To help you to navigate your way through some of the difficulties that you might face, we have prepared a set of questions that somebody who wants to care for their loved one at home might ask.
Where we can, we have supplied answers – or suggestions about getting more information or further help.
This section also tells you about some of the people that you might like to contact for help, with some examples of questions you might like to ask them.
In these examples we have used "Mum" as an illustration, but you could use the same questions for other loved ones e.g. Dad, your aunt, your brother, your sister, your friend, and so on.
Doctors
“I do not want Mum to go into hospital or a care home so, what services are available to enable me to care for Mum at home?”
“Is there a specialist service that would help Mum?”
(There may be specialist old age psychiatry teams, either based at a hospital or available to visit you at home) .
“What drugs are there to help now”
District Nurses
"What nursing services are avalibelto help me look after Mum?"
Continence
“What continence aids are available to me here at home? "
(There may be a choice of commodes; bottles; bedpans; continence pads and sheets- all of which should be free .(Kylie sheets for use in bed are unlikely to be free)).
"What are they?"
"How do I get hold of them?"
" How soon can I get them?"
( Sometimes there may be a delay of several weeks; you may have to buy aids privately).
"Is there a laundry service?"
(There may be one of these; if so it should be free)
"How do I dispose of the laundry after use? "
"Is there a collection service? If so, how do I access it?"
(The may be a collection service, which should be free).
"Who do I ring if I want more supplies or if I have a problem about them?"
(Try to get the NAME of a person you can ring).
Personal Care
"How do I get help with washing/bathing Mum?"
(Bath aids may be available and could include bath seats;hoists;showers
This may be provided by district nursing teams, or by social services. District nursing services are free; there may be a charge for care via social services).
"Who do I contact about this? "
(Try to get the NAME of a person you can ring).
Mobility: Aids and Appliances
"What help is there to enable me to lift Mum?;help Mum out of a chair?; help Mum On /off the toilet ?"
"Mum needs help to walk. What help is there available? How quickly can I get this?"
"Who do I contact about this?"
( Try to get the NAME of a person you can ring. Aids may include walking frames; rollators ( type of walking frame on wheels);wheelchairs; chair raisers (raise height of the arm chair);bed raisers (raise the height of the bed); backrests; hospital bed (adjust for height and sitting up/lying down in bed);toilet frames/raised toilet seats (raised height of toilet seat);washable slippers/shoes; ripple mattress.
There is also a range of more specialist assistive technology aids available.You could contact the Occupational Therapists at local Social Services for specialist advice).
Benefits, Allowances and Funding.
(Please note that all information was posted here on 5th May 2009. Benefit rates may change over time, and we will do our best to keep these rates and this information as up to date as possible)
Benefits You May Be Entitled To Claim.
There are benefits that you as a person with dementia are entitled to if you meet certain criteria. Because these criteria vary according to the type of benefit it is essential that you always seek information and advice before claiming to make sure you get the benefit most appropriate to you.
A social worker or your local Citizens Advice Bureau is a good starting point. As a minimum a person with dementia can usually claim Attendance Allowance or the care component of the Disability Living Allowance.
Attendance Allowance
You may be eligible for Attendance Allowance if you are over 65 and you find things like washing and dressing very difficult or you need someone to make sure you are safe. This benefit is tax free and does not depend on National Insurance contributions. If you are eligible for Attendance Allowance you may also be able to receive extra Pension Credit and Council Tax benefit.
Be sure to seek advice before attempting to claim any of these other benefits to make sure that obtaining one does not cancel out the financial gain from others.
Attendance Allowance is paid at two different rates:
• the lower rate is for people who need frequent help with personal care or supervision either during the day or at night (£47.10p per week)
• the higher rate is for people who need frequent help or prompting with personal care, or continual supervision to avoid danger during the day plus help with personal care or supervision either for a prolonged period or several times during the night (£70.35p per week)
Pension Credit
Pension credit has two parts, guarantee credit and savings credit. You may be entitled to one or both parts:
• guarantee credit is an entitlement for people of 60 or over. It tops up your income to a set level (single person £130.00p per week, couple £198.45p per week)
• savings credit is extra money for people over 65 who have income above the basic retirement pension level, or who have savings or investments. It is based on the total amount of income that a person has, including private or occupational pensions (maximum payable for a single person is £20.40p per week, £27.03p per week for a couple)
You can claim pension credit by filling in a claim form or by contacting the Pensions Service direct.
