STAYING SAFE, HEALTHY AND ACTIVE

Make the most of a safe and smartretirement inLincolnshire

Directory of contacts 34 - 35

www.lincolnshire.gov.uk

Crime Prevention

04 - 08 09 - 15 16 - 17 18 - 19 20 - 23 24 - 33

GeneralHomeIssues

FireHazards

EnergyAdvice

BenefitsandMoney

Healthy and Active

GoodLifeGuide

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CRIME PREVENTIONHow to protect your home from crimeWhat should you do if a stranger comes to your door?

GENERAL HOME ISSUESBuying goods at your doorDealing with junk mail and unwanted phone callsTackling neighbour disputesTelecare - 21st century safety in the home

FIRE HAZARDSKeeping your home safe from fire

ENERGY ADVICEMaking sure you stay warm at home

BENEFITS AND MONEYUseful advice about money, tax and benefits

HEALTHY AND ACTIVEEat well to stay wellHow to avoid falls in the homeReady, steady, go!

04 - 08

09 - 15

16 - 17

18 - 19

20 - 23

24 - 33

CONTENTS

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13

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20

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Welcome

As we reach retirement we all want to feel safe

and independent in our homes.

The wide variety of topics covered in this handbook aim

to help you stay secure and healthy. This guide gives you

handy tips on how to make your home safer including

useful information about crime prevention and dealing

with unwanted callers.

In this handbook you will also find general health

advice ranging from information about suitable

exercise to hints about avoiding falls.

This publication is designed for you to keep for ongoing

reference. Please keep it handy, perhaps by your

phone, so that you can get the best use out of it.

If there is anything that you would like to find out

about that isn’t covered here we have included a

helpful directory of contacts at the back with phone

numbers of local organisations.

Supported by the Lincolnshire Health and Wellbeing Grants Fund

Some images - courtesy of Age Concern England,

Copyright © 2004-07 Age Concern

Lincolnshire Police

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How to protect your home from crime

There are many simple steps you can take to prevent your home from being burgled.

When you are planning what kind of crime prevention equipment you need for your home,

it is helpful to understand why burglars may find your home an attractive target.

CRIME PREVENTION

04

By taking a few simple inexpensiveprecautions you can protect your home.

Outside

•Don’t make it obvious that you are out or away -cancel your newspapers and milk deliveries

•Keep front hedging and fencing low so that neighbours can see unwanted visitors

•Thorny hedges make good boundary defences without looking too hostile

•Make sure all exterior doors are strong and fit laminated glass to prevent easy breakage

•Fit five-lever mortice deadlocks to all exterior doors

•DO NOT leave spare keys accessible outside or inside

•For extra security, fit bolts at the bottom and top of your doors

•If you do have a cat flap, make sure that keys, purses etc are kept well away

•Get specialist advice about securing patio doors / French windows

•Lock ALL doors when you leave the property, only if just for a few minutes

The mind of a burglarBurglars fall into two broad categories -the opportunist and the professional.

The opportunist looks for the easy wayin and out, such as open windows, milkand papers left on doorsteps, a homehidden from the street behind largebushes and easy access to garden tools.

This kind of burglar will be in and out within minutes. Sometimes theywill leave by a larger exit which enables them to make their esapequickly and easily because the ownerhas left the back door key on a nearbyhook or shelf.

The professional burglar selects theirtarget by risk assessment, working outthe quality of the burglar alarm and willprobably carry some tools such as ascrewdriver or a jemmy.

This kind of burglar will be thorough,checking for standard hidey-holes andworking out what is worth taking andwhat is not.

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CRIME PREVENTION

WindowsAlways shut windows when you leavethe house (even the little toilet one!).

Fit locks to windows, especially groundfloor windows – and use them.

Remove keys once locked and keepin a safe place (not the windowsill).

LightingDuring winter months, put lamps in the house on timer switches when you are out to make it lookoccupied in the late afternoons.

Use good, constant exteriorlighting so that unwanted visitorscan be seen by neighbours /passers-by.

Property MarkingMark property with your postcode and house number.

Where possible, do this overtly as this makes the itemeasier to trace and harder to sell, therefore less likely tobe stolen.

Use UV markers when marking overtly is not possible.

Take photographs of items such as antiques and jewelleryfor identification purposes.

Shed/GarageUse good quality latches and padlocks.

Makes sure hinges and latches are bolted on – not screwed.

Consider alarming the building – lots of valuable itemssuch as lawnmowers are kept in sheds.

DogsMany people mistakenly think that dogs act as a burglar alarm.

Some dogs bark constantly, and disguise the noise of theburglar breaking in. If the dog is locked in a room, theburglar will merely work around the rest of the premises.

For further advice contact the Crime ReductionDepartment at your local station or see the Directoryof Contacts at the back of this guide.

05

AlarmsGet specialist advice and quotesfrom several companies.

Ensure they comply with BritishStandards BS4737 (BS6707 appliesto DIY alarms).

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What should you do if a strangercomes to your door?

Most people who call at your home will be genuine. But sometimes, people turn up unannouncedwith the intention of tricking their way into your home to steal your valuables and money.

You need to be aware that there are a variety of ways that this can happen.

