jfgpm Posted December 3, 2013 Report Share Posted December 3, 2013 HI,sad story. The husband of good friends in UK died unexpected. His wife, an old lady, is totally shocked. First she hasn't realized the situation but this will change after some time.It is a very sad story. There are no relatives left. Sure some friends but they are also not the youngest ones.At the moment everything is uncertain etc. but I would like to be prepared for everything. I am worried about her living alone in her flat in future without any real help etc. This is where you and your recommendation comes in.Her in Germany we have something like a service which takes care for old, handicapped people etc.They offer different stages of services.1. Person lifes on its own etc and has just a security system. In the case their twice a day phone call isn't responded or the person sets an alarm they will send help.2. Person can life on its own but needs help 3 times a day for body care, cooking etc....I am sure you have similar services in UK.It would be a great help if you could recommend me reliable / trustworthy societies / organizations which offer such services ! Or do you have other helpful ideas ?I hope you can help me with this.Cheers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnFreeman1310 Posted December 3, 2013 Report Share Posted December 3, 2013 My gran uses the phone call service to check her and they are also very helpful when she need any help with personal matters but that is all ran through our local council and trusts ect. If she is still aware or her surroundings and can cook clean for her self then I think option 1 would be a good thing for her to keep her independence. Hope this helps john. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TaxiDriver Posted December 3, 2013 Report Share Posted December 3, 2013 I would suggest the first point of contact might be the 'Social Services' department of her local authority ie County Council. Other organisations we have here in UK, are people like 'Age Concern', Salvation Army. Her GP's (Doctors) surgery might be able to suggest/help with recommendations to sources of help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jfgpm Posted December 4, 2013 Author Report Share Posted December 4, 2013 Hi John and TaxiDriver, thank you very much. We will visit her soon and try to find a good solution with your suggestions. THANKS A LOT Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TaxiDriver Posted December 4, 2013 Report Share Posted December 4, 2013 Just an after thought to my previous reply, Over here we have what is called the Citizens Advice Bureau or CAB for short. They provide a whole raft of free help with information on all manner of things, and would probably have some ideas on different sources of help/support for your friends. They are independant and offer a free service to everyone without prejudice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HDAV Posted December 4, 2013 Report Share Posted December 4, 2013 http://www.ageuk.org.uk/ Charity that can offer advice and help http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/wales/benefits_w/faq_index_benefits/faq_benefits_help_for_elderly_on_leaving_hospital.htm PErsonal attenance allowance means they can get a carer to come in regulalry help with chores, meals etc if required. ALso does she own the flat or is it rented? there are various assistances CAB are best to help on this but it can be difficult filling out the right paperwork etc. Other than being alone is she generally in good health? http://www.ageuk.org.uk/buy/help-at-home/age-uk-personal-alarms/ these can be useful for peice of mind. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jfgpm Posted December 5, 2013 Author Report Share Posted December 5, 2013 HI HDAV, thank you very much for your links. The flat is her husbands and now her property and she is in good health for her age. Thank you for the advice Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HDAV Posted December 5, 2013 Report Share Posted December 5, 2013 A lot of support is means tested but worth following up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jfgpm Posted December 6, 2013 Author Report Share Posted December 6, 2013 Sure Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
old rooster Posted December 6, 2013 Report Share Posted December 6, 2013 HI, sad story. The husband of good friends in UK died unexpected. His wife, an old lady, is totally shocked. First she hasn't realized the situation but this will change after some time. It is a very sad story. There are no relatives left. Sure some friends but they are also not the youngest ones. At the moment everything is uncertain etc. but I would like to be prepared for everything. I am worried about her living alone in her flat in future without any real help etc. This is where you and your recommendation comes in. Her in Germany we have something like a service which takes care for old, handicapped people etc. They offer different stages of services. 1. Person lifes on its own etc and has just a security system. In the case their twice a day phone call isn't responded or the person sets an alarm they will send help. 2. Person can life on its own but needs help 3 times a day for body care, cooking etc. ... I am sure you have similar services in UK. It would be a great help if you could recommend me reliable / trustworthy societies / organizations which offer such services ! Or do you have other helpful ideas ? I hope you can help me with this. Cheers Good to see that you are looking out for this lady, it is all too easy to assume that the system will automatically pick up on her situation but it really doesn't. When my late Mother needed help to maintain her independence it was quite a struggle to get it all sorted out with home visits and such like. People can end up "falling through the cracks" so you will probably have to do a fair bit to ensure that she gets properly helped. Let us know how you get on if you have time. Good luck!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jfgpm Posted December 9, 2013 Author Report Share Posted December 9, 2013 HI old rooster. So was my experiances here in Germany. Don't think there is much difference to the British Social -/ Healthcare system. I will. Regards Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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