Council Tax Benefit
You may be eligible for Council Tax Benefit but you have to apply to the Council Tax section of your local authority to find out. People with dementia who live alone and receive attendance allowance do not have to pay council tax.
If people with dementia are living with others there are varying levels of discount, typically 25 per cent, that they may be entitled to receive.
Disability Living Allowance
You may be eligible for Disability Living Allowance if you are under 65 and have care and/or mobility needs.
Care Component of the Disability Living Allowance
The care component of the allowance is paid at three different rates:
• people may be eligible for the lower rate if they need help with personal care for some of the day or are unable to cook a meal for themselves without assistance (£18.65p per week)
• the middle rate is for people who need frequent help with personal care or supervision either during the day or at night (£47.10p per week)
• the higher rate is for people who need frequent help or prompting with personal care, or continual supervision to avoid danger during the day plus help with personal care or supervision either for a prolonged period or several times during the night (£70.35p per week)
Mobility Component of the Disability Living Allowance
You may be eligible for this if you have walking difficulties and are under 65. If the allowance is awarded it can continue to be paid after you are 65. The mobility component of the allowance is paid at two different rates:
• people may qualify for the higher rate if they have physical difficulty in walking such as paralysis, weakness, pain and stiffness (£49.10p per week)
• the lower rate is for people who are able to walk but need supervision because they may get lost or need supervision in getting from one place to another (£18.65p per week)
Carer’s Allowance
If you are acting as a carer spending at least 35 hours a week caring for someone who receives attendance allowance or the middle or higher rate of disability living allowance you may be eligible for the Carer’s Allowance (£53.10p per week). You do not have to be related to or be living with the person you are looking after.
The Carer’s Allowance gives most carers under the age of 65 a national insurance credit each week to help protect their state pension rights but the allowance is taxable. Carer’s are not eligible for Carer’s Allowance if they earn more than £95 per week after the deduction of allowable expenses.
In some cases the person being cared for could lose some of their benefits if Carer’s Allowance is claimed so it is important to seek advice before making a claim.
Community Care
Local Authority Social Services Departments are responsible for assessing the needs of people who may need care services to enable them to continue to live at home. Each Local Authority has its own assessment procedure and the Social Services Department will publish information on how to apply, what kinds of services could be provided and who is eligible to receive those services.
You will be able to get the information from your Social Services Department or your local library.
Each Local Authority has its own criteria for deciding who is eligible for assessment and compares applicant’s needs against those criteria.
The assessment is carried out in your own home usually by someone from social services who may request extra information from other professionals such as your GP, consultant or community nurse.
The assessment involves looking at your needs and circumstances and assessing your finances as the local authority can charge for the services it arranges if you are able to contribute towards the cost. The amount charged will vary according to the local authority but charges are meant to be ‘reasonable’.
If your savings are £23,000 or above you will have to pay for all of your home care costs but if your savings are below £14,000 you should not have to pay, but this may depend on your income.
The kinds of services that you may find helpful are meals on wheels, home care and day care. When the assessment has been completed a ‘care plan’ is written which describes the services which you should be provided with, who will provide them and when they will begin.
You will be given a copy of the plan and the name and contact details of your care manager who is responsible for seeing that the services are delivered. You may have to wait for services to begin or some may start and others follow later.
Services may be provided directly by social services or arranged through other agencies such as health or housing departments, or voluntary or private organisations.
Home care workers can help with personal care if you are having difficulty in washing and dressing for example or they may prepare simple meals.
Day care may be available locally in the form of day care centres or drop in centres and provide social activities and a meal. Transport to and from these centres is often provided. You may also be put in touch with centres run by local groups or charities.
Carer’s Assessment
The Carers (Recognition and Support Services) Act 1995 enables carers to request an assessment of their own needs at the same time as the person they are caring for is being assessed. This applies to helping a friend, neighbour or relative to remain at home by providing a substantial amount of care on a regular basis.