Somebody could knock on your door and ask to use your phone because their car has broken down. One of the most common ways of gaining someone’s attention is for a person to claim that they are from the water board and their car has been broken into. Once inside your home, they could distract you and steal your belongings.

Distraction burglaryThere are around 12,000 reportedincidents of distraction burglary everyyear - when callers get into a person'shome through false pretenses and thensteal cash or valuables while thehomeowner is distracted.

They often work in pairs - with oneperson distracting the resident while theother is rifling through their belongings.

CRIME PREVENTION

06

Be cautiousWhen a stranger rings your bell, be cautious.

Don't let anybody in unless you are expecting them.

Representatives of the water, gas and electric companies

rarely make house calls without appointments.

If there is a real gas or water emergency, police andfirefighters are likely to be present.

There are some simple precautions you can take to help ensure you don't become a victim:

•talk to people through the door, rather than opening it when they knock

•ask who they are before opening the door and use thechain on the door until you've seen their identification

•make sure your back door is closed and locked before answering your front door - sometimes one thief can enter through the back

•if a caller claims they’re from the waterboard or Anglian Water please phone 0800 145 145 to check their identity

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Ask foridentificationIf anybody comes to your door forlegitimate purposes, they will have an I.D. card from the organisationthey represent. Before you evenspeak to them, ask to see it, and use the chain on the door while you look it over.

If you need glasses in order to readthe card, close and lock the doorbefore going to get them.

Never leave the door open and

unattended.

CRIME PREVENTION

Lock, stop, chain, checkThis is a government campaign for dealing with bogus callers.

Lock – make sure your back door is locked before you go to the front door

Stop – ask yourself “Am I expecting anyone?” – if theperson calling is from a legitimate organisation they won’tmind if you want to check who they are

Chain – secure the door with a door chain beforeopening it

Check – ask for the caller’s identity – if you are in anydoubt, don’t let them in

Remember: - it will only be on rare occasions such as an emergency, that representatives from a bona fideorganisation will call without making an appointment first.

If you can’t remember making an appointment or if youhave any doubt at all about the person’s identity then

ask for an identity card with contact details on it sothat you can phone and check who they are.

You should not use phone numbers fromidentity cards, but should find the appropriate number yourself in the phonebook - the offenders could have a friend atthe end of the phone pretending to befrom that organisation.

07

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Report bogus callersIf you think that a bogus callerhas been to your home reportit to the police by calling 999.

CRIME PREVENTION

08

Security measuresArrange for a door bar or chain to be fitted if youhaven’t already got one. These act as a useful barrierwhen you are talking to unexpected callers. You canalso get a spy hole fitted so that you can check who isat the door before deciding to open it.

It is possible to get other equipment to assist in thisarea such as a memo minder so that when an olderperson or vulnerable member of the communitygoes to answer the door a recorded message isplayed back to them from a friendly voice forexample, “Don’t forget to put the chain on, Mum!”

Lincolnshire County Council operates a Telecarescheme which is a unit that automatically contacts acontrol centre when you need help. The unit worksusing a range of sensors.

One of the pieces of Telecare equipment that could be useful for crime prevention is the boguscaller button.

For more details about this equipment, please see the Telecare section in this guide and the directory of contacts at the back.

PasswordsMany gas, water and electricitycompanies now have a passwordsystem for older and vulnerablecustomers.

Customers give the company a word which is confidential to them so that when the company’srepresentative calls they are expectedto use the password.

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GENERAL HOME ISSUES

Do not agree for work to becarried out until you havehad a second opinion toconfirm that you need thework done.

Do not agree to any workwhere the caller says that hiscompany is only in the area today.

If you buy goods or services from adoorstep seller and you did notinvite them to call, then you mayhave a short period of time tocancel the contract after it has beensigned. Keep all the paperwork in asafe place.

Generally, if the goods or servicescost more than £35, the tradermust serve you a notice of yourcancellation rights, a printeddocument giving you details of how to cancel the contract.

09

Buying goods at your doorWhen someone sells you goods or services in your home or on your doorstep this is known

as doorstep selling. Don’t be pressurised into buying goods at your door.

It can be convenient to buy on the doorstep – but you may feel that you are being forced into

buying something that you do not want or that is not good value for money by a salesperson

using clever sales tactics.

If this happens you are not always protected by the law.

Advice on how to deal withdoorstep traders

Do not agree to any work

where the caller saysthat his company is

only in the area today

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GENERAL HOME ISSUES

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•Any work carried out must be of a reasonable quality and be completed within a reasonable time limit.

•Do not pay any money unless you are satisfied it is of a good standard. Before you pay the bill ask a neighbour, friend or relative to look at the work and confirm that it is of the quality expected.

•Do not accept transport from the tradesperson to your bank or building society to withdraw money for the work.

•Do not feel pressurised into having the work carried out immediately.

•Lincolnshire Home ImprovementAgency operates a handyperson schemeto tackle small jobs in the home forolder people and those with a disability

in Boston, Lincoln, West Lindsey, NorthKesteven, South Kesteven and South

Holland districts.

If you’re over 60 and on a means tested benefit, youcould qualify for a free service up to the value of £250covering both parts and labour.

