Managing everyday tasks at home

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

o    As a first step, it can sometimes be useful to talk things over with a family member or friend. They might make useful suggestions or be in a position to help with some of the things that you’re starting to find difficult.

Finding paid-support

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.

o    If you are eligible to receive Attendance Allowance or Personal Independence Allowance this is designed to give you additional money to pay for services like these which can help you in your daily living. Find out more below. Personal Independence Allowance replaced Disability Living Allowance. 

o  Talk to Age UK Islington for more information if you need help searching for possible paid-for services or if you need guidance to choose the right one for your needs.

o    Maximise your income: find out about the benefits you might be entitled to including Attendance Allowance (if you’re of state pension age) or Personal Independence Payment (if you are below state pension age). There could also be other benefits or discounts that you are eligible for.

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    Age UK Islington can provide general benefits guidance, help completing forms and request a benefits check on your behalf. You can also request benefits check directly from the Islington Council Income Maximisation team.

Help with food shopping

o    If you are struggling to get to the shops because of mobility issues, or are worried about falls, there is advice available about mobility aids and assistive technology such as telecare red pendant buttons. Contact Age UK Islington for more information.

o    If it would be helpful to get shopping delivered to your home, most of the large supermarkets e.g. Tesco, Morrisons, Asda, Sainsbury's have online supermarket shopping services available. 

o    Islington Council have put together a guide of local Islington shops that will deliver groceries too. 

o    If you have a smartphone, tablet or computer but are unsure about how to set up online shopping, perhaps a friend or family member that’s good with technology can show you how to do this. There are also PCs available at Islington libraries and beginners guides to online shopping below. Or you can talk to Age UK Islington to find support from a local group or a volunteer.  

o    If you are unable to shop online, Sainsbury's and Morrisons both have telephone ordering services - Sainsbury's is 0800 917 8557 and Morrisons doorstep delivery service is 0345 611 6111. 

o    If you need help preparing food or cooking it, contact Age UK Islington.

o  The assessment identifies the kind of social care that would meet your care needs, whether this would involve home care services, a pendant alarm, adaptations to your home or moving into sheltered housing. The assessment will discuss what daily living tasks you're unable to do, or have difficulty with and how this impacts on your wellbeing.

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.

o    Your needs assessment be part of your hospital discharge support or you might be referred for one by your GP.

o    If you request an assessment from the council and you need help urgently, let the council know.

o    Who might qualify for a care needs assessment (taken from Mobilise 'Guide to Care Needs Assessments'):

• Elderly individuals who may require assistance due to mobility limitations, alzheimer's, dementia, or other health conditions.
• People with physical, sensory, cognitive, or intellectual disabilities which impacts things like daily activities, mobility and / or communication.
• People with a chronic illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, respiratory disorders, or neurological conditions.
• People with mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or other psychiatric conditions. 
• Temporary conditions due to injury, surgery, or other health issues might need a care needs assessment to facilitate their recovery and rehabilitation.