Local Authorities cannot take a carer’s ability to pay into account before deciding whether or not to provide a service but they can subject them to a means test to assess how much they can afford.
Direct Payments
If you and/or your carer have been assessed as needing community care services you may prefer to make a request to the local authority for a Direct Payment so that you can arrange and pay for your own services. Rules vary across local authorities and they must be convinced that you can manage the payment alone or with assistance.
Health Care
NHS Continuing Healthcare Funding
You may be eligible for NHS Continuing Healthcare Funding if following an assessment your main need is shown to be related to your health. To apply for this benefit you need to contact your GP, social worker or community nurse to ask them to arrange for your needs to be assessed.
A person qualified to carry out the assessment will visit you to discuss your needs with you using a checklist which meets national criteria. If you meet the criteria on the checklist you will be referred for a full assessment.
Before the assessment is started it needs to be signed to give consent to the assessment process and to the sharing of information arising from the assessment. The person who signs can be you or someone who has the proper legal authority to sign on your behalf.
This is a very important issue and you, or your next of kin may wish to investigate this further before proceeding with a referral so you are clear about who has the correct authority to give consent and to make decisions. You should speak to a social worker to find out if receiving NHS Continuing Healthcare Funding would mean any loss of your other benefits.
The next stage of applying for NHS Continuing Healthcare Funding involves a more detailed assessment of your needs and will cover your physical, mental, psychological and emotional needs. It will include all the people who are involved in your care to help build a complete and accurate picture of your own particular situation.
Once completed the person carrying out the assessment will discuss how your needs may best be met, and will look at different options for your future care with you and with your carers.
The final stage of the process involves your assessment being read and considered by a panel of experts who meet together to decide if assessments indicate that people are eligible for NHS Continuing Healthcare Funding.
If you are assessed as being eligible for NHS Continuing Healthcare Funding the payment for the care you receive will go straight from the NHS to the organisation responsible for providing your care. Your eligibility may change over time so you will be reviewed by a registered nurse within three months of your first assessment and then at least annually.
Further References and Information That You Might Find Useful
To qualify for any benefit a person with dementia or their carer will have to meet certain conditions which vary according to the type of benefit.
Always seek information and advice before claiming to make sure you get the benefit most appropriate to you. A social worker or your local Citizens Advice Bureau is a good starting point.
As a minimum a person with dementia can usually claim Attendance Allowance or the care component of the Disability Living Allowance.
The Benefit Enquiry Line and the Department of Work and Pensions provide a lot of useful advice.
Address:
Benefit Enquiry Line
Benefit Enquiry Line (BEL)
Red Rose House
Lancaster Road
Preston
Lancashire PR1 1HB
T. 0800 88 22 00 (free helpline open 8.30am-6.30pm weekdays and 9.00am-1.00pm Saturdays)
0800 243 544 (textphone)
email – BEL-Customer-Services@dwp.gsi.gov.uk
website – direct.gov.uk/disability-money
Provides a national, free telephone advice and information service.
Department for Work and Pensions
This is the government department responsible for employment and social security. Its website gives details of various benefits and how to claim them and has claim forms available to download.
For details of your local office go to – www.dwp.gov.uk/localoffice .
For details of various helplines go to – www.dwp.gov.uk/contact/contact_atoz.asp
T. 0845 123 456
email – www.dwp.gov.uk/ and use the enquiry form
Directgov
Directgov is the official UK portal and guide to information on central and local services.
website – www.direct.gov.uk and go to Disabled People
Health and Social Care
From April 2009 The Care Quality Commission (CQC) became the independent regulator of health and social care in England. The CQC regulates health and adult social care services whether provided by the NHS, local authorities, private companies or voluntary organisations and protects the rights of people detained under the Mental Health Act.
The aim of the CQC is to make sure that better care is provided for everyone, in hospitals, care homes, in people’s own homes or elsewhere. The CQC website provides useful information about health and social care services that apply to the population in general rather than specifically to people with dementia.
website – http://www.cqc.org.uk
Address:
Health Care
Department of Health
Richmond House
79 Whitehall
London SW1A 2NS
T. 020 7210 4850 (9.00am-5.00pm)
020 7210 5025 (textphone)
email – www.dh.gov.uk/ and use the enquiry form
The government department responsible for health, social care and the NHS. It provides a range of information including help with NHS costs.