To find out more or to arrange a service, phone 01427 676205or email handyperson@lincshia.org

For more details about any of these matters, contact Trading Standards or Consumer Direct for advice using the directory of contacts at the back of this guide.

If you live in Lincoln, please contact Age Concernabout their Preferred Traders Register on 01522 696000.

Choosing a reliabletradesperson

•If you need any work carrying out in your home the best way to choose a reliable tradesman is by asking for recommendations from your neighbours, family and friends.

•Do not agree for work to be carried out until you have obtained at least three written quotes from similar businesses. Make sure the quotes state what work will be carried out, the fully inclusive price and when the work will start and be completed.

Check thetradesperson’s

insurance cover

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GENERAL HOME ISSUES

To reduce the amount of personallyaddressed junk mail coming throughyour door contact:

The Mailing Preference ServiceFreepost 29 LON20771LONDON W1E 0ZT

Phone: 0845 7034599

or look at the websitewww.mpsonline.org.uk

Allow at least four months before yousee a reduction in the mail you receive.

Put a notice in your window or next toyour letterbox stating that leaflets arenot welcome.

To reduce the amount of unaddressedleaflets that are delivered by the RoyalMail, contact:

Royal Mail Door to DoorOpt-OutKingsmead HouseOxpens RoadOxford OX1 1RX

Phone: 08457 950950

To reduce the amount of unwanted telephone sales calls contact:

The Telephone Preference ServiceDMA House70 Margaret Street London W1W 8SS

Phone: 0845 070 0707

www.tpsonline.org.uk

It will take up to 28 days for the telephone calls to be reduced.

If within the 28 days you receive an unwanted telephonesales call, obtain an address for the caller and send arecorded delivery to the company to request that they stoptelephoning you.

Advise the company that any further calls from them will be reported to the Telephone Preference Service (TPS).

If you continue to receive unwanted calls after 28 days, youcan complain to the Telephone Preference Service either bytelephone or visiting their website where you can completea complaints form.

TPS will then investigate the complaint. All complaints arethen passed onto the Information Commissioner’s Office at www.informationcommissioner.gov.uk who may decide to enforce the regulations.

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Dealing with junk mail and unwanted phone calls

If you want to stop unsolicited mail and phone calls from companies trying to sell you

things, there are basic steps that you can take.

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Tackling neighbour disputesPeople’s lives can be made a misery if they have problems with their neighbours. These can range

from noise such as barking dogs or late night loud music to overgrown hedges and trees.

Most of the time it is best to nip these issues in the bud by having a friendly word with those causing

the problem. If this doesn’t work then there are many courses of action you can take.

Mediation servicesBefore registering a formal complaint itis a good idea to try talking to yourneighbour about the problem. If youfind this daunting or would like somesupport, various community mediationservices are available. Mediation UK is anational voluntary organisation whichaims to help resolve conflicts incommunities. Please see the directoryof contacts at the back of this guide forcontact details.

GENERAL HOME ISSUES

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Tackling noise nuisanceIt is best to try and resolve the problem early on by talking to whoever is responsible for the noise. It is also important to establish the facts - make arecord of where the noise is coming from, at whattime, and the reasons for it. Some local councils willgive you a noise record sheet to note the problems.

It is usually the environmental health departmentthat deals with noise issues. They will give youpractical advice and might suggest using MediationUK to help resolve the dispute.

Noise from traffic and businessesNoise pollution from trade, industrial and business

premises such as noisy machinery, pubs and clubs isdealt with similarly to that from domestic premises.

If you are having problems with noise from roadtraffic or railways you may be eligible for a noiseinsulation grant from your local council. Contact them for more details using the directory of contacts section at the back of this guide.

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GENERAL HOME ISSUES

What happens next?Your local council will assess yourcomplaint of noise nuisance basedon whether it is 'reasonable',bearing in mind the locality, how often noise occurs and how many people are affected.

If the local council thinks the noise is a statutory nuisance,they will serve an abatement notice on the neighbour. Anabatement notice will set out what is required of yourneighbour. For instance, if the issue is loud music, they maybe asked to stop the noise outright, or be asked to just playmusic between set times.

In some cases, the council may not need to prove astatutory nuisance where the premises hold a publicentertainment licence. Action can be taken against premises

that operate outside of their licensing agreement.

PenaltiesThe maximum penalty for non-compliance with thenotice is £5,000 for domestic premises and £20,000for industrial, trade or business premises. In extreme

cases, prosecutions can be made for anti-socialbehaviour, if the police have enough evidence.

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Complainingabout dogs that barkDogs bark naturally - however, constant barking, whining or howling can be disturbing and annoying for neighbours.

You can make a complaint to your local council about a dog that is disturbing you, or causing a nuisance, because of its barking. Usually the environmental health department will handle your complaint.

Hedges and trees

First talk to your neighbour to see if you can come to anagreement. If that doesn’t work, then contact your

local council.

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What is Telecare?The simplest example of Telecare is a telephone unit

which automatically contacts a monitoring centre when

you need help. We have a wide variety of sensors that link

wirelessly to the unit to identify the help you need.

What kind ofsituations canTelecare help in?

