Rebranding residential care as a part of a spectrum of housing options with care is a prerequisite of delivering the 21st-century care system we want to see. Housing with care separates the decisions about the “what” of care from the “where” we live. It s

There is an increasing range of options available for the accommodation and care of people who have dementia. Some people with dementia are now being diagnosed at an early stage when they remain relatively able and can make their own decisions. Early di

If you’re finding it harder to carry out everyday tasks at home, you may be eligible for adaptations to your home and/or equipment from your local council. This factsheet explains how to apply, who is eligible for help, and how to get a grant towards the

With some simple adaptations to help, we can stay in our homes for longer. This guide looks at the types of adaptations and equipment available and how to obtain them. It also suggests small practical steps that you can take to make a difference to your q

There are things you can do to make sure others know which medical treatments you would want to refuse and how you would like to be cared for, should a time come when you cannot make or communicate these decisions yourself. Preparing an advance deci

People can only expect to remain in an NHS hospital while they are receiving medical treatment. Sometimes older people and their relatives feel unprepared for a return home or ill equipped for making more complex decisions about future care arrangements

Access to Age UK Northern Ireland website for information and advice

This factsheet is about anti-social behaviour that takes place in the home or neighbourhood. It includes information on noisy neighbours, hedge disputes and harassment. It is primarily aimed at people experiencing anti-social behaviour but there is inform

This factsheet is in two parts. Part 1 looks at the main principals of the Mental Capacity Act and Part 2 the arrangements that can be put in place for other people to make decisions about your welfare and finances if you lack the mental capacity to do so

This factsheet looks at arrangements for other people to make decisions about your welfare and finances if you lack the capacity to make those decisions yourself. It covers changes brought in by the Mental Capacity Act 2005. It includes information on

This factsheet covers Attendance Allowance, a tax-free and non-meanstested benefit paid to people who are 65 years old or over with attention or supervision needs. Unlike Disability Living Allowance (DLA), it does not have a mobility component. Attendance

This factsheet is about Attendance Allowance (AA), a benefit paid by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to people who have reached State Pension age who need help with personal care because of a disability or a health problem, such as sight loss.

We use the word ‘scam’ to indicate a dishonest or fraudulent scheme designed to cheat someone. It could be anything from buying products or services, to making investments or becoming involved in apparently failsafe business propositions. This guide expla

The main benefits for carers are Carer’s Allowance in England and Wales, and Carer Support Payment in Scotland. This guide looks at who can get these benefits; how much you could get; how to claim; tips for applying and what happens after you apply.

This factsheet summarises the main benefits available to people in retirement from the Department of Work and Pensions or the local council.

This factsheet has information about benefits for people under State Pension age (currently 66 years). It includes information about Universal Credit and how it affects people claiming other benefits and about disability and carers’ benefits. It explai

For many people, retirement and sheltered housing allows you to retain the independence of having your own front door whilst having the reassurance of additional services and assistance close by. This factsheet discusses the key things to be aware of

This factsheet provides information for people who are considering buying retirement housing. It covers management of retirement schemes, what services may be provided and what you will have to pay for. It briefly explains your rights and responsibilities

When asked, many older people would prefer to remain in their own homes if they needed care and indeed, for some time now, it has been government policy to encourage and enable this to happen. Whatever the reason for needing it there is a myriad of help,

If you’re moving to a care home permanently, you might be wondering whether you will need to sell your home to pay care home fees. This factsheet explains when you might need to consider this, and alternatives that might be available to you, such as de

This factsheet explains what Carer’s Allowance is, the eligibility criteria, and how to make a claim. It explains how Carer’s Allowance may affect any other benefits you, or the person you care for, are receiving, and what to do if you have a change of

Summarises the framework within which choice is available. Covers: – National guidance – Restrictions on location – What if a care home is not available at the council’s usual cost – Coosing a more expensive care home than the Council will pay for –

Moving to live in a care home is probably more complicated than any other home move, yet is often arranged at a time of crisis. This Guide aims to help you stay in control of events, understand what care homes are, consider alternatives, make your own dec

Explains when you can complain, how to go about it and the complaints procedure, if you are not satisfied with the services you are getting from the social services or the National Health Service.