NHS Choices
NHS Choices provides information about health services near you.
website – www.nhs.uk and go to NHS Choices
Carers Direct
Carers Direct is linked to NHS Choices and offers confidential information, advice and support for carers. You can find addresses, phone numbers and websites for services for carers near you.
T. 0808 802 0202 (helpline 8.00am-9.00pm weekdays and 11.00am-4.0pm weekends)
email – CarersDirect@nhschoices.nhs.uk
website – www.nhs.uk/carersdirect
Healthcare Professionals
A wide range of health services are available to people with dementia and to those who care for them. The following list gives a description of some of the healthcare professionals you may meet and what they do.
General Practitioners (GPs)
GPs are responsible for people’s general health. If you are concerned about your own memory or that of someone close to you seek the advice of your GP. The GP may make a diagnosis or refer you to a consultant for specialist advice or tests.
Consultants/Specialists
Consultants are qualified doctors who have gone on to have further training in a particular speciality.
Your loved one could be referred to a :–
• neurologist who specialises in disorders of the brain and nervous system
• geriatrician who specialises in the physical illnesses and the care of older people
• old age psychiatrist who is a specialist in the mental health problems of older people
Consultants work with other doctors and other healthcare professionals as part of a team but the consultant will be ultimately responsible for your care.
Community Psychiatric Nurses (CPNs)
CPNs are mental health nurses who have had further training to work in the community. They provide treatment, care and support for people with mental health problems and dementia. Your GP or consultant may refer you to a CPN.
District Nurses/Community Nurses
District and Community nurses are part of the primary care team and have had extra training to nurse people at home. Your GP may refer you to a district nurse.
Continence Advisers
Most areas have a continence adviser who can advise on problems associated with incontinence. They can also give information on useful equipment ranging from commodes to incontinence pads and how to use them. The continence adviser or your district nurse will advise you how to dispose of pads. Your GP may refer you to a continence adviser.
Occupational Therapists (OTs)
Some OTs work for the NHS, some work for Social Services while others work privately. Wherever they work they can advise on adaptations and equipment. If you think an OT might be helpful talk to your GP, consultant or social services department. (See also under social care below)
Physiotherapists
Physiotherapists can advise on mobility for people at all stages of dementia. They will also advise carers on safe ways of helping someone to move. Your GP or consultant can refer you to the community physiotherapy service.
Chiropodists
There is a shortage of chiropodists and most work in a private capacity, some providing home visits. It is essential to have healthy pain free feet to keep mobile. If you or the person you are caring for already has a chiropodist it is better to maintain that contact. If not, you can be referred to NHS chiropody services by your GP.
Dietitians
A dietitian can provide advice and guidance about food, nutrition and food supplements. They will help with issues such as poor appetite and give advice on how to make food easier to eat. Some dietitians work in the community, your GP or consultant can refer you.
Speech and Language Therapists
Speech and Language Therapists can advise people with dementia and their carers on ways of communicating more effectively and on relieving swallowing difficulties. Your GP may be able to refer you.
Social Services
Local Government Ombudsman
The Local Government Ombudsman looks at complaints about councils and some other authorities. It is a free service which investigates complaints in a fair and independent way. If you have a problem with a council service you should first complain to the council. If you are not satisfied with the result the Local Government Ombudsman Advice Team may be able to help. Information can be provided in a range of languages other than English.
T. 0300 061 0614 (8.30am-5.00pm Monday to Friday)
email – advice@lgo.org.uk
website – http://www.lgo.org.uk
Social Care Staff
Many care services can be arranged through your local social services department. What is on offer and how the services are organised varies across different local authorities. The following list gives a description of some of the social care staff you may meet and what they do.
Social workers
Social workers are also referred to as ‘care managers’ and may be based in social services departments, hospitals and care homes. They may be involved in assessing your needs for services and in planning, co-ordinating and advising on services. Social workers will help you work out problems and advise you what options are open to you. Your GP may put you in touch with a social worker or you can contact your local social services department.
