Q & A
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My mother has mobility problems and cannot walk very far but if I park closer to the shops I am afraid I will get a parking ticket, what can I do?
Your mother may qualify for a Blue Badge (disabled parking badge). People who are in receipt of DLA, higher rate mobility component meet the criteria automatically. People receiving Attendance Allowance MAY qualify depending on information received from their G.P. Blue Badge application forms are available from the Social Services Contact Centre on 01545 574000 or you can contact your local Age Concern Ceredigion office.
I have a relative coming to stay and they need a wheelchair, is there anyway I can borrow one for a week or two?
The British Red Cross operate a medical loan scheme where people are able to borrow wheelchairs and commodes for a nominal charge. Contact your local Age Concern Ceredigion office for more information.
My mother has recently died and my father has problems preparing his own food, is there anyway he can get help?
Meals on Wheels, operated by Social Services, may be available to your father. Arrangements for delivery can be made through Social Services contact centre on 01545 574000 or contact your local Age Concern Ceredigion office.
I’m very cold in my house is there anything I can do to improve the heating?
HEES (Home Energy Efficiency Scheme) is available to people on certain benefits. HEES offers a grant of up to £3600 (£5000 for oil or solid fuel systems) for things such as loft insulation, alterations to existing heating, draught proofing etc. Referrals to the scheme can be made through your local Age Concern Ceredigion office.
My father has difficulties with things like dressing himself and bathing. Is there any help available?
Depending on your father’s age there is financial help available. For people who are under 65 there is Disability Living Allowance, for those over 65 there is Attendance Allowance. Neither of these benefits is means tested and monies can be used in any way the client wishes, including paying for personal carers. Forms can be completed for you by one of our trained Advice workers. Please contact your local Age Concern Ceredigion office for assistance.
We’re hoping to visit our daughter in America but I’m not sure if we will be able to get travel insurance because of our ages and health. Have you any suggestions as to which insurance companies we should contact?
Age Concern Trading offers a wide variety of insurances. Contact our Gwynedd office on 01286 678310.
I’m concerned about the safety of my parents’ house. How can I get it checked out by a professional?
Care and Repair offer a home safety check scheme. This is a home based visiting service to assess and advise on safety issues and issues of security within the home. To be referred to this scheme contact your local Age Concern Ceredigion office.
My mother lives on her own, I live 200 miles away and I worry about her becoming ill or falling and no-one would know. Is there any help available?
A Pendant Alarm may be the answer for you. These are available through Social Services or through Age Concern. Contact your local Age Concern Ceredigion office for more details.
I’ve got so many questions about so many things, is there one place I can go to get help?
Age Concern has a number of Fact Sheets on a variety of issues. These are available on line – follow the link – or through your local Age Concern Ceredigion office.
My mum doesn’t get out very much and would like to meet up with people for a chat. How can she do this?
There are a variety of options available to your mum. Your local Age Concern Ceredigion office can refer her to Social Services to attend one of their Day Centres, she could join one of the many Lunch Clubs that Age Concern Ceredigion run throughout the county or perhaps she would be interested in joining a local club. Whatever she decides if you contact your local Age Concern Ceredigion office we will be able to help.
If your question has not been answered here please contact your local Age Concern Ceredigion office and speak to one of our trained advisors.