Council Tax is the system of paying towards local government services in England, Scotland and Wales. This factsheet aims to help you understand: – Council Tax liability and payment – Eligibility for Council Tax Support schemes – Other ways of reducing

When a person dies, somebody has to deal with their estate, collecting in the money, property and possessions, paying any debts and then distributing the estate to those entitled to it. This factsheet provides general information for personal represen

This factsheet explains dental treatment offered by the NHS, including how to find an NHS dentist, charges for NHS treatment, how receiving certain benefits or the NHS Low Income Scheme can help with paying for NHS treatment costs, and what you can do if

Attendance Allowance is extra money for people over State Pension age who have long-term physical or mental health problems. You can get it whatever your income or savings are. This factsheet explains who can apply for Attendance Allowance and how to do i

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is extra money for people under State Pension age who have long-term physical or mental health problems. You can get it however high your income or savings are. PIP is gradually replacing Disability Living Allowance. Th

This factsheet covers the help you can get from the local authority to manage your daily tasks at home through the provision of specially designed equipment or home adaptations. It should be read in conjunction with Age UK’s other relevant factsheets

Many older people consider releasing equity in their property in order to improve their financial situation; this factsheet helps to identify the various options available and important things to consider before making such an arrangement.

This factsheet provides information about different types of equity release, such as lifetime mortgages and home reversion plans. It includes information on: ⚫ what to consider before deciding on a particular product ⚫ equity release regulations and saf

Extra care housing is a form of retirement housing with personal care, meals and 24-hour support available for those that need it. Extra care housing can be rented from the council or a housing association, purchased leasehold or as shared owner-ship from

If you live on a low income, it can be hard to meet unexpected essential costs. You might be able to get help with some of these expenses from your local council, the Government’s Social Fund or a charity grant. This factsheet explains some of the options

If your income is low, it can be hard to meet unexpected essential costs. You might be able to get help with some of these expenses from your local council, the government’s Social Fund or a charity grant. This factsheet explains some of the options, w

This factsheet has information about how to get support to help you to live in your own home if you are having difficulty managing. It focusses on the duties of the local authority to provide assistance, but also covers arranging care yourself. Residentia

This factsheet aims to provide you with general information about the various housing options that may be available to you. You will also find guidance and suggestions on how to identify a property that may be suitable for your future needs in later l

This factsheet gives information about finding, choosing and funding a suitable care home including types of homes, how to identify the right home for you, and funding of care home placements. Age UK produces other factsheets on adult social care. F

If you’re finding it difficult to manage everyday tasks, you may be entitled to help from your local council’s adult social services department. The first step is an assessment of your needs. This factsheet explains how to ask for a care needs assessme

This report’s key findings highlight the important role older people’s housing can play for all areas of society, helping older people to fulfil their expectations of later life, live healthier, more independent lives for longer and contribute to local co

‘Every decision about care, is a decision about housing’, and yet we know that for many people there is a lack of choice and availability of supportive settings to meet people’s individual needs. If we are to successfully improve people’s experiences a

As you get older you may start to need some support or assistance at home. This factsheet provides information about the types of help and support services that could be available in your local area to help you stay independent and safe in your own home.

If you’re looking for some help to stay independent in your own home, there are services, gadgets and equipment that you might benefit from.

There are many reasons why you may want to seek legal advice. For example: if you are buying a house, making a will or setting up arrangements to manage relative’s financial affairs. When choosing an advisor it is important to check they have experience i

This factsheet helps you to get the legal help you need, including legal information and advice on civil matters (where you have a dispute with another individual or organisation). It does not cover criminal matters. It covers free advice from local an

We have both an opportunity and an obligation to come up with a plan of action which gives the best possible chance for us all to live in homes that are safe, warm, affordable and energy efficient. By doing so, we can improve the quality of life for mil

A guide to 150 housing developments designed for older people and described by their developers / managers as Retirement Villages.

