A Fresh Approach to Later Life - Open Objects Software Ltd · A fresh approach to later life Housing Advice Care Advice ... Mr H rang to ask if we could recommend a company to provide

A fresh approachto later life

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They want to be able to make theirown decisions, to support themselvesfinancially, to take care of their ownphysical and emotional needs. This is nodifferent in later life – though realisingour ambitions can become more difficult.

FirstStop Advice aims to support olderpeople, and their families, to make choicesand decisions that will help achieve theiraspirations. Our expertise spans housingchoices, care issues and financial matters.Our mission is to provide whatever infor-mation, guidance or practical support yourequire to make choices that are right foryou, and to pursue them.

FirstStop is a joint effort by a growingnumber of national and local organisations,groups and individuals, making availabletheir skills and professional knowledgethrough one phone number, one websiteand a network of local service points. It isled by the charity Elderly AccommodationCounsel (EAC).

FirstStop is for everyone

• If your dream is to move to the coast or be able enjoy your gardenmore confidently, we can help

• Whether you are comfortably off or have only limited means, our service is for you.

• We understand minority needs, and will engage with them.

We are proud to make these claimsbecause we’re proud of the range andpeople and skills in our partnership.These are what mark FirstStop out,

and why we are a growing force indelivering top quality services to olderpeople and their families.

Outlining the optionsThis brochure outlines some of theoptions you may wish to consider as youprepare for, or respond to, growingolder. In each section we spell outexactly what FirstStop can offer, showwhich of our partners offer it, andillustrate how our service has helpedpeople like you.

Welcome to FirstStop Advice

Independence may mean different things to different people, but most people throughout their lives place a very high value on the idea of independence.

FirstStop is a free service provided by the charity Elderly Accommodation Counsel and its national and local partners

ContentsInside FirstStop Advice 3

Staying put successfully 4Making your home work for youHousehold tasks and gardeningGetting out and aboutShoppingManaging billsLasting Power of Attorney Keeping activeMaintaining contactsPreparing mealsManaging personal careTelecare Caring for dementiaCarer responsibilitiesAffording what you need

Moving home successfully 10A big decisionFirstStop Moving Home ServiceAbout retirement housing

About care 12Getting in help or careMoving to housing-with-careMoving to a care home

Finance matters 14Where we standOur finance advice servicesFirstStop Finance AdviceEquity Release

All images from the EAC Over 60's Art Awards annual competition and EAC collections of positive images of older people.

Case studies provided by Somerset West Care & Repair, Cambridge University evaluation team and EAC

Warwickshire County Councilemploys Kiren Chuttha andSam Braddish for the FirstStopWarwickshire service

Leeds Care & Repairemploys Ali Mitchell to take on casework for FirstStopclients in and around the city

Sefton Pensioners AdvocacyService makes availablePauline Adderley and JohnColby as Housing OptionsAdvocates for FirstStop clients

In Gloucestershire RosalindBarnes is on hand to offerone-to-one support to peoplelooking for care

At Care & Repair EnglandSue Adams and her team trainnew FirstStop Advisors and older people’s groups and forums.

EAC Advisors in London & EssexJohn Plimsoll, Dominic Regan Nick Coote, Debbie Currivanand Frances Auger

Inside FirstStop Advice

Elderly Accommodation Counsel (EAC) is a 25 year old charity providing information,advice and guidance to help older people make informed choices about meetingtheir housing and care needs. Today it works with other national organisations,local authorities and voluntary agencies to deliver the FirstStop Advice Service.

John Plimsoll Nick Coote Dominic Regan

Debbie Currivan Frances Auger Kiren Chuttha

Sam Braddish Ali Mitchell Pauline Adderley

John Colby Rosalind Barnes Sue Adams

FirstStop is as local as it is national. Wecan connect you to a home improvementagency to arrange installation of adownstairs bathroom (or mend your tap)in Trafford, or help you move neareryour family in Boscombe. We can provideyou with details of retirement villagesin Cornwall (just one at present) or helpyou choose between the eleven care

FirstStop Advice is a completely free service to all our clients. This includesthose who call, email or text our national Advice Line as well as those whocontact our local partner organisations around the country.

Charges will apply only in the following circumstances:

FirstStop Moving Home ServiceIf you choose, after discussing your requirements with one of our partnerswho provide this service, to employ them to plan or arrange your moving.