Occupational Therapists (OTs)
Some people with dementia have difficulty moving around the home or managing daily activities such as getting on and off the toilet. OTs can advise on equipment and adaptations to the home and on ways of maintaining independence as long as possible. They can provide minor adaptations such as handrails and grab rails through social services free of charge. If major adaptations are needed such as specially designed shower and toilet facilities OTs will advise what is needed and provide the assessment necessary to apply for a grant from the local authority to meet the cost of the adaptation.
Social Care Workers
Social care workers may also be known as care attendants or home care workers. They can provide help to people with dementia living alone or with a carer. Help may be given in getting people up and washed and dressed and putting them to bed at night. Home care workers also empty commodes, change bedding and do laundry. They may also supervise meals if someone living alone needs encouragement to eat.
Meals on Wheels/Meals at Home Services
Hot, and sometimes frozen meals can be delivered to your home if you have problems cooking. A ‘meals at home’ service may be offered to you following an assessment of your needs by your social services department. You should receive a simple ‘service agreement’ which details the days you will receive meals, the cost and how to contact the manager of the service. A range of meals is produced taking into account different cultural and religious requirements, personal preferences and dietary needs. Your GP or social worker will know who to contact or you can visit the Directgov website
Directgov website – http://www.direct.gov.uk and go to Home and Community
Parking Concessions
The Blue Badge Scheme provides a range of parking concessions for people with severe mobility problems who have difficulty using public transport. The scheme operates throughout the UK and applies to on-street parking only. Badge holders may park on single or double yellow lines for up to three hours in England and Wales except where there is a ban on loading or unloading. Badge holders may also park for free for as long as they need at on-street parking meters and in pay-and-display car parks. Your local council is responsible for issuing Blue Badge parking permits. There are criteria which are used to assess eligibility to receive a Blue Badge, the one most likely to apply to people with dementia is ‘have a permanent and substantial disability which means you cannot walk, or which makes walking very difficult’. For more information visit the Directgov website.
Directgov website – http://www.direct.gov.uk. And go to Disabled People/Motoring and Transport
Voluntary Sector
The availability of voluntary groups and organisations is not consistent across the UK. You should be able to get a list of groups that are in your area. Ask your local social services department, Citizens Advice Bureau, library, place of worship or community organisations for information.
The following list provides you with some useful links.
Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB)
The local CAB is often the best place to look for advice. Trained CAB advisers offer free independent and confidential advice to resolve legal, financial and other problems including benefits. For your nearest CAB look in the telephone book, ask at your local library or go to the website at www.citizensadvice.org.uk .
Local arrangements and opening times vary so you may need to make an appointment or walk in and wait for your turn. Many CABs can provide information in a range of languages.
Alzheimer’s Society
Devon House
58 St Katharine’s Way
London E1W 1JX
T. 020 7423 3500
0845 300 0336 (helpline open 8.30am-6.30pm weekdays)
email – info@alzheimers.org.uk (general information)
helpline@alzheimers.org.uk (helpline)
website – Alzheimers.org.uk
The UK’s leading care and research charity for people with dementia and those who care for them. The helpline provides information, support, guidance and referrals to other appropriate agencies. There is also a wide network of local branches many of which provide day centres, drop in centres or dementia cafes.
Parkinson’s Disease Society
215 Vauxhall Bridge Road
London SW1V 1EJ
T. 0808 800 0303 (helpline 9.30am-5.30pm)
email – via the website
website – http://www.parkinsons.org.uk
Charity that provides information, advice and support and helpful publications for people with Parkinson’s disease and their families.
Age Concern and Help the Aged
The four national Age Concerns in the UK have joined together with Help the Aged to form new national charities dedicated to improving the lives of older people.
Age Concern England
Astral House
1268 London Road
London SW16 4ER
T. 020 8765 7200
website – www.ageconcern.org.uk
Crossroads Association
10 Regent Place
Rugby CV21 2PN
T. 0845 450 0350
email – via the website below
website – http://www.crossroads.org.uk
Crossroads runs a network of care attendant schemes in England and Wales. It provides a service to give respite care to carers so that they can have some time to themselves. This may be a regular sitting service so that a carer can go to the hairdresser or go shopping or may be on a more ad hoc basis. The service is flexible with regard to time and trained care support workers who are employed by Crossroads cover the activities normally undertaken by the carer. Schemes vary and there may be a charge and a waiting list.