•It can raise an alarm if you have fallen

•It can remind you to take medication

•It can reassure family/carers that you are ok

•It can help you feel secure in your home.

•It can help locate someone if they are prone to getting disorientated outside

GENERAL HOME ISSUES

14

Whathappens if the Telecareequipment detects a problem?A member of the monitoring centre staff will try to talk toyou to resolve the situation. If this isn’t possible then theycan contact someone you know such as a relation, carer,neighbour or friend.

If there is a major problem then the emergency serviceswill be contacted.

Who is Telecare suitable for?The service is helpful to older people who want a littleextra help to remain independent. Also for disabled people of all ages who may be new to independent livingor have just come out of hospital and need extra supportand reassurance.

Does it matter where I live?Telecare is available to people who live within LincolnshireCounty Council boundaries. It is not available for peoplewho live in nursing or residential homes as the aim is tohelp people remain independent.

Telecare – 21st century safety in the home

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GENERAL HOME ISSUES

How much will it cost?The equipment is loaned free ofcharge. For extremely vulnerablepeople who meet certain criteria themonitoring service is also free. Forothers the cost of the monitoring is just £1.50 a week. Daily Wellbeingchecks are an extra £1.50 a week.

What happens next?

If you think Telecare can help you then contact your health or social care professional such as nurse,occupational therapist or social worker. They should have up to date information on what is available.

If you do not have any help at present then please contact us using the details on the back of this leaflet.

I have complex health needs - can Telecare help?Vital signs monitoring for people who have long term heathconditions is available. You need to speak to yourcommunity matron or specialist nurse.

Contact details

For further information on Telecare

Phone: 01522 782155

Email: telecare@lincolnshire.gov.uk

Or look at our websitewww.lincolnshire.gov.uk/telecare

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Keeping your home safe from fireThere are some simple steps you can take to prevent accidental fires from happening in your home.

In the kitchenKeep your cooker as clean as possible;don’t let grease or fat build up in the grill pan.

Don’t leave your cooking unattended.Don’t answer the door or phonewithout turning off the cooker first.

Don’t overfill your chip fryer with oil –one third full is enough. Make sure thepotatoes are dry before cooking them.

Never hang washing, tea towels, ovengloves or similar items over the cookerto dry.

In the bedroomHave your electric blanket serviced every year. If it ismore than 10 years old, it is strongly recommendedthat you replace it with a new one with anOVERHEAT PROTECTION device.

FIRE HAZARDS

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Electrical safety

•Switch off and, if possible, unplug electrical items that are not being used at night.

•Have all plugs checked for the correct fuse.

•Don’t overload sockets. Use a good quality fused adapter.

•Don’t route flex or cables under rug or carpets - they

could fray and cause a fire.

Heaters and firesNever dry clothes on a heater or near an open fire.

Sit at least three feet away from a heater or fire.

Don’t place portable heaters too close to furniture or other flammable items.

Never use petrol or paraffin to light a fire.

Always use a fireguard.

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FIRE HAZARDS

And remember…

Before going to bed at night, goaround the house to check that

everything is switched off and thatany cigarettes are extinguished.

Close the doors of rooms that are notoccupied at night so that the spread of any fire will be held back.

For more fire safety tips contact your fire preventionofficer by using the directory of contacts section at theback of this guide.

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Smoke alarmsHave a smoke alarm fitted to eachfloor of your house. Contact yourlocal fire station if you need helpor advice on installation.

Have the battery changed once ayear – write it on your calendar toremind you, or choose a particulardate such as a birthday.

Press the button to test it everymonth. If you can’t reach it, use abroom handle or something similar.Don’t climb on anything to reach it.

If you do have a fire, get

out of the house and call the fire

brigade

Smoking

•Smoking is the single most likely cause of a fatal fire in the home.

•Never smoke in bed or when you are tired.

•Make sure the contents of ashtrays are fully extinguished and emptied last thing at night.

•Don’t leave a burning cigarette – not even in an ashtray.

•Keep cigarettes, matches and

lighters away from

children.

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Making sure you stay warmAs we get older it is important that we keep the cold at bay for our general health. Here is some advice about how to stay warm and use energy in the most efficient way.

Keeping warm

During the cold winter months peopleneed to keep warm to stay healthy.

It is best to wear a number of layers of thinclothing. Eat at least one hot meal a day andhave regular hot drinks throughout the day.

Try to heat all the rooms you will be usingduring the day to 21ºC (70ºF). If that isn’t possible, make sure your livingroom is warm during the day and warmyour bedroom and bed before going tosleep at night.

Heating your home is easier and cheaperif the property is insulated and yourheating system works properly.

Simple insulation measures you cantake include draught-proofing doorsand windows, insulating the loft andlagging the hot-water tank and pipes.

Check your heating system worksproperly and have it serviced once a year.Make sure that you can work the controlsand know the setting to get the level ofheat you want.

Warm frontThe Warm Front scheme offers heating and insulationgrants to homeowners and private tenants aged over60. Eligibility is means-tested and if you do not qualifyfor a grant, you may qualify for a smaller rebateagainst the cost of heating and insulation work. Seepage 22 for more details.