Financial products or servicesIf you choose, after receiving advice without charge from FirstStop FinanceAdvice or FirstStop Equity Release Advice, to purchase a product or service from us.

FirstStop PlusThis is a new charged service that we are piloting with the help of olderpeople’s forums in several areas of the country. It will provide more intensivehelp to those who request it.

homes in Barrow-in-Furness. We canalso explain, in plain English (or Urduor Polish), what to expect from each ofthese choices and services. And as wellas communicating with you by phone,email or online ‘chat’, we can make anappointment to meet you, either inyour home or at one of our local partneroffices in many parts of England.

FirstStop is local and speaks your language

FirstStop’s service is free

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FirstStop is a free service by the charity Elderly Accommodation Counsel and its national and local partners

Meet some of the team

0800 377 7070 [email protected]

FirstStop can:

Making your home work for youMaintaining your home in good, secure,safe and warm condition may presentincreasing problems as you grow older.Finding reliable tradespeople to carry outrepairs and redecoration can be a worry.

Sometimes simple maintenance isnot enough to make your home suit-able for increasing age. Perhaps thelack of a downstairs toilet is beginningto prove inconvenient, the kitchenfeels chilly in winter, or squeezingdown the side of the garage into thecar is more difficult than it was. Forsome people, a more severe loss ofmobility may have made getting up tothe front door hard work, and theupstairs rooms unusable.

Managing and affording repairsand adaptations to the home presentdifficulties for most older people.

Thankfully there is a network oforganisations across the country dedicated to working professionallyand sensitively with older and disabledhomeowners and private tenants to find solutions.

• Provide details of your local Home Improvement Agency and other local services that provide home safety and security checks and remedies

• Provide information about sources of funding for home repairs and adaptations

• Clarify what help you may be entitled to to improve heating and home energy efficiency

• Introduce you to our specialist Equity Release Advice Service

Staying put successfully

Home Improvement AgenciesHIAs are local not for profit organisations funded and supported by local andcentral government. They provide advice, support and assistance to older, disabledand vulnerable people who own and live in their own property. They help peopleto repair, improve, maintain or adapt their home to meet their changing needs.The purpose of the service is to help people to remain independent, in their ownhomes, warm, safe and secure.

Household tasks and gardening

There is no harm in being a bit lessparticular about the housework and a few weeds growing in your flowerbeds will be of little consequence.Except if you are the kind of personwho has taken great pride in yourhouse or garden you may find it a bitdisheartening to watch a build up ofjobs that you are no longer able totackle. Having help with cleaning orgardening may seem an expensive lux-ury but if you have a small amount ofhelp, perhaps once a fortnight, to keepon top of the jobs you can no longerdo, you will feel much more in controlof things and will be able to get onwith the jobs that you can do.

You may already know of trustwor-thy local people who can help, andthere may be voluntary agencies thatcould provide you with the service youneed. Many registered Home CareAgencies can provide help with house-hold tasks and building a relationshipwith one could stand you in goodstead if ever you or your partnerbecame ill or incapacitated andrequired help with personal care.

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Help with gardening can be more difficult to find. You could advertiselocally, but a number of local Age

Concerns / Age UKs and HomeImprovement Agencies have gardeningservices. Or you may be able to findan enthusiastic local gardener whocould grow vegetables in your gardenin exchange for a little help tidying upyour flower beds and cutting your lawn!

Recruiting someone to help withhousehold tasks or gardening mightappear daunting if you haven’temployed people to do regular worklike this before. Firststop’s checklist ofpoints to discuss might be helpful.


Getting out and about

Daily life becomes more difficult forpeople when they have to give updriving or their mobility declines.Home Care Agencies can help you withshopping but there are other thingsyou might try first that will enable youto feel more independent:

•A Blue Parking Badge could help if you can still drive but your mobility is severely restricted

•Shopmobility services lend mobility equipment for use in most large shopping centres

•Community Transport schemes supplement bus services in manyareas, including some rural ones

FirstStop can:• Provide details of housework

and gardening services locally

• Provide a checklist of points to discuss with service providers

• Advise on sources of financial help

From little acornsMr H rang to ask if we could recommend a company to provide ready-cooked meals. We sent him details of several local suppliers and invitedhim to call back if ever he needed anything more.

