Information & downloads concerning caring for the elderly. Either browse using the A-Z listing, or enter keywords to locate specific items. Alternatively you can browse for information by subject matter, or by publisher.

A better fit? Creating housing choices for an ageing population

England’s population is ageing, and fast. By 2030 one in three people are projected to be aged 55 and over. Older people will be a diverse group, ranging from economically powerful ‘baby boomers’ to over-85s with high care and support needs. How will the

Read more...

A Better Life – Demographic issues, projections and trends: Older people with high support needs in the UK

Overview of existing knowledge on demographic issues, projections and trends in relation to older people with high support needs in the UK

Read more...

A Better Life – Innovation and better lives for older people with high support needs: international good practice

Innovative ideas and suggestions already in circulation in the UK and globally that would contribute to better lives for older people with support needs

Read more...

A better life for older people with high support needs in housing with care

What needs to change so that older people with high support needs can have a better life with care

Read more...

A Better Life: Alternative approaches from a service user perspective. Shaping our Lives

Report on a small-scale consultation with service users and disabled people

Read more...

A Better Life: Alternative approaches from the perspective of families and carers of older people with high support needs

Draws on case studies from Counsel and Care’s advice service to highlight issues raised by carers of older people with high support needs. Explore how residential care and extra care housing could be improved

Read more...

A Better Life: Private Sheltered Housing and Independent Living for Older People

A study by McCarthy & Stone on the health and social care benefits of sheltered housing

Read more...

A charter for housing association applicants and residents

This sets out what applicants and residents can expect from their housing association landlords, and what to do if the housing association doesn’t appear to be honoring the Charter. It applies to applicants, tenants, leaseholders, shared owners or license

Read more...

A fair contract with older people? A special study of peoples experiences when finding a care home

A study looking at whether older people and family carers get the right information, advice and support they need regarding finding & moving into a care home. Results show self-funders often lack this, people’s choice of home can be limited, there is no

Read more...

A guide to home security

A guide to precautions that people can make to their home in order to minimise the risk of burglary.

Read more...

A Guide to Making Complaints for Sheltered Housing Residents

Sheltered housing includes a range of different models of accommodation and support. The changing and increasing expectations of older people, and the age and nature of some sheltered housing, mean that those models need to be able to adapt to different r

Read more...

A Guide to Risk Assessment Requirements

A guide for employers to the provisions for risk assessment under health & safety legislation

Read more...

A helping hand

How someone with an illness or disability can get help to collect or deal with social security benefits

Read more...

A Measure of Success

Evaluation of the Department of Health’s extra care housing programme for people with learning disabilities

Read more...

A New Hip Joint

Information for people about hip replacement, and what to expect before, during and after the operation

Read more...

A New Model of Care Centred around Home Improvement Agencies

In this blog for the Housing LIN, David Herring, formerly Head of Housing and Development at Papworth Trust, calls for HIAs to be better equipped to make the case for housing being recognised as an important part of the local health and social care econom

Read more...

A practical guide to Community Legal Service funding

The guide explains how the Legal Services Commission funds civil legal services. It is for people seeking help on legal matters as well as those who can put others seeking legal help in tough with a solicitor or legal adviser. It explains the different le

Read more...

A radical rethink is required in the way we involve and engage with residents of extra care housing

This Housing LIN Viewpoint no 28 considers how providers have approached involvement of customers in the past and whether engagement methods have moved on in recent years. It highlights some examples of innovative practice within the sector and challenges

Read more...

A Shelter Guide : Rent Arrears

Information and advice for people who are having problems paying rent, or who are at risk of losing their home because they owe the landlord rent.

Read more...

A Step-by-Step Guide to Chossing a Legal Adviser

This guide helps you through the steps of finding the right legal adviser, and has a tear-off page of checklists for you to take with you when you see an adviser

Read more...

A strength-based approach to ageing well: the housing dimension

This Housing LIN Viewpoint no 30 explores how older people can be better linked with communities and suggests that the key is to be found in working with the strengths of individuals and communities, in order to develop new connections and build relations

Read more...

A Virtual Care Village Model

Case Study 17 describes the approach Cumbria has taken in developing a more coordinated approach to delivering services to enable people to continue living in their communities. The rural nature of Cumbria has presented particular problems in developing a

Read more...