Help with fuel paymentsMost people aged 60 or over are entitled to theWinter Fuel Payment, paid by the Government toassist with heating costs. Those who have receivedthis benefit in previous years will get the paymentautomatically.

If you have not received the payment before, contactthe Winter Fuel Payment helpline for further details.

If you get Pension Credit GuaranteeCredit you may receive an

extra cold-weather paymentduring long periods of cold temperatures.

If you are having difficultypaying your fuel bills and

are over 60, ask yoursupplier to put you on its

priority service register.

ENERGY ADVICE

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Companies should not disconnect

all-pensionerhouseholds during the winter months

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ENERGY ADVICE

Simple energyefficiency stepsWe can all save energy by makinga few small changes.

•Check your heating is no higher than you need

•A reduction of 1°C in room temperature can save £40 per year

•If your water is too hot then switch your cylinder thermostat. It should not need to be higher than 60°C (140°F)

•Turn the lights off when you leave a room

•Do not leave appliances on standby or recharging for longer than is necessary

•Only boil as much water as you need

•Use half-load settings

•Fix leaking taps

•Switch to energy-saving light bulbs. These last up to 12

times longer thanordinary bulbs

and can saveup to £100 over the

lifetime ofthe bulb

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Choosing an energy supplierYou can now choose who supplies your gas and electricity.

If you decide to change from your current supplier you willreceive the same gas and electricity, but you will be billedby a different company.

You could be contacted in a number of ways to see if youwant to change suppliers; by phone, direct mail, doorstepselling or adverts. You do not have to change if you don’twant to.

Each supplier is required to produce and comply with acode of practice setting out their services for older,disabled and chronically sick customers. Ask to see thisbefore you change suppliers.

Remember to ask questions before making the decision tochange companies.

These could include:

•What methods of payment are there?

•How often will I receive the bills?

•How do I end the contract?

•Is there a standing charge?

For further information about any of these issues pleasesee the directory of contacts at the back of this guide.

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Useful advice about money, tax and benefits

Many older people are entitled to benefits that they haven’t claimed. Nationally, more than £2 billion in council tax benefit goes unclaimed every year.

The benefits system can be confusing but there is help out there for you. Your local councildeals with housing and council tax benefits. The Benefits Agency deals with a whole range of other welfare benefits.

People’s circumstances are alwayschanging – you could have been refusedbenefits in the past, but you could beentitled to them in the future. Youshould check regularly with the BenefitsAgency and your local council to see ifyou are now eligible.

The Pension Service, which is part of the Department for Work and Pensions, helps both pensioners andyounger people who are planning fortheir retirements.

For people who may have foundthemselves with money problems thereis the National Debtline which providesfree, confidential and independentadvice on dealing with debt.

Other organisations that can helpinclude the Citizens Advice Bureaux and Age Concern.

For more details about how to get intouch with these agencies please seethe directory of contacts at the back of this guide.

Benefits and tax allowances in retirement

To help you manage in retirement, you may beable to get certain benefits on top of any StatePension you're entitled to. Some of these benefitsare age-related, others depend on your income. Tax allowances are also more generous from the age of 65 if your income is below a certain level.

BENEFITS AND MONEY

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BENEFITS AND MONEY

Basic StatePensionThe State Pension age is 65 for menand 60 for women born on orbefore 5 April 1950. This willincrease for women born after 5April 1950 from 60 to 65 between2010 and 2020. Eligibility dependson your National Insurancecontributions. You can choose toclaim your basic State Pension assoon as you reach the qualifyingage, or to delay claiming and getmore later on.

The additional State Pension is also known as the State SecondPension. This used to be known asthe State Earnings-Related PensionsScheme or SERPS pension. Eligibility is based on a combinationof your earnings from employment,and National Insurancecontributions you have made orbeen credited with. You may alsobe eligible through other factors,such as a disability or becauseyou've spent time caring forsomeone. If you qualify, you'llautomatically get the additional State Pension when you claim your basic State Pension.

Over 80 pensionIf you're aged 80 or over and have little or no StatePension, you may be able to claim the Over 80 Pension.

Pension CreditIf you're aged 60 or over you can apply for Pension Credit to top up yourincome to a weekly minimum.

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Winter Fuel PaymentYou may be able to claim a payment to help with fuel bills if you're aged 60 or over. There is also an extra £100 for eligiblehouseholds that include someone aged 80 or over.

Cold Weather PaymentYou may be eligible for a Cold WeatherPayment to help with extra heatingcosts during periods of very coldweather. Payments are madeautomatically – you don't need to claim.

Warm Front GrantIf you're on a low income you may be able to claimup to £2,700 or in some cases £4,000 for heatingimprovements to your home. Please see theEnergy Advice section on page 18 in this guide for more information on these matters.

Attendance AllowanceYou can get Attendance Allowance if you're aged65 or over and need help with personal carebecause of an illness or disability.

Carer’s AllowanceIf you look after someone who's severely disabled,

you may be able to claim Carer's Allowance. If you're severely disabled, someone wholooks after you may be able to claim Carer's Allowance.

Christmas bonusIf you get certain benefits, including a State Pension, you'll get an extra £10 at Christmas.