This factsheet explains how you can spend less on energy while still maintaining a warm and comfortable home. It provides information on getting the best energy deal, energy efficiency, financial help and help from bodies like your local authority (counci

A brief guide to the main sources of help, including benefits, loans, grants and the Social Fund.

This factsheet provides information about the help you can get if your home is in a poor condition or unsuitable for your needs. It includes information on the financial assistance and practical support available to help you make improvements, as well

This factsheet provides information about the help you can get if your home is in a poor condition or unsuitable for your needs. It includes information on the financial assistance and practical support available to help you make improvements, as wel

This factsheet explains what help is available if you are homeless or at risk of homelessness, for example because of a tenancy ending or relationship breakdown. It looks at common causes of homelessness and what to do in each case, what to do if you u

Homesharing matches an older person looking for a little help around the home, and comanionship, with a younger person looking for a place to live.This factsheet discusses what homesharing is, what the pros and cons are, who can help arrange it, and how t

This factsheet explains what you should expect from staff planning for your discharge from hospital following NHS treatment in England. Your hospital stay should be no longer than medically necessary and you should be able to access ongoing care and suppo

This factsheet covers what should happen before, during and after your hospital stay, and how you can prepare for it. Information about processes and your rights refers to NHS hospitals, unless otherwise stated.

An introduction to services that can help older people live more comfortably or independently at home, and the options available to those who decide to move in later life. It is written for older people who rent their current homes as well as those who ar

This factsheet explains what Housing Benefit is, who qualifies for it, and how it is calculated. It explains how to claim and what to do if you want to challenge a decision. It has information about Discretionary Housing Payments and what to do if you hav

A report from an Inquiry by the APPG on Housing and Care for Older People There are no vaccines for dementia. One in 14 of us aged over 65, and one in 6 of us aged over 80, will find ourselves living with dementia. There is currently no cure, and in

The aim of the research was to examine the housing options information for older people provided by each of the local authorities in Greater Manchester, with particular focus on older co-researchers’ experiences. The process of getting through to a per

Many of us find that as we get older we start to think more about where we live. Do you want to stay where you are, but could do with some support to make life easier? Would repairs or adaptations make it more comfortable? Perhaps you’re thinking about mo

Although your licence entitlement will expire when you turn 70, this doesn’t automatically mean you have to stop driving – you’ll just need to apply to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) to renew it every three years. The renewal form should b

This booklet, now published vy Versus Arthritis, provides information on what type of exercise is helpful, important and how to do it safely.

A factsheet intended to help anyone approaching advancing years to think about what measures might be taken to anticipate or prevent problems in later life with the ultimate aim of enabling you to remain in control of your life and stay as independent as

Wesite of the Leasehold Advisory Service, an independent advice agency, which provides free advice to leaseholders, landlords, professional advisers etc about the law affecting residential leaseholders

Most of the issues, advice and policies that relate to later life apply to everyone in the same way – but there are some things that affect lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT+) people differently. As part of a wider shift in views and attitudes, l

Living made easy is an impartial advice and information website about daily living equipment and other aspects of independent living. It has been developed by the Disabled Living Foundation (DLF), a national charity with 40 years’ experience in providi

This updated booklet, first produced as part of a “Live safely and well at home” project funded by Nationwide, is a practical guide to improving your home to make it safer and healthier. As we get older the condition of our home becomes increasingly im

If you’re living with one or more long-term health conditions, life may be difficult at times. These are conditions that can’t be cured but can be managed with medication or other treatment – for example, diabetes, arthritis, high blood pressure and some

This factsheet explains what you should think about before making your will; how to decide whether to use a solicitor; and how to make sure that the will is effective and your wishes are carried out. It includes information about choosing executors, fi

“Right-sizing” to a more accessible, manageable, energy-efficient home may be the perfect answer for a lot of us in older age. But what if you cannot afford to buy outright, yet have little chance of getting a rented apartment from a social housing pro

