News and blogs document Living well - Planning ahead

It is important to think ahead and plan. To consider what you would like to happen should you or a loved one need care and support.

Most people start thinking about their living arrangements as they age and start needing additional support. Often, care and support will need to be arranged quickly, especially during times of crisis.

Planning ahead is crucial to getting the right help and support

The idea of discussing, planning or even thinking about how we can continue living at home can feel a little daunting at first. However, it is never too early to start thinking about how you or a loved one can remain living at home. Or to start the conversation and talk through your future wishes with your family.

By planning ahead, you have time to think about what support you may need. Find out how daily living aids or assistive technology could help you in the future. Check whether you are eligible for any benefits, allowances or council support. Or make small adaptions to your home.

Think about what is right for you

Everyone is different and there is a wide range of support available to help you remain living well at home. For some it will be daily living aids or small adaptions around the home with support from families and friends. Others may need additional care and support with daily tasks. There are lunch clubs and local activities in the community too.

You may want to explore different housing options , this could be extra care housing, live-in care, or moving in with a relative. It is worth remembering that social care isn’t free and most people will need to pay part or all of their care costs so it’s important to find out if you are eligible for financial support.

Over time the support you need may change, so it is important to regularly review the help and care you may need

Set up a Lasting Power of Attorney

You have a say about what happens to you and who cares for you. However, if you become unable to make decisions for yourself, you can give people you trust Lasting Power of Attorney to act on your behalf.

There are two types of Lasting Power of Attorney, Health and Welfare and Property and Financial Affairs. It is never too early to set this up and makes life much easier should you need it.

What is a lasting power of attorney?

A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a legal document that gives someone you trust the authority to make decisions on your behalf.

If you would like someone to act on your behalf for financial or for health and welfare decisions, you will need to give them Power of Attorney over your affairs.

It is important to establish a Power of Attorney while you still possess the ability to understand information and make decisions independently, a condition known as 'mental capacity'. Therefore, it's worth putting one in place early on.

There are two types of Lasting Power of Attorney. It is recommended that you set both up at the same time. Many people do this while writing or reviewing their will.

Health and welfare LPA

This gives your attorney the power to make decisions about your health and welfare, such as:

Where your live
Your day-to-day routine
Personal care and support needs
Medical treatments.

Property and financial affairs LPA

This gives your attorney the power to make decisions about your money and property, such as:

Managing your bank and building society accounts
Paying bills
Claiming, receiving, and using benefits, pensions and allowances
Buying or selling your home
Saving or making and selling investments.

If you would like to find out more about creating a power of attorney, Age UK [LB4] has information and advice on how to set up a power of attorney, the cost, who you should choose and how an attorney should make decisions.

Many people make a Lasting Power of Attorney through a solicitor at the same time they make or revise their will. Alternatively there is an online service from GOV.UK that will help you to create a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA). You can find out more about this service and current costs at make a lasting power of attorney - GOV.UK

Find out about allowances, benefits and grants

Check you are receiving all the benefits you are entitled:

Age UK
Citizens Advice
Or use the benefits calculator on GOV.UK.

You may be able to claim attendance allowance to help with extra costs if you have a health condition or disability severe enough that you need someone to support you with tasks.

If you care for someone for at least 35 hours each week and they get certain benefits you could be eligible to receive carer's allowance

You may be eligible for a disabled facilities grant from your district council if you have received a care assessment and need to make changes to your home. Your Occupational Therapist will apply for a grant if appropriate.

The Oxfordshire Advice Navigator is a free online tool that asks you questions and provides tailored information and support about debts, benefits and entitlements.

Talk to Community Links Oxfordshire

Community Links run by Age UK Oxfordshire can help you remain as independent as possible through its knowledge of local voluntary and other support organisations.

They will listen to you and talk through what could make a difference to your life. They will work with you to get the information you need, to make informed choices, and connect to activities or services that can support you in living well.

You may be eligible for other types of care and support

Depending on your situation you may be eligible for free reablement, NHS continuing healthcare or the NHS fast track process.

Reablement

If you have been in hospital or had an illness or fall [ you may be eligible for reablement [ . This is short-term support provided by a group of specialists to help you get back to being independent at home.

It is centred around helping with practical daily tasks and activities with an assessment based on what you can do now, what you aim to achieve and how we can help get you there. Free reablement care can last up to six weeks.

NHS continuing healthcare

Some people with long-term complex health needs qualify for free health and social care arranged and funded solely by the NHS. This is known as NHS continuing healthcare and you can find out more about this option on the NHS website.

The NHS Fast Track process

Is used to quickly assess and provide funding for individuals with rapidly deteriorating conditions, especially those entering end of life care. It ensures that a suitable care and support package is arranged promptly, typically within 48 hours of the assessment.