Mind
Mind England
PO Box 277
Manchester M60 3XN
T. 0845 766 0163 (Mindinfoline 9.00am- 5.00pm weekdays)
email – contact@mind.org.uk
website – http://www.mind.org.uk
Mental health charity that aims to improve the quality of life for people affected by mental health problems in England and Wales by campaigns, providing advice and information and producing publications
Princess Royal Trust for Carers
142 Minories
London EC3N 1LB
T. 0844 800 4361
email – help@carers.org
website – http://www.carers.org
Charity that works through a network of independent carers’ centres across the UK. Centres are staffed by professionals and volunteers and provide information, advice, emotional support, practical help and social contacts for people caring for a relative or friend with and illness or disability.
Carers UK
20 Great Dover Street
London SE1 4LX
T. 0808 808 7777 (free carers’ line 10.00am-12.00pm and 2.00pm-4.00pm Wednesday and Thursday)
email – info@ukcarers.org.uk
website – http:www.carersuk.org/
Charity that aims to help carers recognise their own needs. Carers line provides information and advice on a range of topics from welfare benefits to assessments. Leaflets and factsheets are available free to carers.
Admiral Nurses
T. 0845 257 9406
email – direct@fordementia.org.uk
Admiral nurses are specialist dementia nurses working in the community with families, carers and supporters of people with dementia
Assist UK
Assist UK co-ordinates a UK wide network of around fifty locally situated Disabled Living Centres. The website lists all the centres with opening times and other relevant information. Each centre includes a permanent exhibition that provides people with opportunities to see and try products and equipment. Centre staff provide people with expert and unbiased information and advice on disability equipment and ways of managing disability and which products might suit them best.
website – http://www.assist-uk.org/
Disabled Living Foundation (DLF)
380-384 Harrow Road
London W9 2HU
T. 020 7289 6111
0845 130 9177 (helpline 10.00am-4.00pm weekdays)
email – advice@dlf.org.uk
website – http://www.dlf.org.uk
The DLF is the London based centre
Red Cross
British Red Cross
UK Office
44 Moorfields
London EC2Y 9AL
T. 0844 871 11 11
email – information@redcross.org.uk
The Red Cross volunteer led medical equipment service provides short term loans of equipment to help look after people with dementia at home which includes wheelchairs and commodes. There is a network of Red Cross independent living shops which sell more than 1500 products from walking sticks and continence products to mobility scooters. The shopping facility is also available on line.
Vitalise
Shap Road Industrial Estate
Shap Road
Kendal
Cumbria LA9 6NZ
T. 0845 345 1972
0845 345 1970 (holiday booking line 9.00am-5.00pm weekdays)
email – info@vitalise.org.uk
website – http://www.vitalise.org.uk
Vitalise was formerly known as the Winged Fellowship Trust. It organises holidays for people with disabilities and their carers. Four purpose built centres run special ‘Alzheimer’s weeks’ for people with dementia and their carers. A fifth centre in Cornwall caters for people with dementia and their carers all the year round. Care is provided by qualified staff and volunteers but carers can provide any care they choose.
The Motability Scheme
The Motability Scheme is open to anyone who receives either the Higher Rate Mobility Component of the Disability Living Allowance or the War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement. Your mobility allowance is exchanged for a mobility package on the Car Scheme or the Powered Wheelchair and Scooter Scheme. Even if you do not drive yourself you can apply for a car as a passenger and propose two other people as your drivers. Telephone or visit the Motability website for further information.
T. 0845 456 4566
website – http://www.motability.co.uk
Cruse Bereavement Care
PO Box 800
Richmond TW9 1UR
T. 0844 477 9400 (helpline)
email – info@cruse.org.uk
website – http://www.crusebereavementcare.org.uk/
Charity offering support to people of all ages, backgrounds and beliefs after the death of someone close. There are branches throughout the UK, run mainly by volunteers, many of whom are trained counsellors.
Equipment and Appliances
A large range of equipment and appliances are often needed to help care for people with dementia. Most of these should be provided by your local health services or social services. For example hoists, incontinence pads and commodes, hospital style beds and high armchairs should be easily available. However, provision does vary and sometimes an item is promised but takes a long time to arrive. If it is affordable many people decide to buy rather than wait.
