Are you worried about your own or a loved one’s memory?
Please make an appointment to see your GP to talk through any of your concerns. You may be referred to the memory service for further assessment and support.
Benefits and allowances
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is available for those under 65 years of age. This is a government provided allowance for disability (non-means tested). It has 2 components, and both have 2 rates (basic and enhanced):
- First rate - Help for day to day living needs
- Second rate - Help for mobility support/needs.
To find out more about PIP visit GOV.UK (external link) or call 0800 917 2222.
Attendance Allowance for over 65s
You might qualify for an Attendance Allowance from the government). This helps with extra costs if you need someone to help look after you. The other benefits you get can increase if you get Attendance Allowance.
Carer's Allowance
Carer's Allowance is the main welfare benefit to help carers. You may still be able to claim it, even if you don't think of yourself as a carer.
If you need support to fill in the forms from the carers centre, you can call 01942 697885 or visit the Wigan and Leigh Carers Centre website (external link).
Blue badges, Council Tax and Welfare Rights
We have a team of people whose role is to maximise the income of residents of the Borough. We help people living with dementia and their families/carers by providing advice and guidance on a range of local and national benefits, such as blue badge, council tax and attendance allowance. For council tax discounts and blue badges, check out the following:
For more information call 01942 489014
Care needs assessment
If you think you, or someone you know, needs help to cope day-to-day, the first step is to get a needs assessment. When we carry out an assessment of your care needs, we will also assess your independence and wellbeing.
Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)
This is a legal document that lets you appoint one or more people to help you make decisions or to make decisions on your behalf if you cannot make your own decisions.
For help and advice on LPA see:
The Sunflower lanyard, wrist band or badge
This is a lanyard / wrist band / badge that indicates a hidden disability. It is recognised in most supermarkets, airports, buses and trains.
You can get assistance at airports for you and your group. Pick one up in a participating shop, airport, station or venue at the desk or till.
Transport and travel
For older people or those with a disability, there are a number of options that might help you get out and about, from bus passes to taxi vouchers and other transport schemes,
Water, gas and electric priority services
You can register with your water, gas and electric company to become a priority household, you will then have priority if your utilities go off or need attention.
Contact your water / gas / electric company and register with them.
Awarm
Cold homes have a huge impact on your physical health and mental wellbeing.
Living in a cold home carries a number of health risks, including asthma, flu or more serious conditions such as heart disease, stroke and depression.
AWARM Plus can help you stay healthy, safe and warm at home - Find out more about AWARM Plus.
Find a care home
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) are an independent regulator for health and social care in England. They inspect all organisations that provide health and social care services. The results of a search on their directory will tell you the rating of the care home and a link to the latest inspection report if one is available.