Enderby EYE

the village ...and beyond

Championing care for older people

10 February 2010

The UK's population is ageing rapidly, by 2033 nearly a quarter of all the country's inhabitants will be 65 or over.

In 1983 their were 600,000 people aged 85 or over - today there are more than 1.3 million, so even the elderly are getting older.

As we head into another cold snap, Blaby District Council wants to remind everybody that it is committed to ensuring its older residents are well cared for and not left out in the cold.

The Affordable Warmth scheme is about assisting those in need (mainly those in 'fuel poverty') by informing them about insulation and heating grants, encouraging them to have benefit checks to make sure they are receiving the income they are entitled to.

Loft and cavity wall insulation is free to many residents who are over 70 years-old, just call the Affordable Warmth Freephone Number on 0800 043 6320 to find out more about how they can be helped.

Minor works grants are also available to the elderly to assist with draught proofing of windows and doors and to improve central heating, just call 0116 272 7531 for more details.

These services are available to homeowners, and people living in privately rented property or social housing.

Also, since November 2009 people who are 60 or over with savings of up to £10,000 can now claim for housing and council tax benefit, this limit was previously £6,000.

This could mean people who were not previously entitled to benefits in the past may now qualify, or their current entitlement could increase.

To find out if these changes affect you please call 0116 272 7510.

Blaby District Council also has their own dedicated older person's champion, responsible for developing better services for the elderly.

Councillor Jill Blackwell (pictured left) is the current champion, she said:

"During the economic downturn we need to make sure that vulnerable people do not suffer the most.

"Our elderly residents are valued and that's why it's so important they are aware of what services are available to them so they can claim what is rightfully theirs."

If anyone would like to talk to Jill about services for older people or ideas they have to improve the quality of life for older people in their community please call 0116 278 1128.

The Council also runs an Older Persons Forum which is open to anyone to discuss services or issues affecting older people.

The next forum will be held in the Chamber of the main Council Offices in Narborough on 8th March 2010, for more information please call 0116 272 7582.

Associated links

» Blaby District Council

» Older Persons Guide to activities and services in Blaby District [.pdf document]

Comment on this item? | Top of page ^

Enderby EYE

Archive News

Championing care for older people