Managing everyday tasks at home

Are you coping ok with every-day tasks at home?

o    Maximise your income: find out about the benefits you might be entitled to including Attendance Allowance (if you’re of pension age) or Personal Independence Payment (if you are below pension age).

o    Attendance Allowance is money for someone who needs help with personal care or supervision because of an illness or disability.

o    Personal Independence Payment is money for people who have extra care needs or mobility needs (difficulty getting around) as a result of a disability.

o    Contact Age UK Islington for general benefits guidance, help completing forms and to request a benefits check. You can also request benefits check directly from the Islington Council Income Maximisation team.

o    Ask people you know for recommendations for local cleaners, gardeners etc or do a search on reputable websites, e.g. Which? TrustedTraders, Trust a Trader or a particular trade association. If you are eligible to receive Attendance Allowance or Personal Independence Payment this is designed to give you additional money to pay for services like these which can help you in your daily living.

o    Talk to Age UK Islington for guidance about how to get shopping delivered – either through a supermarket telephone service or an online supermarket shopping service. If you have a smartphone, tablet or computer, we can arrange an appointment to show you how to set up an online shop or link you into a digital support service to get more help with this. Or ask a friend or family member that’s good with technology to show you.

o    Talk to Age UK Islington for more information about a care needs assessment (see details below) which you can also request directly via your local council social services team.

o    The assessment determines the kind of social care that would meet your care needs, whether this means adapting your home or moving into a care home. Local councils have their own assessment procedures, but they follow national criteria to decide who's eligible for care and support. In making their decision, they'll look at whether you're unable to do, or have difficulty with, daily living tasks, and whether this has a significant impact on your wellbeing.

o    Your doctor may refer you for an assessment, or it may be part of your hospital discharge. It’s free for an assessment and you can request one regardless of your income or savings. If you request an assessment from the council and you need help urgently, let the council know.

o    Social care is rarely free and most people have to pay for some of their care. How much you have to pay will be determined by a financial means test carried out by the council. The amount will depend on what you need help with and how much income and savings you have.