A common concern for people who have had a stroke is that resulting problems such as walking, co-ordination or communication difficulties might make living in their own home difficult. But with the right support, some changes and adaptations, most people

This online guide is for people diagnosed with a long-term health condition in later life. The most common conditions include arthritis, heart disease, respiratory diseases, macular disease and stroke. It focuses on the impact of these conditions on da

A common concern for people with arthritis is that loss of strength, grip and mobility, together with pain and fatigue, will make it increasingly difficult for them to live independently at home. But with the right support, some changes and adaptations to

A common concern for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma and other respiratory diseases is that difficulties in breathing will restrict their ability to carry out ordinary daily tasks and so remain living in their own home. Bu

A common concern for people with dementia is that confusion and memory loss will mean they cannot stay safely in their own home. But with the right support and with some simple design and layout changes, many people with dementia can and do enjoy living a

A common concern for people with heart disease is that symptoms such as shortness of breath, swollen legs and ankles, fatigue and worries about putting strain on the heart might make it harder to carry out ordinary daily tasks and so living in their own h

A common concern for people who have macular disease (MD) is how the condition might make it harder to carry out daily tasks and live in their own home. But with the right support, some changes and adaptations, most people with MD can and do continue to e

There may be a time when you need someone to make decisions for you because of ill health. This factsheet explains how you can prepare for someone you trust to manage your money or make decisions about your own care and welfare in the way you would wish.

Money can be tight at times, especially once we retire and find ourselves living on a fixed income, while our fuel bills, travel costs and general living expenses go up every year. Yet many older people are missing out on hundreds of pounds of entitlement

A short factsheet detailing the main schemes and services that can help match you with another tenant looking for a ‘home swap’.

This factsheet explains what NHS continuing healthcare (NHS CHC) is, the process for deciding whether you are eligible to receive it and what to do if you are unhappy with the decision reached. It also explains NHS-funded nursing care – the NHS’s financia

The coming demographic shift will have significant implications for the housing market, with a growing need for age-appropriate housing options that meet their needs and requirements. This report draws extensively on survey findings to provide compre

This factsheet provides information about legislation relating to park homes (also called mobile homes). It is intended for people who own a park home as their permanent residence or for those who are considering buying such a home. It includes points to

Paying for a place in a care home can be complicated. This factsheet explains how the system works, whether you’re paying for your own place or eligible for financial help from your local council.

This factsheet explains charging for social care services in places other than care homes, mainly related to services provided in your own home. This is because the two charging systems are slightly different. It also covers charging for carers’ services.

This factsheet explains how being part of a couple affects your eligibility for local authority funding if you need to move into a care home. It also looks at how your entitlement to Pension Credit may be affected. The information in this factsheet foc

In recent years, everyone has had to take more responsibility for their own wealth, with changes in pensions, retirement ages, and regulation. Professional financial advice is more crucial than ever in helping people make informed decisions. Yet a signifi

Pension Credit, is a means-tested benefit for older people who have a relatively low income and have reached the qualifying age. Because it is means-tested, your personal circumstances and the level of your income, savings and any other capital determi

This factsheet contains information about Pension Credit, a means-tested benefit for people over State Pension age (currently 66). It gives information about the eligibility criteria for Pension Credit, how to make a claim, and what to do if you have a ch

This white paper, People at the Heart of Care sets out an ambitious 10-year vision for how we will transform support and care in England. Our vision puts people at its heart and revolves around three objectives: 1. People have choice, control, and suppor

This factsheet highlights things to consider if you want to plan ahead and make financial and other arrangements for your funeral. It looks at options when deciding what type of funeral you want, ways to pay for a funeral, and information about organ dona

Explores key considerations, including the provision of social care, leisure, financial and other matters, all from the perspective of the younger generation.

Home Improvement Agencies, HIA, Good Home Hubs

If you are a UK national over State Pension age who moved abroad, but are now considering moving back to live permanently in the UK, this factsheet explains more about some of things you need to consider. It gives information about looking at your fina

A brief guide to the impact on British citizens who have lived abroad of the Habitual Residence Test, which may determine their eligibility for benefits and accommodation.

