Age concern gwent (e book)

Gwent

Blaenau Gwent

Guide to Services Caerphilly

Monmouthshire

Age Concern Gwent 12 Baneswell Road Newport South Wales NP20 4BP Tel 01633 763330 Fax 01633 259246 Email ho@ageconcerngwent.org

Newport

www.ageconcerngwent.org

Torfaen

Age Concern Gwent is a Registered Charity Number 701834 Issue Date April 2010

MAINTENANCE SERVICES LTD

Helping older and disabled people to stay independent in their own homes

. . . . .

We can: Help with repairs and improvements to enable you to remain independent in your home Provide technical expertise with building works to your home Help with minor adaptions ie. handrails / grabrails / ramps Offer confidential advice, support and assistance

Easy Access Bathrooms & Showers Extensions & Garage Conversions Low Level Kitchens / En-Suite Bathrooms Grant & Private Customers

No VAT for Registered Disabled

PLEASE CONTACT US TO DISCUSS YOUR NEEDS

TeL: 01633 430068 or Mobile: 07977 934220 66 Mill Street, Caerleon, Newport NP18 1BW www.admaintenanceservices.com

Gwent Welcome to Age Concern Gwent…. Thank you for picking up our guide. We hope we can make a difference to you or someone you know.

Age Concern Gwent is a vibrant local independent charity working for over 50 year olds in the local authority areas of Newport, Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly, Monmouthshire and Torfaen.

We are responsive to the needs of older people and are effective and accountable. As an organisation we make a real difference to older people’s lives.

Age Concern Gwent is regarded as the leader in the field of high quality services to older people.

We believe that older people should be treated as full members of society with equal rights, responsibilities and opportunities. In all our work we respect and value them as individuals in terms of their dignity, status, and personal autonomy, diversity of needs, aspirations and expectations.

In challenging times, it is essential that an organisation like Age Concern Gwent listens to older people and responds effectively to their needs. It is also vital that we communicate the views and aspirations of older people to politicians and others in authority so that they can deliver the most effective services. This we do.

Each year we raise and spend over £1.6 million and assist over 20,000 individuals to maximise their freedom of choice and control over their own lives.

Age Concern Gwent delivers direct services to over 20,000 people per year in Gwent. It represents the views of older people at all levels of Government and publicly advocates on their behalf.

A board of 9 Trustees, 135 paid staff and over 100 volunteers work together to achieve our principal objective… ‘Delivering services to meet the needs and support the independence of people over 50’.

Our aim is to work with older people and to address any issues which can have an effect on maintaining independence, quality of life or general well-being.

This brochure will tell you about some of the services we currently offer and how you can get in touch to find out more.

David Murray Chief Executive Officer Age Concern Gwent

Welcome Page & Contents Introduction to Age Concern Gwent

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Information & Advice Service Community Support Service Hospital Discharge Service

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Respite Care Service Advocacy Service Carers Project

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Newport Domestic Service ‘CHOICES’ Insurance & Product Services

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Did you Know?

Age Concern Gwent Achievements How can you Help?

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How to Contact Age Concern Gwent

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Although we would like to thank all of the sponsors within this folder for their support, neither Age Concern Gwent nor More Media can recommend or endorse any services or products that they may supply.

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IF IT'S YOURS, CLAIM IT!

Revenues & Benefits

Do you need help in paying your Council Tax and Rent?

By claiming a discount

A property with only one resident aged 18 or over will attract a discount of 25%.

By claiming for disability

Who’s entitled to Housing and Council Tax Benefit?

Anyone with a liability to pay either rent or Council Tax can claim Housing and/or Council Tax Benefit, particularly those on low or no income. You can’t claim if you have savings over £16,000, unless you are aged 60 or over and receive Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit).

Special rules apply for full time students and people from abroad.

Awaiting Approval

A person is eligible for a reduction in their Council Tax bill if they have adapted their home to make allowance for a member of their household who lives with them and is substantially disabled.

For more information and to apply, please contact the Customer Service Helpline on 01633 644630.

Alternatively you can e-mail us: counciltax@monmouthshire.gov.uk or visit our website: www.monmouthshire.gov.uk.

How do I claim benefit?

You’ll need to complete a benefit claim form or ask someone else to help you if you are unable to complete one yourself.

Alternatively you can e-mail us: benefits@monmouthshire.gov.uk or visit our website: www.monmouthshire.gov.uk. The Benefit Customer Service Helpline is 01633 644697.

Can I get a reduction in my bill?

...

