in the home. Contact details will be in the phone book.

 

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Smoke alarms

A smoke alarm can alert you to the early stages of a fire‚ while there is still time to escape. Smoke alarms are inexpensive and widely available from high-street shops and supermarkets. Fit at least one on each floor of your home‚ in the hallway or on the landing. Check your alarms regularly to ensure that the battery and sensors are working properly. If you are deaf or hard of hearing‚ there are alarms that use light or vibration rather than sound to wake you.

What next?
Contact the RNID for further information on smoke alarm systems for the deaf and hard of hearing.
 

 

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Annie and her husband Tom have lived in their home for 28 years…case study

‘We’re really happy in our house. It’s very comfortable and just right for us but we’re not ones to change things before we have to. Age Concern had arranged an electric blanket testing event nearby and I decided to take our blanket along as we’d had it for quite a while. It turned out that it needed replacing and could have been quite dangerous if it was left on overnight‚ which I sometimes do when it’s very cold.

‘I took some more information away about fire prevention and other ways to make the house safer. It also got us thinking about energy efficiency – if the house was warmer I might not need the blanket anyway. We’re having the windows draught-proofed and putting new insulation down in the loft. The old insulation had been there longer than we have and was looking a bit sorry for itself.’

 

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Gas safety

Each year a number of deaths result from carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning‚ caused by gas appliances and flues that have not been properly installed or maintained. Carbon monoxide is odourless and colourless. Symptoms of poisoning can include tiredness‚ drowsiness‚ headaches‚ nausea and chest and stomach pains.

It is illegal for anyone who is not registered with the Council for Registered Gas Installers (CORGI) to install or carry out work on gas appliances and fittings. Registered installers should carry a current CORGI photo identity card‚ with the type of work they are qualified to do listed on the back. You can contact CORGI if you have any queries.

All gas appliances and flues should be safety-checked once a year. Landlords are responsible for arranging checks for rented accommodation. If you are a homeowner aged 60 or over‚ or disabled‚ you can join your supplier’s Priority Service Register‚ which entitles you to a free annual check‚ among other benefits. Check the back of your bill for details of how to apply.

What next?If you smell gas or are worried about gas safety at any time‚ call National Grid’s National Gas Emergency Number‚ 0800 111 999. If you suspect a leak‚ open all doors and windows and close off the gas supply at the meter valve if you know where it is.

 

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Electrical safety

You can reduce the risk of electrical fires by following the suggestions below:

  • Only use one plug per wall socket
  • If you are using an adaptor‚ do not overload (plugs should not total more than 13 amps)
  • Look out for scorched or hot plugs and sockets
  • Do not use equipment with frayed or taped leads or exposed wires
  • Turn off and unplug appliances when not in use unless they are designed to be left on (eg fridge‚ video recorder)

What next?For further information about electrical safety‚ contact your local Fire and Rescue Service or visit www.firekills.gov.uk/

 

 

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Electric blankets

Faulty electric blankets are a common cause of fire. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Do not leave your blanket on overnight unless it is designed for this type of use. If your blanket gets wet‚ do not use again until it has thoroughly dried out.

Check your blanket before using it for signs of wear and damage to the lead and heating elements‚ creasing and damp patches. Electric blankets should be tested every three years and replaced after 10 years. New blankets should carry a British or European safety mark.

What next?Contact your local Trading Standards office or local Fire and Rescue Service for details of electric blanket testing events in your area.

 

 

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Preventing falls

Falls are a major cause of injury and loss of mobility and independence in older people. You can minimise the risk of falling by looking after yourself and making simple changes to your environment.

Health is an important factor in preventing falls. Have your eyes tested regularly (free for over-60s) and wear glasses if you need them. You are more likely to fall over if your feet are painful. Visit a podiatrist (chiropodist) regularly to keep your feet in good order. If you are prone to light-headedness or dizziness‚ because of a medical condition or as a side effect of medication‚ discuss this with your GP.

Contact your local Age Concern for more information on healthy living.

Making small changes in your home can cut down accidents. Local fall prevention schemes can offer advice on making your home safer. Kitchens‚ hallways and landings should be well lit. Paint the outer edges of steps with non-slip white paint. Fit handrails where you need extra support‚ in the bathroom for example‚ and remove castors from any furniture that you lean on. Make sure there are no trailing wires or other clutter where you walk. Remove or repair frayed carpets and rugs and use non-slip mats where possible.

