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Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland Services and Projects

Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland

Support at home for your independence and wellbeing

The social isolation of the past year has had a negative impact on everyone’s mental health, but none more so than older people. A study by the Office of National Statistics shows that older people have noticed a significant decline in their mental health and are concerned about the impact the pandemic is having on their wellbeing. As an essential service, Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland’s Home Help team has continued throughout the pandemic providing much needed support to older people in the community. Our fully trained staff can provide as much or as little support as required with shopping, cleaning, laundry, meal preparation and even companionship to help with the transition to a postpandemic world. Personal Care

If attending to your own or your loved one’s personal care needs has started to become difficult then our experienced team can support you at home. Our friendly team can help you with getting in and out of bed, bathing, washing your hair, using the toilet, dressing and medication management.

Domestic Help

When housework becomes more challenging, we can assist you with as much or as little as you need. As well as general cleaning, our team is happy to help you with changing the bed, laundry, ironing and cleaning the windows. Ensuring you eat correctly is a big part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle; if you need support with meal preparation then our team will be happy to help. We can prepare breakfasts, lunches or evening meals as well as leaving sandwiches or snacks for you to have later. If you are starting to struggle with food shopping, then we can also help. We can take a list to your preferred shop and deliver your shopping to the front door or, as restrictions ease, we will be happy to accompany you out shopping to provide support with navigating the post pandemic world.

Companionship and Respite

The isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic has removed almost all opportunities for older people to socialise. Many local activities, day centres and support groups have been forced to close, leaving many older people and their carers without a support network. With uncertainty about when these can safely return, our carers can provide some much-needed companionship and respite for older people, both within the home and out in the community. Our carers can sit and chat, play dominos, watch TV, or do other activities you enjoy, or we can take you to appointments or social activities such as garden centres, cafes, faith services or pubs.

Handyman & Gardening

It can often be hard to find a tradesman to do small jobs around the house and be confident that they are competent and will charge fairly. Our handyman service can help with the small jobs that many traders will not, such as putting up shelves or curtain rails, installing handrails, repairing fences, fitting key safes and smoke alarms. Our experienced gardeners can also help you to maintain your garden allowing you to continue to enjoy it.

Footcare

A natural part of ageing is that we lose flexibility, so it becomes harder to reach down to maintain our feet in good condition. In addition, our nails grow more slowly meaning they become thicker, more brittle, and harder to cut. As an essential service, our footcare service has continued to support older people in maintaining their foot health.

Call our friendly team 0116 299 2266 to see how we can help you or your loved ones.

In addition to the support we can give you at home, our range of services and projects can help you get the most out of later life and cope with any obstacles that life throws in your path. At the time of going to print we are following the government’s advice and road map to re-open our projects and services and suggest that you call us to check latest opening hours.

Coronavirus Helpline

Our helpline remains open to support older people with the challenges faced during lockdown and self-isolation. These include practical challenges in getting to the supermarket or pharmacy as well as support with fears and anxieties, low mood, loneliness and boredom. We can also help with issues which are exacerbated by the coronavirus, for example bereavement, carer strain and financial challenges. Contact 0116 299 2239 Open: Mon – Fri 09:00 – 17:00; Sat – Sun 10:00 – 16:00

Information & Advice

Advice Line

Free, independent and confidential information and advice for people over 50, including practical help, suggesting ways to solve difficulties and giving you the details of others who may be able to help. Contact: 0116 299 2278 Open: Mon - Fri 09:00 - 13:00

Helping You Live Independently Day Care

Companionship and support for older people with a wide range of abilities and disabilities, including physical frailty, mental health issues and dementia. Free taster sessions are available. Contact: 0116 222 0572 Open: Mon - Fri 08:30 - 17:00

Living with Dementia

Dementia Support Service

Our Dementia Support Service in Leicester and Leicestershire offers personalised one to one support; information, advice and signposting; post diagnostic support; social groups and activities; informal carer learning sessions; digital resources. Contact: 0116 223 7360 Open: Mon – Fri 08:30 – 17:30

Rutland Dementia Support Service

Our Dementia Support service in Rutland offers support for those living with dementia and their carers and actively promotes the wellbeing of those living with dementia through one to one support and group activities. Contact: 01572 823942 Open: Mon, Wed & Thurs 09:00 - 15:00

Support in the Community Community Resource Centres

A community focal point offering a range of services and activities such as classes and social activities, restaurant, information and advice surgeries. Please phone ahead for latest information about if and when the centres are open.

Clarence House: 0116 299 2233 Gloucester House: 01664 410253 Earl Shilton Centre: 01455 847666

Last Orders

Promoting responsible drinking and giving people over the age of 50 easier access to various support services in relation to substance use. If you are concerned about your own or another person’s substance intake, please contact us. Contact: 0116 223 7366 Open: Mon – Fri 09:00 - 17:00

Support for Carers Leicester Carers Support Service

Support and information for all carers in Leicester aged 18+ looking after a family member or friend. Contact: 0116 222 0538 Open: Mon - Fri 09:00 - 17:00 Email: carers@ageukleics.org.uk

Tackling Loneliness & Isolation Befriending

Befriending services support older people who may be lonely or socially isolated and would benefit from a friendly face calling on a regular basis at a mutually convenient day and time.

NW Leicestershire: 01530 833000 Rutland: 01572 823942 Men In Sheds & Women In Sheds

A place to pursue practical interests with a high degree of autonomy. Members share tools and resources to work on projects of their own choosing, at their own pace and in a safe, friendly and inclusive venue. Please call the Shed for latest opening days and times

Charnwood Shed: 01509 211 603 Rutland Shed: 01572 720319

Contact us

Get in touch and find out what is available from Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland.

0116 299 2233 • www.ageukleics.org.uk

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