We can reduce your council tax bill in the following situations: If you live alone; If you are being cared for somewhere other than your main home; In some cases people with disabilities can get a reduction.

If you think any of these may apply to you and a reduction is not already shown on your bill, please contact us on 01633 644630 for more information or an application form.

Council Tax - Direct Debit

Have you considered the benefits of paying by Direct Debit?

No more remembering to make payment, No more writing cheques and no more waiting in queues.

Join over 20,000 other Reading households and who have taken the easy option to pay by Direct Debit.

Contact the Direct Debit helpline to discuss the benefits of making your payments by Direct Debit.

 01633 644630

Alternatively email counciltax@monmouthshire.gov.uk A direct debit can be set up for the following 2 dates within the month - 1st and the 15th.

Gwent

Information & Advice We provide a free, confidential Information and Advice Service for people aged 50 years or over.

Last year this service enabled more than 2,000 older people gain over £5 million in extra income to help them live more comfortably and with the correct entitlements.

What sort of things can you ask us?

Most questions involve money in some way or another, but here are just a few of the topics we may help with: · Benefits, such as Attendance Allowance, and Pension Credit · Getting help at home · Residential / Nursing care · Repair and heating grants You can call us about many other things. If we do not know the answer ourselves, we can usually put you in touch with someone who will.

In addition, we can source an extensive library of fact sheets covering a wide range of issues that are of interest to older people.

We are based in Newport but deal with enquiries from all parts of Gwent

Currently this service is not available in Blaenau Gwent or Torfaen local authority areas.

Community Support Service

This first class service, which is FREE of charge, looks at all your needs including ensuring that you are in receipt of the correct benefits. Your Support Worker will work with you to claim any benefits you are entitled to.

A confidential support service to older people living in their own homes. The service may be short or long term, and can include help with completion of forms and guidance about other services. It also includes advice on benefits and up to date information on how to ‘’Claim what is rightfully yours’’.

Trained staff will initially call at your home to informally assess your needs. They may help you apply for benefits where applicable, and liaise with other services as necessary. Where appropriate, a trained volunteer may continue to call on you on a regular basis offering support.

The Community Support Service is complimentary to other services and does not affect your entitlement to statutory services.

Hospital Discharge Service Our service provides extra help and support for individuals aged 50 years or over suffering from physical and / or mental health problems on their return home from hospital. The service is usually available for a maximum of 6 weeks following discharge from hospital.

Our trained Support Workers are familiar with the needs of older people. They will be able to assist you with most day to day tasks such as cooking, shopping, paying bills and, if requested, help with personal care.

We work flexible hours between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday with a limited service on weekends.

You can access the service in one of two ways.

If you know you are going into hospital you can contact us directly or ask your GP to refer you. If you are already in hospital, ask the social worker on the ward or the nursing staff to refer you to our nearest office.

Currently this service is not available in the Torfaen local authority area

You can be referred to us via your Social Worker, GP, District Nurse, etc, or you can contact us yourself. Alternatively, you may know of someone who could benefit from our service.

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Gwent

Respite Care Services We offer respite within the cared-for person’s home to enable their carer to have a break from their caring role. The care is provided in periods of between four to twelve hours and can be fitted in to an existing care package.

You can access the service yourself, or you can be referred to us by family, friends and carers, or via Health and Social Care Professionals.

Currently this service is not available in the Monmouthshire local authority area.

Carers Project

What can be offered depends upon individual need and resources. Once we have been contacted, the Respite Care Manager will arrange to visit to discuss how / when care will be delivered.

If you look after a relative or friend who needs help because they are frail or have an illness or disability then you are a Carer.

Normally this service is free of charge; details of this nature will be discussed with the Respite Care Manager during their initial visit.

This service offers free and confidential information and advice to carers of all ages. This includes welfare benefit checks and help in completing claim forms for benefits such as Carers’ Allowance and Attendance Allowance.

Anyone can contact Age Concern Gwent about Respite Care. It may be you, a friend, relation or Social Worker that initially contacts us. The Respite Care Manager will then make an appointment to meet you.

Currently this service is available in the Newport and Monmouthshire local authority areas.

Advocacy Service The service provides confidential information and support for older people living in, or considering a move to, a Residential Care Home or Nursing Home. This includes support prior to discharge from hospital.

Our team of trained advocates offer a one to one partnership. They are there to listen, provide information and support in order that you may communicate your wishes and exercise your rights, choices and interests. There is no charge for this service

You will receive a Carers Information Pack which contains details of local and national organisations; we also keep you informed of Carer’s issues through regular Newsletters. In addition, special events for Carers are organised throughout the year including day trips and tea dances.

