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Getting caring assistance at home Most of us would prefer to remain in our own home for as long as possible, but as we get older we may need some support and assistance to do so. The Bank Workers Charity (BWC) exists to help retired bank workers and their families face life’s challenges. If you’re in need of assistance in your home we may be able to provide you with free information and support services. At BWC we have put together a guide explaining what caring means and an action plan which helps you to take steps to get further support. Organising care If you feel you need care or support at home, contact the social services department at your local council. A representative will come to your home to assess your needs. This assessment is free, regardless of your financial situation, however, all care delivered by your local council is means tested. If the assessment shows that you need support at home, your local authority has a duty to provide it, or to help you arrange it. If you are not eligible for free home care and support, you are still entitled to receive care services, but you will be expected to pay for or make a contribution towards them. Exactly how much will depend on your ability to pay and where you live, as this varies from council to council. You are not obliged to accept care directly from your local authority. Many people prefer to have more choice over this and councils are introducing initiatives like personal budgets and direct payments. You can find out more about these from Age UK. You can ask your council for a list of approved care agencies in your area or contact the United Kingdom Home Care Association. Care after leaving hospital If you have been an in-patient in hospital, getting support after you’re discharged can aid your recovery. Many people need only a small amount of support when they leave hospital, but others require a more comprehensive package of care. A discharge assessment will look at your needs and you will receive a care plan, detailing the health and social care support for you. A care plan could include: community care services from your local authority, nursing care, rehabilitation and equipment such as wheelchairs or aids for daily living. Organisations such as Age UK also provide ‘home from hospital’ services that can offer you help with household tasks or shopping while you settle back home. Adapting your home If you have mobility issues, adaptations like handrails, stairlifts or equipment such as aids to help with preparing meals could make it easier for you to manage. The occupational therapy team at your council will be able to help you arrange these improvements. You can find contact details on the council’s website, or by ringing adult social care. If your council has identified that you need home adaptations or equipment, these will be provided free of charge as long as the cost is under the threshold set by the government. If you have been assessed as needing adaptations over this threshold, you may be eligible for a Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG). If you’re not eligible for a grant and you live in privately owned or rented property you can contact your local Home Improvement Agency (HIA), who can help you carry out small adaptations to your home. Your HIA can also help organise larger adaptation work on your behalf, for example, putting you in touch with local tradespeople, getting estimates for you, overseeing the work and so on. They will also provide advice on obtaining adaptation grants from charities or your local council. Remember that BWC can in some cases provide financial assistance to help with home adaptations. The Bank Workers Charity BWC helps you as a retired bank worker by offering a variety of tailored services to support your specific needs. Call us in confidence today on our free helpline, 0800 0234 834. Find out more by visiting www.bwcharity.org.uk