Assist UK centres (see above) are helpful in that you can visit to try out equipment to see if it is suitable.
website – http://www.assist-uk.org/
Many local pharmacies sell small aids and incontinence wear over the counter so it is worth investigating what they have available.
The Red Cross (see above) keep a supply of equipment to loan and also have a large range for sale both in their shops and on line.
T. 0844 871 11 11
email – information@redcross.org.uk
Private companies also offer a wide choice both through local shops and on line. Some are helpful to people with dementia and their carers .
Legal and Financial Advice
People with dementia and their carers often need help managing their financial and legal affairs. The following list of organisations may be helpful :-
Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB)
The local CAB is often the best starting point for advice as the service is free, confidential and independent. Many CABs have a solicitor able to give free advice and some have an accountant. CABs can often provide information in a range of languages or can refer you to an interpreting service. To find your local branch look in the telephone book, ask at the local library or visit the website at www.citizensadvice.org.uk
Alzheimer’s Society
Can give details of legal firms with specialist experience in legal problems arising in relation to dementia.
Alzheimer’s Society
58 St Katharine’s Way
London E1W 1JX
T. 020 7432 3500
email – info@alzheimers.org.uk
website – www.alzheimers.org.uk
Community Legal Advice
Telephone or check the website to find locations
T. 0845 345 4345 (9.00am-6.30pm weekdays)
website – http://www.clsdirect.org.uk/
A free and confidential service paid for by legal aid, set up to help people tackle their legal problems. It is funded by the Legal Services Commission and delivered in partnership with independent advice agencies and solicitors
LawNet Ltd
First Floor
93/95 Bedford Street
Royal Leamington Spa
Warwickshire CV32 5BB
T. 01926 886990
email – admin@lawnet.co.uk
website – http://www.lawnet.co.uk/
A network of independent law firms throughout the UK. LawNet can refer people to firms in their area with experience in a wide range of specialist areas such as providing advice to people with dementia and their families on legal and financial matters.
SIFA
10 East Street
Epsom
Surrey KT17 1HH
T. 01372 721172
email – sifa@sifa.co.uk
website – http://www.sifa.co.uk
Trade association and support group for financial advisers who are partly or wholly owned by solicitors, or accountants who have close links with the professions. It can provide contact details of legal firms that offer financial advice to complement their legal advice.
Counsel and Care
Twyman House
16 Bonny Street
London NW1 9PG
T. 0845 300 7585 (advice line, weekdays 10.00am-4.00pm except Wednesdays which is 10.00am-1.00pm)
email – advice@counselandcare.org.uk
website – http://www.counselandcare.org.uk
Provides advice, information and financial support for older people, their families and carers
Office of the Public Guardian (OPG)
Archway Tower
2 Junction Road
London N19 5SZ
T. 0845 330 2900 (customer services 9.00am-5.00pm weekdays)
email – customerservices@publicguardian.gsi.gov.uk
website – http://www.publicguardian.gov.uk/
The OPG supports and promotes decision making for those who lack capacity or would like to plan for their future, within the framework of the Mental Capacity Act 2005. The
Court of Protection is at the same address.
Ministry of Justice
Selborne House
54 Victoria Street
London SW1E 6QW
T. 020 7210 8500
email – general.queries@justice.gsi.gov.uk
website – http://www.justice.gov.uk
The Ministry of Justice provides a range of useful information online including:
- Guidance on the Mental Capacity Act (2005) available at –
- www.justice.gov.uk/guidance/mental-capacity.htm
Equality and Human Rights Commission
Freepost RRLL-GHUX-CTRX
Arndale House
Arndale Centre
Manchester M4 3EQ
T. 0845 604 6610 – England
0845 604 8810 - Wales
0845 604 5510 – Scotland
(all helplines open 9.00am-5.00pm weekdays except Wednesdays when open 9.00am-8.00pm)
email – info@equalityhumanrights.com
website – http://www.equalityhumanrights.com/
Provides a helpline and takes legal action on behalf of some individuals whose legal rights have not been upheld.