Use of this service does not affect your rights to any Statutory Services.

There is an open referral system for this service which means you can contact us directly irrespective of whether or not you are receiving help from anyone else.

Currently this service is available in the Blaenau Gwent local authority area.

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Gwent

Newport Domestic Service We provide a high quality home cleaning service which is responsive to client’s wishes.

The service is available to people over the age of 60 years old that live in the city of Newport and are unable to perform basic cleaning tasks to an appropriate standard. They can be living alone or with a person unable to provide the necessary support, and not in receipt of any service provided by Social Services.

The service is provided Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm and is charged at a reasonable hourly rate.

Requests for this service may be made in person by contacting the Domestic Service Manager.

‘CHOICES’ Age Concern Gwent Choices Ltd is a Social Enterprise Company providing a wide range of quality Home Support Services to meet the needs of individuals living in the Blaenau Gwent Local Authority area who are aged 50 or more.

The Team Leader visits new clients to establish their needs, and is able to offer services at a chargeable, competitive rate such as:· · · · · ·

Domestic Gardening Shopping Assisted shopping Chaperone Dog walking

In addition to the above services, Choices is able to consider low level house maintenance and other varied tasks. A free benefit check will be undertaken at the initial visit if required.

All profits from Choices Limited go directly to support Age Concern Gwent’s charitable activities.

Insurance & Product Services Why does Age Concern offer Products & Services?

We believe that older people should get a better deal all round. We aim to be the first choice for older people when it comes to real value for money. That means affordable insurance products that meet customer’s needs… high quality, dependable goods and services.

Our commitment to customers We understand the value of face to face contact.

Through our office in Newport we offer a personal service that is totally focused on our customer’s needs, not only at the time you buy, but throughout the lifetime of the product or service purchased.

Our Service Manager and team of 3 Insurance Arrangers are trained and fully competent in each of the products and services we offer. All of our Arrangers work to high professional standards and are regularly monitored to ensure standards are maintained.

Products & Services range A summary of our current range of products and services and how to contact us can be found on the back cover of this guide. For further information and a no obligation quotation you can:· · ·

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Visit us in person or telephone our office in Newport Telephone our UK only contact centres Visit our website at www.ageconcern.org.uk/shop

MALPAS Pharmacy IS YOUR PHARMACY

Why not let us save your time?

We can order, collect and deliver your prescription.

E E R F

Prescription Collection Prescription Delivery

We go to all Newport & Cwmbran surgeries and can order your prescription or collect it within 2 working days.

To take advantage of this service throughout Newport & Cwmbran;

Call Now on: 01633 858002 MALPAS Pharmacy, Malpas Road, Newport NP20 6WB Enterprise House Bowen Industrial Estate Aberbargoed Mid Glam CF81 9EP

We provide a high quality and reliable care service for people living in the South Wales area.

Our tailored service allows you to live at home with independence and dignity supported by our dedicated and friendly workforce.

Why not apply for a postal vote?

If you will be away on holiday; because you are in poor health; or simply because it is more convenient for you; a postal vote makes sure you can still have your say. You can apply at any time of year and it is easy to do. You can have it for one election, a fixed period of time or long-term, and you can cancel it at any time.

Meal preparation Escort duties Shopping Light housework

....

.....

Personal care assistance Alzheimer’s/Dementia Convalescence support Companionship Nights and Sit-ins

Unable to vote in person?

Do you have family members who rely on you?

We can put your mind at rest by providing flexible care packages to cover your holidays, weekends away or simply a day out.

Call us for more information or to arrange a no obligation home visit.

01443 879677

Contact Electoral Services for more information or an application form Helpline: 01633 644212 Website: www.monmouthshire.gov.uk E-mail: elections@monmouthshire.gov.uk

Gwent

Did you know?

How Can You Help?

All profits Age Concern Gwent Enterprises Ltd receives from sales of products and services go directly to support Age Concern Gwent’s charitable activities in Gwent.

Each year Age Concern Gwent assists 20,000 older people. In order to continue our services we need your support both practically and financially.

Age Concern Gwent Enterprises Limited, the trading company of Age Concern Gwent is an Appointed Representative of Age Concern Enterprises Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority for insurance mediation. Registered in England and Wales No. 3054802

Volunteering – Could you spare a few hours each week to help older people in Gwent? Age Concern offers a wide variety of volunteering activities – in our offices and client’s homes.