If you do have a fall‚ try to summon help. Use the community alarm if you have one. If you cannot get up‚ gentle movement is better than lying still for a long time. Try to keep warm and cover your feet and legs if possible.


What next?Contact your local authority or contact your local Age Concern to find out about local fall prevention schemes.
 

 

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Home security

Older people are less likely to become victims of crime than other age groups. You can reduce further the risk of burglary or other unwanted intrusion by taking steps to make your home more secure.

Appropriate door and window locks are vital to security. All outside doors should be fitted with a five-lever mortise deadlock (Kitemark BS3621). You should also have a chain and a viewer to let you see who is at the door‚ if it has no glass. Windows should be fitted with secure‚ key-operated locks‚ particularly on the ground floor or close to drainpipes and other means of access upstairs. Fences and gates at the back of your house should also be secured. A visible burglar alarm can help to deter burglars. Get more than one quote and take advice before choosing an alarm.

If you are going away‚ cancel your milk and newspaper deliveries and put valuable items out of sight. If you can‚ ask a neighbour to check on the house and move your post away from the door. Do not put your address on your luggage labels for the outward journey. Timer switches for the lights and radio can help to disguise that you are away.

What next?You can find further information on home security on the Government’s Crime Reduction website. Contact the Crime Prevention Officer at your local police station for specific advice on how to make your home more secure.

 

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Useful organisations

Age Concern
Find details of your nearest local Age Concern on our site‚ or call the Age Concern Information Line on (free call) 0800 00 99 66.

Age Concern Northern Ireland
Tel: 028 9024 5729 (national call rate)

Age Concern Scotland (Scottish Helpline for Older People)
Tel: 0845 125 9732 (lo-call rate)

Age Concern Cymru
Tel: 029 2043 1555 (national call rate)

Council for Registered Gas Installers (CORGI)
National watchdog for gas safety and can suggest or check registered gas installers in your area.
Tel: 0800 915 0485 (free call)

Crime Reduction
Home Office website providing information and resources for people working to reduce crime in their local area.
 
Disabled Living Centres
Provide advice‚ information and demonstrations of a range of disability equipment at local showrooms.
To find your nearest centre‚ contact Assist UK:
Tel: 0870 770 2866 (national call rate)

Disabled Living Foundation
Runs an equipment demonstration centre‚ provides information about equipment for daily living and a specialist advice service on clothing.
380–384 Harrow Road
London W9 2HU
Tel: 0845 130 9177 (lo-call rate)

Energy Saving Trust
National organisation providing information and advice on how to improve energy efficiency. Linked to a network of local advice centres. Helpline offers free‚ independent and local energy-saving advice.
Tel: 0800 512 012 (free call)

Fire and Rescue Services
Fire and Rescue Services deal with all sorts of emergency and non-emergency situations‚ not just fires. The website contains details of local services as well as fire safety advice.
 
Foundations
National coordinating body for home improvement agencies. You can search for your nearest agency on the website.

National Grid
Owns and operates the gas transmission network throughout Great Britain and runs the National Gas Emergency Number.
National Gas Emergency Number: 0800 111 999 (free call)
Tel: 0845 605 6677 (lo-call rate)
Northern Ireland Gas Emergency Number: 0800 002 001 (free call)

RNID
National organisation offering information and support for deaf and hard-of-hearing people.
19–23 Featherstone Street
London EC1Y 8SL
Tel: 0808 808 0123 (free call)
Textphone: 0808 808 9000 (free call)

Trading Standards
Consumer information‚ free advice leaflets and information about your local Trading Standards offices.
 
Warm Front
Scheme offering heating and insulation grants in England‚ run by the Eaga Partnership on behalf of the Government.
Tel: 0800 316 2805 (free call)

Winter Fuel Payment helpline
For information and application forms to claim the payment.
Tel: 0845 9 15 15 15 (lo-call rate) 

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What should I do now?

If you would like more information on the issues in this guide please call the Age Concern Information Line free on 0800 00 99 66.

You can order free paper copies of all our information guides through our online Information Guide order form.  

We also publish books covering many of the above issues. Browse our online bookshop.

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What should I do now?

If you would like more information on the issues in this guide please call the Age Concern Information Line free on 0800 00 99 66.

You can order free paper copies of all our information guides through our online Information Guide order form.  

Back to Index

 

Related books

We also publish books covering many of the above issues in our online bookshop. The following books may be of particular interest:

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