Two weeks later Mr H rang again and asked if he could speak to thesame Advisor. He explained that since his wife died he wasn’t managing aswell as he had expected. He wasn’t used to cooking for himself, and hadscalded himself just before his last call. He was also feeling insecure livingalone since a fall.

Our Advisor introduced Mr H to his local Home Improvement Agency(HIA), who visited and advised on what they could do to make his homesafer and more manageable. Some basic adaptations were made soonafter. Mr H is now talking to the HIA Housing Options Caseworker aboutgetting in some regular domestic help, getting out more, and evenwhether he might be better off moving.

Shopping

Most of the larger supermarkets nowoffer internet shopping; indeed mostgoods including clothing, furniture,gifts and electrical goods can now be bought online. This is such a usefulservice that if you are not already usinga computer it is a very good reason to start learning, and there are lots of courses for older people to learncomputer skills.

Case Study

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FirstStop can:• Provide a free copy of Make

the most of your sight: Improve the lighting in your home

• Introduce you to The Outside Clinic who offer free NHS sight tests at home if needed

Keeping active

Whatever your age or state of health,regular exercise remains very importantfor physical and emotional well being.Indeed falls are by far the most commoncause of decline in older people’s health,self confidence and independence.

If you are unable to take part in themore strenuous activities find out whatis available locally for older people. Keepactive at home, get help with the thingsthat you cannot do, but maintain your

affairs and/or health and welfare inthe event of you losing the mentalcapacity to make decisions for yourself.It is always helpful to family membersto have clear guidance as to your wishes,and your solicitor will help draw up an LPA while you are able.

FirstStop can:• Advise on mobility services and

help locate Community Transportand Dial-a-Ride services in your area

• Help you get started on the Internet

Managing bills and personal affairs

It is not unusual for people to find billsand paperwork overwhelming particularlywhen visual problems, difficulty withconcentration and memory lapses arise.

A good place to start is to reducethe burden of paperwork by arrangingdirect debits or standing orders foryour regular household bills. Ask afamily member or trusted friend tohelp you. You could also take out a freesubscription to the Mail PreferenceService and instruct them to stop unsolicited mail.

Lasting Power of Attorney

An LPA is a legal document that grantssomeone you trust the right to lookafter specific aspects of your financial

FirstStop can:• Provide further information

about Lasting Power of Attorneyand managing financial affairs

• Introduce you to Solicitors for the Elderly, who provide legal advice for older people and their families

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Many clubs and societies have transportthat they can arrange for you. It is nevertoo late to make new friends.

The internet offers a new way tokeep in touch with friends and family.Digital Unite supports ‘silver surfers’ andhas a network of tutors to help olderpeople get started.

FirstStop can:• Provide information on local

social groups, befriending services and internet tuition

• Talk you through how to get the most out of our website

Preparing meals

This is often a problem for someonewho is living alone. Perhaps you haven’tbeen used to cooking for yourself. Butmost supermarkets stock very goodreadymade meals, several companiesdeliver home cooked frozen food and some Councils still provide mealson wheels.

Perhaps cooking has become unsafebecause you are physically frail andunable to balance long enough withheavy pans. Maybe visual impairment

independence with the things you can do.If you worry about your mobility,

an appointment with an OccupationalTherapist could be helpful. Their job is to look at ways of maintaining independence in all aspects of daily life.

Maintaining contacts

When we are at home all day it is easyto think that we have nothing to offerand life may seem too mundane torelate to others. But people of all agesappreciate a call to see how they are.You may have family and grand children and however busy they are,you can be sure that they will continueto appreciate you taking an interest intheir lives and simply being there forthem at times of difficulty.

Local organisations may be able to put you in touch with other peoplenearby who are housebound with aview to setting up friendly calls.

FirstStop can:• Advise on how to get the help

of an Occupational Therapist

• Provide details of day centres and other activities in your area

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Managing personal care

Personal care means help with taskssuch as washing and dressing, bathing,showering or getting to and from thetoilet. Many people let problems escalatebefore seeking help. But an OccupationalTherapist could be a real ally. They specialise in helping people facingeveryday challenges to find ways ofmaintaining their independence. Theycan suggest alternative ways of doingthings, using a particular aid orinstalling a rail by your shower, bath ortoilet. They can arrange rehabilitationsessions in your home to help youregain your former independence.