Abbeyfield Society

Some of the services provided by Abbeyfield include: 1) Very sheltered housing in over 800 houses in the UK. Residents come and go as they please, receive visitors and enjoy two cooked meals a day. They are free from the worries of maintaining a hous

Read more...

Abbeyfield UK Residents Handbook

Everything you need to know about living in an Abbeyfield house should be contained in your residents handbook. Your handbook is a guide to the rights, responsibilities and services you have as a resident. The handbook gives you information about your ho

Read more...

About Dementia: some facts and figures

Introductary information for people who want information about dementia. It includes symptoms, who is affected, the impact, drugs, research and services that are needed.

Read more...

Accepting Volunteers from Overseas

Information about the regulations governing accepting volunteers (including refugees & asylum seekers) from overseas

Read more...

Accommodation options for older people who have dementia (FS16)

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

Read more...

Accreditation of Voluntary work

Information about accreditation, the issues, and options

Read more...

Achieving mobility in the intermediate housing market: moving up and moving on?

Shared ownership is the most common form of subsidised access to home-ownership, and is commonly viewed as a ‘stepping stone’ to owning a home in full. But to what extent does this actually happen? How are shared owners able to ‘move on’ once their housin

Read more...

Achieving Success in the Development of Extra Care Schemes for Older People

A practical guide to assist developers of Extra Care Housing. It draws on the experience of providers of Extra Care Housing tested against the experience and perspectives of commissioners or those responsible for local strategies.

Read more...

Action for Advocacy

Action for Advocacy (A4A) is the central point of information on independent advocacy. This website includes a search facility for local IMCA providers in England & Wales

Read more...

Action on Elder Abuse

A core activity of Action on Elder Abuse is the provision of a helpline (Elder Abuse Response – 080 8808 8141), which operates from 10.00 am to 4.30 pm, Monday to Friday. The helpline is confidential and provides information and emotional support in Engl

Read more...

Action on Sheltered Housing – A Checklist for Social Services

A checklist for Social Services about sheltered housing that aims to improve joint working, by raising awareness of the potential benefits. Outline information about sheltered housing, together with a checklist of key questions for social services departm

Read more...

Action on Sheltered Housing – Information & checklist for hospital & primary care staff

Outline information about sheltered housing, together with a checklist of key questions for hospital & primary care staff so that they can assess how well they understand & could work with sheltered housing

Read more...

Adapting for a lifetime

The report: Examines the effect of recent changes to the Disabled Facilities Grant programme, drawing on research carried out within the home improvement agency sector Looks at the challenges presented by the complexity of the process, the funding shor

Read more...

Adapting your home to stay independent

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

Read more...

Adapting Your Home: Services and equipment to help you stay living at home

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

Read more...

Advance decisions, advance statements and living wills (Factsheet 72)

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

Read more...

Advice & Assistance from the CRE

Information about the help that can be available from the Commission for Racial Equality (CRE) for people who think they have suffered racial discrimination, harassment or abuse.

Read more...

Advice for later life

You don’t have to be retired yourself to pick up great tips. This is a fantastic resource for relatives, volunteers, healthcare workers and anyone closely involved with older people.

Read more...

Advice on a Stroke

Information about the causes and effects of a Stroke, and who is at risk. Compiled from information provided by the Stroke Association

Read more...

Advice on Bereavement

Information about the bereavement process and how families and friends can help someone who is bereaved

Read more...

Advice on Dementia & Alzheimer’s Disease

Information and advice for people who are caring for someone with dementia, compiled from information from the Alzheimers Society

Read more...

Advice on Diabetes

Information about Diabetes

Read more...

Advice on Eyecare

Information about the importance of eye care and description of some common eye conditions affecting older people. Compiled from information provided by Optomise Eyecare

Read more...

Advice on Hearing Loss

Information about hearing loss in older people

Read more...

Advice on hospital admissions and discharges (FS9)

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

Read more...

Advice on Incontinence

Information and advice about the causes and management of incontinence

Read more...

Advice on Multiple Sclerosis

Information and advice about the symptoms and causes of Multiple Sclerosis, compiled from information provided by the Multiple Sclerosis Society

Read more...