BENEFITS AND MONEY

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BENEFITS AND MONEY

Funeral PaymentA Funeral Payment can help with the cost of a simple funeral for someone close to you if you are responsible for arranging the funeral.

Housing BenefitIf you're on a low income andpaying rent, you may be able toclaim Housing Benefit.

Council Tax BenefitYou may also be able to claimCouncil Tax Benefit if you're on alow income.

Free bus travelFrom the age of 60 you qualify for a free bus pass from your local council.

Free eye tests, perscriptions and help with other health costsIf you're aged 60 or over you may be entitled to help with various health costs, including prescriptions, eye tests and dental treatment.

TV licence reduction feeYou can get a free television licence ifyou're aged 75 or over – and pay

a reduced fee when renewing between age 74 and 75.

War Widow’s or Widower’s Pension

You can claim a tax-free pension if your husband, wife or civil partner died because of war service orreceived a War Pension or related allowance.

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Eat well to stay wellEating a varied diet goes a long way to helping us to keep well. Here are some tips about how to make sure you eat enough of the right kinds of food.

Starch and fibreMake sure you're eating plenty of foodsrich in starch and fibre such as bread,rice, pasta, cereals and potatoes.

They are low in fat as well asbeing good sources of otheressential nutrients such asprotein, vitamins andminerals. The fibre fromthese helps to prevent constipation which reduces the risk of some common disorders in the intestine.

However, don't sprinkle raw bran on your food to increase fibre as this may prevent you absorbing some important minerals.

IronEating lots of food such as red meat, oily fish, greenvegetables and pulses will help keep up your body'sstore of iron.

It's a good idea to avoid drinking tea or coffee withiron-rich meals because this might affect how muchiron the body absorbs from food.

Vitamin CFruit and brightly coloured vegetables such as peppers,

and tomatoes are all good sources of vitamin C. This can help the body

absorb iron.

Vitamin A Having too much vitamin A can

increase the risk of bonefracture. It is best to

avoid eating liver, liverpâté and othersources of vitamin A

more than once a week.

If you do eat liver regularlyavoid taking any

supplements containingvitamin A or fish liver oils.

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Other good sources of fibre

include oats, beans, peas, lentils, fruit and vegetables.

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CalciumCalcium-rich foods are important for keeping bones healthy andreducing the risk of fractures especiallyin older people, especially women.

Good sources of calcium are dairyproducts such as milk, cheese andyoghurt, as well as canned fish withbones, such as sardines; and greenleafy vegetables, for example,broccoli and cabbage.

Eating lessAs people get older they tend to eat less because they are not so physically active.

It is not unusual to find it difficult to tolerate the meals youused to eat. If this is the case eat a little and often andmake sure you drink plenty. Eat at least three times a day.

If you don’t like cooking eat tinned, chilled and frozen ready-prepared meals.Always make sureyou heat chilled andfrozen food until it'spiping hot all the way through. It is also a good idea to have astore of foods in thefreezer andcupboard in caseyou are unableto go out.

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Vitamin D Vitamin D helps us to have strongbones. Most vitamin D is absorbedthrough our skin from summersunlight, but can also be found inoily fish, eggs and foods with addedvitamins such as some breakfastcereals and margarines.

Weight issuesBeing overweight can affect your mobility and qualityof life. It also increases your risk of suffering fromconditions such as heart disease and diabetes.However, sudden weight loss is also unhealthy andcould be a sign of a problem. Please see your doctor if you are concerned.

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TeethDental health can affect nutritionalhealth. Make sure you visit your dentistregularly to keep your teeth in goodcondition. If you are having problemschewing then you may want to tryeating tinned or stewed fresh fruit andvegetables, which are still good sourcesof nutrients.

SaltOn average, you should aim to keep your salt intake to less than 6g per day. Be aware of the salt content of ready-prepared foods and avoid adding salt to your foodwhen cookingand at thetable.

Food safetyMillions of people each year suffer from food poisoning.

By following some simple advice you can lessen your chances of becoming ill.

•Meat – keep raw meat away from other food. Wash your hands and cooking implements after you have been in contact with raw meat

•Make sure meat such as chicken, burgers and sausages are thoroughly cooked in the middle

•Clean your kitchen surfaces often

•Make sure you read packets so that you know where and how long something should be stored for

•Food such as flour and sugar can be infested by pests if stored incorrectly. Seal bags up properly or put the contents into clean airtight containers

•Do not refreeze defrosted food

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Keep your salt intake to less than 6g

per day

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How to avoid falls in the home Older people can be susceptible to falls. These are easy to prevent by taking a few

simple precautions.

Falls can be caused by weak muscles and poor balance. To make yourself fitter take part in

regular physical activity. See the Ready, Steady Go! section for more details.

If you haven’t exercised for a while youshould speak to your family doctor.Start gently and progress slowly.

People who have had a fall may befearful of starting exercise, but ifyou restrict your activity you mayincrease the chances of another fall.

Many complications after a fall suchas hypothermia and pneumoniahappen because people cannot getup even if they have not injuredthemselves. Try using furniture tohelp yourself.

When you get out of bed, or off achair after a long sit, it is a good ideato do it in slow stages. You could alsoraise the head of the bed with awedge pillow.