There are many providers of personal

FirstStop can:• Provide details of meal delivery

services covering your area

• Provide information about kitchen aids and equipment

is affecting your ability or your memoryis failing and you are unable to safelyuse appliances. There are simple aidsthat help many people carry on withsome tasks in the kitchen.

Telecare

‘Assistive technology’ or telecare is ofgrowing relevance to older people. As well as the ‘careline’ or ‘pendantalarms’ that enable people to call forhelp in an emergency there is now arange of equipment that works in thebackground to watch for problems, for example:

• Flood, gas and temperature detectors

• Equipment to remind people to take their medication

FirstStop can:• Advise on how to get the help

of an Occupational Therapist

• Provide details of day centres and other social activities in your area

• Advise on all aspects of choosingand paying for personal care

care, short or long term. As well as regular visits many can provide ‘live-in’care, respite care to give your partneror carers a break, and holiday care.

FirstStop can:• Provide information on telecare

• Provide details of telecare services in your area

• Sensors to monitor for falls or unusual patterns of daily activity

• Property monitors to detect if a door has been left open

All telecare devices can be linked in to the same monitoring services as thetraditional careline alarms to ensurethat appropriate action is taken.

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FirstStopspecialises in dementiacare and can:

• Provide information, adviceand guidance on caring for someone with dementia

• Connect you with other organisations that provide support and expertise

Affording what you need

Staying put successfully will not alwaysinvolve spending more money. Howeverif you decide your home needs exten-sive repairs or adaptations, or requirea substantial amount of personal carethat your partner or family cannot provide, financial concerns may arise.

Each person’s circumstances are different, and it can be complicated towork out what you could afford fromyour monthly income, whether you areentitled to additional state benefits or

Carer responsibilities

As our needs increase we may come torely on others for help. It is importantthat we take care of our carers too,and that they have some time forthemselves. In most areas there areorganisations set up to provide practi-cal and emotional support to carers.

FirstStop can:• Provide details of your local

carers’ support organisations

statutory grants, or should take outadditional insurance, or release equityfrom your home.

This is why FirstStop has developeda comprehensive financial advice service,delivered by a carefully selected panel ofexpert Financial Advisors qualified in areasof advice that older people are likely toneed. The final section of this brochureexplains in detail what we can offer.

Support to stay at home“I called FirstStop about Mumwho is 94. She was struggling tomanage the stairs at home. Wemade a joint decision to havehome improvements as she saysthat she will never go into a homeand will die at home…. FirstStopprovided all the necessary infor-mation, they were very helpful,can’t fault them. All the informa-tion they gave was helpful as I didnot have a clue about funding orwho to apply to. FirstStop told meall of this.”

Case Study

Caring for those withdementia

It is a reality of our times that increasingnumbers of older people find themselvescaring for a partner or relative who has,or is developing, dementia. Whilst mosttake on this role willingly and lovingly,it is an extremely hard experience.

There are no cures for dementia, butearly diagnosis can lead to more effectivetreatment as well as more opportunityfor the person with dementia to beinvolved in decision making and planning for their future care needs.

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Staying put successfully 0800 377 7070 [email protected]

Moving home successfully

A big decision

You may decide that you no longer wishto remain in your present home and thatyou want to move on. Or it may not bepossible to adapt it to meet your needs,or you may need more care and supportthan can be met in your present home. In either case, options may include:

• moving to a property that suits your needs better;

• living with family;

• moving to some form ofretirement housing;

• moving to a care home.

When deciding on a move, there areimportant issues to consider to ensureit is right for you. Will you still be ableto do the things you enjoy now?

Are there good public transport

FirstStop can:• Provide a checklist How well

does your home suit you? to helpyou weigh up pros and cons

• Discuss options and ensure you are aware of all the opportunities available

• Provide a copy of our Guide to Housing and Care Options

• Prepare a personal Housing Options Report following our conversation with you

links (imagine no longer being able todrive)? Would you miss your friends andneighbours? If you move in with family,what would happen if their circumstanceswere to change? Would you be happyin an environment of only older people?

• help to find a new property

• preparing for moving – choosing what to take, packing, organising gas, electricity and other utilities

• the removal itself

• preparing and settling you into your new home

FirstStop Moving Home Service isprovided by EAC in partnership withSeamless Relocation and Help & Care,

both of which have many years ofexperience of helping older peoplemove, and many testimonials to thesensitivity and quality of their work.At present FirstStop Moving Homeoperates in southern England only.