This factsheet provides information on rights for those living in private rented accommodation, including rights to remain in the home, the landlord’s duty to carry out repairs and how rents can be increased.

The information in this factsheet is aimed at raising your awareness and understanding of the issues of abuse and it also covers approaches to safeguarding older people.

The data in this year’s Review suggests that, while the pandemic had an impact on the sector, recovery has been swift. We are seeing operators exploring what customers want with different fnancing options and tenures, with an emphasis on choice and flexibil

The volume of investment and capital targeting the UK Seniors Housing market continues to grow. In the first nine months of 2022, more than £2 billion was committed to the sector, already surpassing the full year figure for 2021. Based on the pipeline of

Once again, this year’s report provides further evidence of the resilience of the seniors housing market, as well as the long term drivers for growth, including focussing on customers and responding to changing market conditions. We can see this reflected

This factsheet gives information about housing intended specifically for older people, usually aimed at those over 55 or 60. Specialist housing for older people comes in many different forms and we cannot cover all of these here. However, a common model i

Over the past decade, Integrated Retirement Communities have become the UK’s predominant form of senior living provision. But delivery remains low. This report charts the state of the market from both investor and consumer perspectives.

This factsheet has information about the new State Pension for people reaching State Pension age on or after 6 April 2016. It also has information about the old State Pension for people who reached State Pension age before 6 April 2016. If you are a

It’s important that we feel safe in our homes, yet more accidents happen at home than anywhere else. We’ve put together this leaflet to help you do a safety check of your home. By working through the checklists, you should be able to identify and resolve

Help is available, particularly from your local authority social services department who can carry out an assessment of your needs as a carer and, subject to the outcome of that assessment and available resources, provide some support to help you in your

Demographics and affluence are only one part of understanding the housing needs for later life. To understand older people’s wants and needs, and to find the best locations to meet them, we need to truly understand them as customers. What type of accommod

The study, funded by the NIHR School for Social Care, delves into various extra care housing models and their potential to enhance the wellbeing of individuals living with dementia. This Housing LIN Viewpoint (No. 107): – Outlines what the project se

This report follows a year-long inquiry by the APPG into the existing accommodation for our ageing population, and notes that some of it is well past its sell-by date. The report considers ‘what next’ for the worst of yesteryear’s ‘sheltered’ housing – th

– Help with making appropriate housing choices together – What help is available if you decide it is best for the person you care for to stay at home including: – What can help to support people to live independently – How to make the home safe and hea

CASS Business School, the Centre for the Study of Financial Innovation (CSFI) and ARCO are delighted to launch their joint research report conducted by Professor Les Mayhew. The report examines the current lack of housing for older people in the UK – i

The case for a comprehensive nationwide programme to address the poor quality of the UK’s homes grows stronger by the day. Safe and decent homes are the foundations for people to build good lives and have healthier later life outcomes. Yet 3.5 million

The market for independent and assisted living with onsite care provision continues to be an increasingly attractive option for older people as an alternative to long term care. The demand for homes in IRCs (Integrated Retirement Communities) has been bui

Over the past five years, there’s been a 13.5% increase in English local authorities that have adopted planning policies and site allocations for seniors housing. Whilst this is significant progress, the figure also masks several regressions in the dat

You probably already know quite a lot about staying warm in your home and how to cope with a Scottish winter; this guide aims to give information about ideas and options you may not have come across before to help you manage even better in the winter to c

This factsheet offers tips on saving water at home and reducing water bills. It provides information on how to change your method of payment by switching to a meter; the benefits of registering on the Vulnerable Persons Register; and how you can get help

The word ‘dementia’ describes a group of symptoms that includes problems with memory, thinking or language, and changes in mood, emotions, perception and behaviour. Dementia is not a natural part of ageing. It is caused when the brain is damaged by dis

Retirement communities – housing designed specifically with emerging care needs in mind – are one solution for addressing important issues around housing and care in later life. Yet only 0.7% of people aged 65+ in the UK live in specific housing-with-care