Your Guide to Age UK's Services
Age UK operates as a network of national and local charities, providing a vast range of services tailored to meet the diverse needs of older people. While the national body offers overarching support, the local Age UKs deliver community-based services that are expertly adapted to their specific areas. This dual structure ensures that help is accessible, whether through a national helpline or a familiar local face.
Practical Support for Staying Independent at Home
For many older people, maintaining independence is a top priority. Age UK offers several services designed to help with daily living, allowing individuals to stay in their homes longer.
Home Help and Domestic Tasks Many local Age UKs offer a paid-for home help service, with trained and vetted staff assisting with day-to-day domestic tasks.
- Housework: General cleaning and tidying.
- Laundry: Washing and ironing clothes.
- Shopping: A home helper can do the grocery shopping for you or accompany you on a shopping trip.
- Meal Preparation: Preparing light meals or organising a meal delivery service.
Handyperson Services Local Age UKs offer assistance with small, practical jobs around the home that might become difficult with age. Examples include:
- Changing lightbulbs.
- Putting up shelves.
- Tackling minor repairs.
Home from Hospital Service For those recently discharged from hospital, some local Age UKs provide short-term practical help to ensure a safe return home, which can help prevent readmission. This might include transport home, settling in, and basic home checks.
Deep Clean and Decluttering Some local Age UKs, such as Age UK Lincolnshire, offer specialized deep cleaning and decluttering services for individuals overwhelmed by household mess. This is a sensitive and non-judgemental service aimed at restoring a safe living space.
Community and Social Connection
Loneliness and isolation are significant issues for many older people. Age UK works to foster connection and community through a variety of social services.
Befriending Services
- Telephone Friendship: This service offers a regular, weekly phone call with a trained volunteer for a friendly chat.
- In-person Befriending: Where available, volunteers can visit individuals in their homes for companionship.
Social Activities and Day Centres Local Age UKs are hubs for social events, groups, and activities.
- Day Centres: These provide a friendly and engaging environment, often including a hot meal and activities like quizzes, gentle exercise, and arts and crafts.
- Social Groups: Activities range from lunch clubs and coffee mornings to photography clubs and walking football.
Expert Information and Advice
Age UK provides expert, impartial advice on a wide range of topics, helping older people navigate complex issues and make informed choices.
Age UK Advice Line: 0800 678 1602
- A free, confidential national phone service open 365 days a year.
- Offers advice on money, benefits, care, health, housing, and legal issues.
Information on Benefits and Entitlements Through national and local channels, Age UK helps older people understand and claim benefits they are entitled to, such as Pension Credit or Attendance Allowance.
Information on Care and Housing Age UK offers guidance on finding and arranging care, whether at home or in a residential setting. They can also advise on housing options and home adaptations.
Support for Health and Wellbeing
In addition to the practical and social services, Age UK provides specialized support for health and wellbeing concerns.
Dementia Support Many local Age UKs offer community-based services for people living with dementia and their carers. These programs are designed to improve quality of life and provide crucial support. Some, like Age UK Doncaster's 'Keep in Mind' service, focus on a comprehensive, supportive approach.
Exercise and Physical Activity Classes Promoting an active lifestyle, local Age UKs run a variety of classes suitable for all fitness levels. These can include gentle exercise, walking groups, or more specific activities like walking tennis.
Foot Care Services Over 80 local Age UKs have trained workers who can provide basic foot care for older people unable to look after their feet.
How to Find Your Local Services
Since local Age UKs operate independently and services can differ, the best way to discover what's available near you is to use the official Age UK website. Find Your Local Age UK
Services Comparison: National vs. Local Age UK
| Feature | National Age UK (Advice Line) | Local Age UK (Branch Services) |
|---|---|---|
| Reach | National, UK-wide. | Specific to a local community or area. |
| Access | Primarily via phone helpline (0800 678 1602). | Varies, can be phone, website, or in-person visits to centres. |
| Main Function | Information and expert advice on a range of issues. | Delivery of practical, local, and face-to-face support services. |
| Service Examples | Benefits advice, care options, legal issues. | Home help, befriending, day centres, social activities. |
| Cost | Advice Line is free to call. | Some local services (e.g., home help) may be paid-for, while others are free. |
| Expertise | Centralised knowledge base, highly trained advisors. | Hyper-local expertise with in-depth knowledge of local resources. |
Making the Most of What's Available
Understanding the distinction between national and local services is the first step to getting the right support. By exploring the national advice lines for guidance and then connecting with your local Age UK for specific community-based programs, you can build a comprehensive support network tailored to your needs. The breadth of services, from social connection to practical home assistance and expert advice, means that Age UK is a vital resource for older people and their families. Their mission is to ensure later life is a fulfilling and independent experience for everyone.