For those considering buying a property in an assisted living, extra-care, or care village development,we also offer through our partner,Retirement Property Options (RPO),a one to one personalised serviceoffering guidance and advice.

FirstStop Moving Home Service

A successful ‘downsizing’“Jack and I decided that we wanted to ‘downsize’ from our 3-bedroom house with garden – but we wanted somewhere where we could still inviteour grandchildren to stay, and I hoped for at least a patio or a balcony.

It was so helpful to receive your comprehensive information on all retirement developments, old and new, within 5 miles. We found one with just thekind of properties we were looking for and are now happily settled here.”

Case Study

If you decide to move, FirstStop’s Moving Home Service may be able tohelp. It offers a caring, independent and flexible service that includes as much or as little as you choose:


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Moving home successfully

Almshouses Their often beautiful, human scale provides the inspiration for manybrand new village and courtyard styleretirement developments.

AbbeyfieldsLarge houses that provide accommo-dation, companionship and a fullmeals service for 6 to 10 older people.

Sheltered housingThese are schemes and estates built bylocal authorities, and later housingassociations, intended to foster independence by combining welldesigned accommodation with neighbourly support and care.

Retirement housingSheltered housing built for owneroccupation by private housebuilders.

Retirement livingThis is used to describe many newerforms of retirement housing designedto appeal to an increasingly sophisti-cated, affluent and long-living olderpopulation. Developments may featureswimming pools, bowling greens and

restaurants, novel design features, or busy social calendars.

Housing-with-careThese are schemes designed to provideenough help, and care if necessary, for all residents, even the frailest. Also known as very sheltered housing,assisted living and extra care housing.

In all its forms, retirement housingcombines suitably designed accommo-dation with on-site services that older residents may need – whether occasionally or regularly. It aims to create sustainable environments wherepeople in their 50s will want to live,and people in their 90s will be able to continue living with as much independence as possible.

Crisis avertedMr and Mrs M are both in theirlate 60s and live in a private rentedproperty. He is terminally ill. Theirlandlord had served them noticeas he wanted to sell the property,and when Mrs M came to thehousing options service she was ina desperate state. The HousingOptions Advisor helped them to findand move into another temporaryletting and to get on the waitinglist for social rented housing. Mrs Mwrote: “We don’t know what wewould have done without you”

Case StudyAbout retirement housing

From almshouses to retirement villages,the UK has a rich tradition of built environments designed to cater forolder people. There are now over 25,000developments and estates in whichproperties are usually sold or let exclusively to people over 55 or 60.

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Accepting that they need a little helpin their daily lives is irritating to someolder people, but most adapt and cometo accept it as a normal part of life. Andhappily, most people who need morepersonal assistance – to wash and dress,or get in and out of bed – find that theirpartner or another family member stepsforward naturally and willingly to help.

However not everyone is in thishappy position. Even those who aremay worry about becoming a burden ontheir family ‘carer’. Caring can becomevery physically as well as emotionallydemanding, and reach a point where apartner or family member simply cannotcontinue to provide it.

Getting in help or care

It may therefore become necessary tothink about bringing in help from acare agency. Whilst the prospect canbe difficult to accept, finding the rightcarer is the surest way to counteract this.

Sudden, and usually temporary,care needs can also arise after a spellin hospital. Depending on their illnessor the procedure that they have under-gone, most people simply need time torecover in their own surroundings, andoffers of help from friends, relatives or

neighbours should be welcomed. Youmay want to consider getting in helpwith cleaning, shopping and otherdomestic tasks, perhaps just for a fewweeks. There may be a comprehensive‘home from hospital’ service in your area,but even if not, a wide range of helpfulservices can be arranged temporarily.

Panic move avoidedMiss J from Leeds emailed to askfor a list of care homes for herelderly mother who lived alone inGateshead and was in hospital aftera bad fall. Our Advisor sent detailsof suitable homes and invited Miss Jto ring for a discussion if she wished.

The following day Miss J did ring,clearly distraught after havingrushed to Newcastle to visit hermother whom the hospital nowplanned to discharge. Our Advisorbrokered a meeting with a Case-worker from FirstStop’s local partneragency to discuss options, with theresult that Miss J’s mother movedback home with support and carearrangements in place.