Advice on Parkinson’s Disease

Information and advice about the causes, symptoms and treatment of Parkinson’s Disease. Compiled from information from the Parkinson’s Disease Society

Read more...

Advice on Pressure Care for the Elderly

Although intended for relatives of people resident in Four Seasons care homes, this provides useful advice about pressure sores, preventative care, who is at risk, and how relatives can help

Read more...

Adviceguide

This is the website of the National Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux. You can search it to find your nearest bureau, of find on-line advice on a variety issues, including benefits, employment, tax, family, health, housing, education, communication

Read more...

Advising older people about their care choices in later life: A self training module for advisers

This self training module is for people who give general advice on a range of topics e.g. money, housing, services, and who wish to be able to advise older people about their care choices in later life. Its aim is to enable advisers to develop their kn

Read more...

Advising older people about their housing choices in later life: A self training module for advisers

Whilst most older people wish to stay in their existing home, a growing number are considering the possibility of moving. This course will enable advisers to offer older people information and advice about their housing and support options. This module

Read more...

Affordable Housing Glossary: A handy reference guide

This guide has been developed to explain what affordable housing is, the different tenure models available, who it is aimed at and how it is allocated.

Read more...

After a myocardial infarction (heart attack)

Advice for people recovering from a heart attack (myocardial infarction)

Read more...

Age Action Ireland

website of Age Action Ireland (Eire), which is Irelands national independent organisation on ageing and older people

Read more...

Age Discrimination in Public Policy : Executive Summary

Summary of a report into direct and indirect discrimination, covering education, employment, health care, social care, social security, transport, and citizenship.

Read more...

Age Equality in Housing

This is a guide to tackling age discrimination for housing providers, commissioners, planners and builders. It includes advice on how to recognise age discrimination, how to take action, and what information and help is available.

Read more...

Age Exchange website

Information about Age Exchange an organisation that works in all areas of reminiscence, including theatre, publishings, training, and exhibitions

Read more...

Age UK Northern Ireland website

Access to Age UK Northern Ireland website for information and advice

Read more...

Age UK website

You can use this web page to find your nearest Age UK or Age Concern and the services it provides.

Read more...

Ageing & Ethnicity : BME Elders Housing Needs

Presentation given to a meeting of the Housing LIN, about the housing needs of the rising BME elderly population

Read more...

Ageing Well at Home

The simple aspiration of the majority of older people is to live safely and well at home. Most older people are happy where they live. They need either no help or ‘just that little bit of help’ to stay living independently in their ordinary home. En

Read more...

Ageing: the silver lining

The Local Government Association (LGA) Task and Finish Group on Ageing was established to explore the challenges and opportunities that an ageing population presents for local government and local communities, now and over the next 20-30 years. The Group’

Read more...

Aid for the Aged in Distress website

AID FOR THE AGED IN DISTRESS gives direct financial relief to frail elderly people in distress when they need it. We are called upon often as a last resort, to help where others cannot or will not. In recent years grants have been made to provide, or

Read more...

Air travel for people affected by chest, heart & stroke illness

Practical information for people affected by chest, heart or stroke illness who are considering air travel

Read more...

All our futures…Housing for ageing

In the Spring of 2015 leading figures from the housing and ageing sectors came together at a summit to map out the actions required to address the critical issue of housing for an ageing population. This report summarises the key messages that emerged fro

Read more...

Alternatives to Court: dealing with problems without going to court

This describes the ways of dealing with or resolving problems that don’t involve going to court. These include alternative dispute schemes. Mediation, conciliation, arbitration, grievance and complaints procedures etc

Read more...

Alzheimer’s Disease (IS1)

Information about the causes, symptoms, diagnosis & treatment of Alzheimers disease

Read more...

An Introduction into workforce issues in extra care housing

An introduction into workforce development and staffing issues in extra care. Factsheet 9

Read more...

An introduction to Ageing in Rural Areas and Extra Care Housing

Introduction to the issues facing Extra Care Housing in rural communities. It highlights the ageing of rural populations and the pressures this places on commissioners of housing with care for older people. Facthseet 12

Read more...