When you go to the toilet in the night,turn on a light rather than use a torch. If you need to stoop, hold onto something secure.

Have regular eye check-ups and foot care.

Ask your family doctor to review your medication on a regular basis – let your GP know if your pills make you dizzy.

Never mix alcohol with medication because this can cause loss of balance.

Ask your familiy doctor about getting a 'flu' jab. Illnesses such as influenza could make you prone to falling.

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Ensure that your diet contains enoughcalcium and vitamin D to keep yourbones strong and reduce the risk of afracture. Please see the Eat well tostay well section in this guide formore details.

Avoid wearing loose-fitting or open-backed slippers, sandals, shoeswith heels, flared trousers, trailingnightdresses or other footwear orclothing that might cause you to slip or trip.

Separate glasses forreading anddistance are saferthan bifocals or vari-focals.

Small changes in your homecan help reduce accidents

• Fit a letterbox cage so you don’t have to stoop to pick up letters

•Use brighter light bulbs to make it easier to see hazards

•Use long-life bulbs so you don’t have to change them so often

•Highlight the edge of steps with non-slip white paint to make them more visible

•Try to avoid having trailing wires and clutter on the floor

•Use non-slip mats under rugs and in the kitchen and bathroom

•Install handrails by the toilet, bath and stairs to help you balance

•Removing or repairing frayed carpet edges will make them less of a hazard

•Think about storing frequently used items in areas where it is easy to access them

•Use a sturdy set of non-slip steps - this is safer than standing on a chair

• Spread salty sand on wet or icy steps to make them less slippery

•Mop up spills immediately

• Install extra telephone extensions so that you don’t have to rush to the phone

•Get a personal fall alarm to reassure you. See the section on Telecare in this guide for more details

•Keep your home warm - cold muscles work less efficiently and can increase the chance of accident

• If you have a pet that gets under your feet consider fitting a brightly coloured collar to make it more visible

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Try to get help for chores such

as changing curtainsor light bulbs

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What to do if you do have a fallDon’t panic! If you have hurtyourself or feel pain, try to gethelp before moving. If you cannotget help then try to get up bycrawling to a sturdy chair andgetting up from your knees, usinga chair for support, and sit on itfor a while before standing.

If you cannot get up, try to keepwarm by finding somethingnearby to use as a blanket andtensing your leg and arm musclesregularly to produce heat.

Try to contact a neighbour bybanging on a wall or floor. If possible phone the emergencyservices, a friend or relative.

Tell your family doctor after any fall, especially if youwere unable to get up off the floor on your own.

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Ready, steady, go!We all know that taking part in physical activity can improve our health and quality of life.Even if you haven’t exercised for years, it’s never too late to start.

What are the benefits?Physical activity can mean anything fromeveryday tasks like cleaning the house,

gardening or walking the dog,through to specific exercise

like keep fit, swimming,golf, football or tennis.

Some of the benefits of keeping active include:

•A reduced risk of developing a life-threatening disease

•A greater likelihood of maintaining or reaching a healthy weight

•A greater sense of well-being

•Improved sleep and increased day-time vitality

If you stay physically active, you're alsolikely to stay independent longer.Exercise can make you stronger. You'llfeel more confident and involved in life.

If you haven’t exercised for a while andwould like to start, it's a good idea totalk to your doctor first. Your localdoctor is also a good place to start tolearn about exercise for your health.

What might happen if I don’t exercise?

Inactivity puts you at greater risk of:

•Heart disease

•Some cancers

•Diabetes

•Osteoporosis, leading to fractures (half the number of hip fractures could be avoided with regular physical activity)

•Obesity and related health problems

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Getting startedIf you haven't done any exercise foryears – and it's estimated that fourout of ten people over 50 do littleor no exercise – then start gentlyand build up gradually.

Thirty minutes of moderateexercise a day is what the expertsrecommend. It can be all in one halfhour, or split into three periods often minutes.

Begin with a short five minute walkin your local park and build up

slowly to the full 30 minutes.

Age guidelinesIf you're aged between 50 and 70, half an hour ofmoderate physical activity is beneficial – aim to build yourstrength, flexibility and balance.

If you're over 70, exercise can be gentler with the focus on maintaining your flexibility. Even if you're in your 80s or 90s, regular, gentle exercise can help retain muscle strength and improve mobility.

Daily activitiesIt's easy to boost your physical activity without makinghuge changes to your lifestyle. You can begin byincorporating it into your everyday life with little effort or planning. You can:

•Walk upstairs – don't use the lift or escalator

•Get off the bus or train a stop or two earlier to walk home or to work

•Spend more time enjoying active interests, like gardening or golf

•Leave the car at home more

•Clean the car or do the vacuuming

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Organised activitiesThere are lots of other ways ofstaying fit. You could take up dancing,a weekly exercise class such as pilatesor yoga, play bowls, go swimming,walk or cycle.

Locally many opportunities areavailable for older people:

South HollandWalking your way to health, a scheme aimed at

encouraging people to get fit easily.Phone: 01775 764826 for more details.

For information about other activitiestargeted at older people such asswimming and bowling please contact:Castle Sports Complex, Albion Street, Spalding. Phone: 01775 762178.