Case Study

About care

Moving to a housing-with-care complex

Moving home just to receive care mayappear rather an odd idea. Indeed ifall that’s needed is some regular helpat certain times of the day then thereis no reason why moving should benecessary. But it can be worth considering.

You might be getting out less thanyou used to and spending more timeon your own. Being less strong, physi-cally or mentally may lead to anxietyabout security and safety. Findingyourself less able to manage yourhome and garden may be dispiriting.

Moving to a care home

A decision to move to a care homeshould rarely be made in the immediateaftermath of a crisis. Time to reflect andconsider is important, and professionalinput, from your local authority or

If any of these are issues it’s certainlyworth exploring local retirement housing complexes.

Retirement developments with ‘on-site’ care can have benefits interms of reliability, cost, continuity ofstaff and the ability to change arrange-ments according to need – as well asproviding security and companionship.

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About care

FirstStop can:• Provide independent guidance

on arranging and affording help and care, whether at home or elsewhere

• Provide details of care homes, housing-with-care, home care and other services in your area

• Explain how your local council can help assess your needs, brokercare services and pay for them

• Introduce you to our Moving Home Service

elsewhere, will help establish just whatkind of care is needed, and for how long.

In terms of accommodation, carehomes are rather like hotels – or B&B’sin the case of smaller, family-run ones.Personal space is usually a single room,probably with an en-suite bathroom.Other spaces are communal. Their mainfocus is on providing care, though manyexcel at encouraging and facilitatingactivities that aid rehabilitation.Choosing a care home that will beamenable to you, as well as provide thecare you need, is therefore extremelyimportant. Just like hotels and B&B’s, each

has its own character, style and ethos.Care homes are also expensive, and

preparing for more than a short stay willusually involve detailed attention topersonal finances as well as establishingwhat financial help might be availablefrom your local authority. Often familieshave reason to be involved also.

The next section of this brochure looksat funding care in more detail.

Ideal solution foundMr Singh rang to ask whether thenew retirement apartments beingbuilt locally would be able to providesufficient support as well as a culturally appropriate environmentfor his parents.

Our advisor identified the schemeimmediately and advised him thatthis was an ‘extra care’ scheme,offering on-site care and support,a range of facilities and also achoice of tenures.

She gently probed for moreinformation about Mr Singh’s parents’ needs, financial situation andcultural expectations before offeringguidance on eligibility for publicly-funded care and the pros and consof both outright and part owner-ship. She shared with Mr Singh thehousing provider’s statements oncultural aspects of the scheme,and posted him a full report on allthree local extra care schemes,plus details of home care servicesto help his parents now, pendingany move.

Case Study

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FirstStop can:• Guide you through the

complexities of paying for help and care, and provide compre-hensive information and advice about all sources of funding that may be relevant to you

or to order an information pack,text FINANCE with your address to 01142 995 707

FirstStop Finance Advice is a free service,but FirstStop will receive a portion ofany revenue generated as a result ofbusiness conducted through this service.

FirstStop Finance Advice Service

Tel: 0800 3 10 20 11

Where we stand

As we have shown in this brochure, we at FirstStop take the view thatthinking and planning ahead aboutour home, and the services that canhelp prolong and support independentliving, are the best insurances we haveagainst old age becoming a time ofunnecessary difficulties. But at a timeof economic uncertainly, of reducingpensions and investment returns andcutbacks in public services, planningfor retirement and later life is moredifficult for everyone.

So don’t assume that state servicesand benefits are just for people on alow income. You are entitled to manyof them purely because of age or

Finance matters

disability. State benefits still underpinmost people’s security in later life. Thecombination of State Pension andPension Credit provides the first £7,000pa of income for a majority of peopleof pension age, and £10,500 for couples.

Navigating the rest of the benefitssystem is complex, but with help, canincrease income either permanently orat times of need. And a surprisingnumber of organisations can providegrants or loans in cases of hardship. FirstStop specialises in all aspects offunding help and care. We can helpyou make the most of your money byproviding information and guidanceon pensions and annuities, savings andinvestments, and equity release

Our finance advice services

FirstStop is here to help all older people,and their families, achieve the bestpossible outcomes, whatever theirneeds or financial circumstances. Thisincludes people who haven’t plannedahead adequately to meet the costs ofany help or care they may need (whichmeans the majority!), as well as thosewho have. Whatever your circumstances,don’t be timid about approaching us.