An Introduction to Extra Care Housing and Intermediate Care

This provides an introduction to Extra Care Housing and links with the development, implementation and delivery of Intermediate Care. Factsheet 11

Read more...

Analysis of FirstStop Local Partner Client Case Studies : Did clients benefit long term from the housing options support they received?

The aim of this piece of research is to identify the medium to long term effects of the casework undertaken by FirstStop local partner agencies with people who have been featured in case studies provided for quarterly reports. Most of these people wer

Read more...

Angina

Describes the symptoms and treatment of angina

Read more...

Anti-social behaviour in housing (Factsheet 9)

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

Read more...

Anticipating Future Accommodation Needs: Developning a consultation methodoloigy

Case Study 31 describes an innovative approach to obtaining the views of people approaching retirement about their future housing and accommodation needs.

Read more...

Approaching Retirement: A guide to tax and National Insurance contributions

This leaflet covers in general terms what most people might want to know as they start their retirement. Broadly, how much tax you pay depends on your income.

Read more...

Are housing associations ready for an ageing society?

This report was commissioned by Genesis Housing Association, whose CE Neil Hadden says: “Clearly, an ageing population is, for our sector, a business critical issue. Increasing supply is an imperative for us, which is why it is so welcome that this rep

Read more...

Arms Length Management Organisations

A practical guide to answer the most commonly asked questions by council tenants about Arms Length Management Organisations

Read more...

Arrangements for making decisions for other people (FS11)

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

Read more...

Arranging for someone to make decisions about your finances or welfare (Factsheet 22)

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

Read more...

Ask Sara

AskSARA for advice, support and products that make daily living easier. AskSARA is an award-winning online self-help guide providing expert advice and information on products and equipment for older and disabled people. AskSARA is easy to use.

Read more...

Assessment and care services from your local council

If you’re finding it difficult to manage everyday tasks at home, you have a right to ask your council’s adult social services department to assess your support needs. This factsheet explains how to ask for a care needs assessment and what support servi

Read more...

Assistive technology as a means of supporting people with dementia: A Review

To coincide with the Housing LIN’s involvement in the Prime Minister’s challenge on dementia, we have published this helpful review of how AT can support people with dementia. Co-authored by Tahir Idris and Steve Bonner, they indicate that awareness of th

Read more...

Assistive Technology in Extra Care Housing

Assistive technology can play a part in supporting people who live in extra care housing. This summarises the most common applications, gives examples, and tells where to get further information. Factsheet 5

Read more...

Association of Independent Care Advisers

Choosing the most suitable kind of care for yourself or for a relative is never simple. An Independent Care Adviser may be able to help you to decide whether to stay or move into a residential or nursing home, select the right home and weigh up how much

Read more...

Association of Independent Financial Advisers website

Website of AIFA, the trade body for independent financial advisers. From the site contact details of local advisers can be accessed

Read more...

AT HOME Audit Tool for Housing & Related Services for Older Minority Ethnic People

This toolkit has been designed to help ensure that housing and related services take account of the needs of black and minority ethnic (BME) elders. It will be particularly useful to service commisssioners and providers as well as older people from BME gr

Read more...

At Home with AT (Assistive Technology)

An evaluation of the practical and ethical implications of assistive technology and devices to support people with dementia and their carers.

Read more...

Attendance Allowance (Factsheet 34)

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

Read more...

Attendance Allowance, Disability Allowance and Extra Care Housing

Facthseet 27 provides information on AA and DLA and its use in extra care housing

Read more...

Attendance Allowance: how to make an effective claim

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.

Read more...

Avoiding scams: Smart ways to protect yourself

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

Read more...

Avoiding Slips, Trips & Broken Hips (Punjabi Version)

Information for older people in the Punjabi language about how to avoid accidential falls in the home

Read more...

Avoiding Slips, Trips and Broken Hips

Information for older people, in Chinese, about how to avoid accidental falls in the home

Read more...

Avoiding Slips, Trips and Broken Hips (Gujarati Version)

Information for older people, in Gujarati, about how to avoid accidental falls at home

Read more...

Avoiding Slips, Trips and Broken Hips (Urdu Version)

Information for older people, in Urdu, about how to avoid accidental falls at home

Read more...