Age Concern Gwent Achievements Last year we helped over 20,000 older people.

Every pound raised is spent locally in Gwent.

Service User Satisfaction marked at the highest level is consistently achieved in over 95% of responses.

All domiciliary services are inspected annually by the Care & Social Services Inspectorate for Wales.

Over £7.5 million in increased income for Older People raised in each of the past 3 years.

All our Advocacy services hold the Quality Performance Mark for Advocacy Schemes.

The Information & Advice service holds the Community Legal Service’s ‘Quality Mark’.

Age Concern Gwent ‘Robins’: An innovative scheme to support older people in a number of ways while they are in hospital.

More than 100 people of all ages already enjoy being part of our team, but more help is always needed. A little of your time makes a big difference to older people.

Fundraising – raise funds whilst having fun through sponsorship events or choosing us as your charity.

Age Concern Lottery – have a chance of winning one of a 1,000 weekly prizes whilst supporting the Charity.

Donations – Any amount can be given at any time.

Legacies – Once family and friends are remembered in your Will, you could also remember Age Concern Gwent as a beneficiary.

Any donations or legacies you make to us must state Age Concern Gwent to ensure that the money received stays in Gwent for the benefit of older people who live in Gwent.

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HANCOCK

INDEPENDENT FINANCIAL ADVISERS

LI F E & P E N S I O N S

Equity Release - What is it?

Effectively this is a way to unlock some of the cash locked up in your home without having to move. Nothing has to be paid back until you sell, die or need to move into permanent long term care.

It is up to you how you spend the money. You can use it for home improvements, helping the family out or simply give yourself a bit

Aspirations for life

extra for that treat you’ve been promising yourself or just top up your monthly income.

260 Chepstow Road, Newport, South Wales NP19 8NL Tel 01633 292950 Fax 01633 292959 Email hancock.lifeandpensions@virgin.net

Hancock Life & Pensions is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Our firm reference number is 458509, for information about the FSA please visit them at www.fsa.gov.uk.

All our reconditioned stairlifts now with a NO QUIBBLE 3 year guarantee

01633 223121 Mobility Showroom at: Unit 12, Crawford Street, Newport.

Email:info@dolphin-stairlifts.co.uk www.dolphin-stairlifts.co.uk

Our CSSIW registered services provide fully CRB vetted and highly skilled support staff to provide a professional, quality service to maintain your independence.

Personal Care Medication Cooking Shopping

....

Stairlifts

We specialise in offering care & support to people just like you tailored to your individual requirements in the Monmouthshire and RCT areas.

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DOLPHIN

Do you or a loved one need support at home?

Light household cleaning Attending Appointments Breaks for Carers/Sitting Service Socialising & Companionship

Bespoke packages available at reasonable rates. From half an hour to 24/7

For more details call; Monmouth 01873 855855 Pontypridd 01443 405787 www.shaw.co.uk

Would you like to advertise in future publications of the Age Concern Information Brochures?

For further information and details of how to advertise, contact our sales team on:

0870 850 1228

How to Contact Age Concern Gwent Service

Local Authority Area covered

Based at

Telephone Number

Information & Advice Service

All of Gwent

Newport

01633 240190

Insurance & Product Services

All of Gwent

Newport

01633 240199

Community Support Service

Newport

Newport

01633 240193

Hospital Discharge Service

Newport

Newport

01633 238310

Respite Care

Newport

Newport

01633 240195

Advocacy Service

Newport

Newport

01633 234129

Domestic Cleaning Service

Newport City only

Newport

01633 656371

Community Support Service

Caerphilly

Crumlin

01495 244228

Hospital Discharge Service

Caerphilly

Blackwood

01495 227039

Advocacy Service

Caerphilly

Blackwood

01495 231052

“CHOICES�

Blaenau Gwent

Abertillery

01495 360159

Hospital Discharge Service

Blaenau Gwent

Tredegar

01495 718548

Carers Project

Blaenau Gwent

Abertillery

01495 321780

Advocacy Service

Blaenau Gwent

Abertillery

01495 320238

Hospital Discharge Service

Monmouthshire

Abergavenny

01873 850619

Community Support Service

Monmouthshire

Usk

01291 673300

Respite Care

Monmouthshire

Newport

01633 240195

Advocacy Service

Torfaen

Griffithstown

01495 768620

Volunteering, Fundraising, Donations & Legacies

All of Gwent

Newport

01633 763330

Age Concern Lottery

All of Gwent

Newport

01633 240199

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