Our finance advice service is provided in three ways:

• Our core FirstStop Advice Serviceis able to provide a comprehen-sive overview of your entitlementto public services and funding, including referral for a free ‘benefits check’ and search for any relevant grant funding opportunities, plus an overview of the main investments, insurances and other financial ‘products’ that might be relevant to you

• FirstStop Finance Advice Service brings in expert Independent Financial Advisors

• FirstStop Equity Release Advice Service provides access to our equity release specialist partners14


FirstStop Finance AdviceFirstStop Finance Advice is a specialistservice provided in partnership withour carefully selected panel of expertFinancial Advisors who are qualified inand specialise in the areas of advicethat older people are most likely to

Equity Release

‘Equity release’ means unlocking andmaking available some of the equity of your home. For home owners whohave only a modest income it can makea difference to general quality of life,or be a way of affording unexpectedoutlays – for example adaptations to thehome or paying for care services.

But there can be downsides. EquityRelease is not right for everyone, mayaffect your state benefits and will reduce the value of your estate.

Good information, plus advice specificto your own circumstances, are essentialto reaching a decision as to whether itis right for you.

And remember, there are alternatives – for example downsizing to a smallerhome, taking in a lodger or gettinghelp from your family.

Whatever your circumstances, wecould help you decide. FirstStop EquityRelease Advice is provided by JustRetirement Solutions Ltd, specialists in the field.

Open Mon – Fri 9am – 6pm. Calls may be monitored or recorded

Advice is with no obligation. A fee of £749 will only be charged if you take out a Plan.

FirstStop will receive a portion of any revenue generated through this service.

Just Retirement Solutions Ltd are authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.

Equity Release may involve a lifetime mortgage or a home reversion plan.To understand the features and risks, please ask for a personalised illustration

FirstStop Equity Release Advice Service Tel: 0800 232 1309

Finance matters

A grateful clientMr H contacted FirstStop about hisgrandmother. Whilst his family hadalways intended to care for her athome, a health crisis made thisimpossible and she needed to go toa nursing home. He did not knowhow to find a place, or how to fundit, and was worried about havingto sell his grandmother’s house.

“I liked the fact I could ring andspeak to someone, I spoke to achap who was extremely knowl-edgeable and I didn’t feel at allrushed. The first call I made wewere on the phone for over anhour, it was really good to do thatand then back it up with informa-tion from their website.”

Firststop advised Mr H on LastingPower of Attorney and findingand affording a care home.

Case Study need. It provides comprehensive anddetailed guidance about money andbenefits, with a particular focus onfunding long term care.

If, after speaking to you, our Advisorsbelieve you might find it helpful to speakto a specialist, they will offer to makean appointment for you.

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About FirstStop Advice

FirstStop is a free information and advice service designed to help older people decide how best to meet their needs for support,care and suitable housing. It is provided jointly by a growing number of national and local organisations, groups and individuals,making available their skills and professional knowledge through one phone number, one website and a network of local servicepoints. It is led by the charity Elderly Accommodation Counsel (EAC).

National partners:

Association of IndependentVisitors

Care & Repair England

Compassion in Dying

Counsel and Care

Consumer Credit CounsellingService

Solicitors for the Elderly

Tax Help for Older People

Turn2usFinancial supporters

Has invested in expanding FirstStop, including its local network, since 2009

Sponsors the finance pagesof our website

Is funding the data systemsand web infrastructure required by FirstStop

Is undertaking an independent evaluation of FirstStop

Free publications

Funding Care and Support at Home

Choosing and Paying for a Care Home

Your Guide to Retirement: Making the

most of your money

Download these and many other FirstStop publications free from www.firststopadvice.org.uk

Local and regional partners:

Age Concern Kingston-upon-Thames

Age UK Oxfordshire

Care & Repair Leeds

East Sussex County Council

Help and Care

Newham Home Improvement Agency

Nottinghamshire County Council

Quality of Life Partnership (Newcastle)

Sefton Pensioners Advocacy Centre

Somerset West Care & Repair

Warwickshire County Council

Worcestershire County Council

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Advice for older people

Special mention

Documents

A Fresh Approach to Later Life - Open Objects Software Ltd · A fresh approach to later life Housing Advice Care Advice ... Mr H rang to ask if we could recommend a company to provide