East LindseyVarious activities for the over 50sare held at the following pools:

Skegness Embassy, Horncastle, Louth and at theSkegness Sports Centre. Phone 08446 601111 for more details.

South KestevenFor the council’s HealthyCommunities website please look at:

www.southkesteven.gov.uk/Healthy

For more details please emailhealthy@southkesteven.gov.uk or phone 01476 406300.

West LindseyWest Lindsey District Council

organises a range of activities for older people whichtake place across the district.

For further information contact the Cultural and Community Development Team on 01427 676609.

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LincolnThe City of

Lincoln Council runs an Active Over 50’s project which aims toencourage older people to adopt a healthy and active lifestyle.

For more details:

Phone 01522 873581Email get.active@lincoln.gov.ukor look at www.lincoln.gov.uk

BostonGeoff MoulderLeisure PoolComplex holds

a variety of sessions for all agesincluding the 50 plus club. For more details, please phone01205 363483.

Boston Borough Council has an over 50’s section on its website www.boston.gov.uk

NorthKestevenThe districtcouncil

provides numerous activities that are suitable for all ages. For further information please phone 01529 414155.

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AdviceCitizen’s Advice BureauxPhone: 08444 994199Website:www.citizensadvice.org.uk

Help The Aged SeniorLine Phone: 0808 8006565

Age Concern in LincolnshireAge Concern has four branchescovering Lincolnshire.

Services they provide includeinformation and advice;volunteering and befriendingservices, a range of socialactivities and home support.

For more details about what Age Concern provides in yourlocal area please contact yourlocal office.

Age Concern Boston & South Holland County Hall,Market Place,BOSTON,Lincolnshire PE21 6DYPhone: 01522 554995 Fax: 01522 554331 Email: acbsh@btconnect.com

Age Concern Kesteven Council Offices,Eastgate,SLEAFORD,Lincolnshire NG34 7EBPhone: 01529 302843Fax: 01529 303399Email: ageconcern.kesteven@tesco.net

Age Concern LincolnPark Street 50+ Activity CentreLincoln LN1 1UQPhone: 01522 527694Fax: 01522 567212

Head Office23 Sixfield Close,Lincoln LN6 0EJPhone: 01522 696000Fax: 01522 693125Email:info@ageconcernlincoln.co.uk

Age Concern Lindsey The Old School House,Manor House Street,HORNCASTLE,Lincolnshire LN9 5HFPhone: 01507 524242Fax: 01507 525242 Email: info@ageconlin.co.uk

Age Concern Spalding District John van Geest Day Centre,1 The Meadows,SPALDING,Lincolnshire PE11 1XRPhone: 01775 720305Fax: 05601132869Email: info.ageconcern@btconnect.com

Consumer rightsConsumer Direct/ TradingStandardsPhone: 0845 404 05 06

CouncilsYour district, borough or citycouncil provides a range ofservices such as housing,environmental health and leisure.The main switchboard phonenumbers are:

Boston Borough CouncilPhone: 01205 314200

East Lindsey District CouncilPhone: 08446 601111

City of Lincoln CouncilPhone: 01522 881188

North Kesteven District CouncilPhone: 01529 414155 or 01522 699699

South Kesteven District CouncilPhone: 01476 406080

South Holland District CouncilPhone: 01775 761161

West Lindsey District CouncilPhone: 01427 676676

For general advice on localgovernment services there is anational websitewww.direct.gov.uk

Crime preventionCrime reduction advice Phone: 01522 558399Email: besafe.besecure@lincs.pnn.police.ukWebsite: www.lincs.police.uk

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DIRECTORY OF CONTACTS

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Energy adviceEnergywatchPhone: 08459 060708Text phone: 18001 08459 060708Website:www.energywatch.org.uk

Winter fuel payment hotlinePhone: 08459 151 515Text phone: 0845 601 5613

Warm frontPhone: 0800 316 6011Text phone: 0800 072 0156

Falls preventionRoyal Society for the Preventionof Accidents (RoSPA) Phone: 0121 248 2000

Fire preventionCommunity Fire SafetyDepartment Phone: 01522 582257Email: cfs@lincoln.fire-uk.orgWebsite:www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/lfr

Mediation servicesUK MediationPhone: 01773 822222Website: www.ukmediation.net

Money and benefitsNational DebtlinePhone: 0808 808 4000 Website:www.nationaldebtline.co.uk

Pension service national helplinePhone: 08456 060 265 Text phone: 08456 060 285 Website:www.thepensionservice.gov.uk

Housing & Council Tax Benefits North KestevenPhone: 01529 414155

South Holland District CouncilPhone: 01775 761161

East Lindsey District CouncilPhone: 01507 609333

South Kesteven District CouncilPhone: 01476 406262

West Lindsey District CouncilPhone: 01427 676676

City of Lincoln CouncilPhone: 01522 873355

Boston Borough CouncilPhone: 01205 314460

Social care servicesLincolnshire County CouncilAdult Social CarePhone: 01522 782155Website:www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/socialservices

TravelBlue badge schemePhone: 01522 550782Email: DisabledCarParking@lincolnshire.gov.ukWebsite:www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/bluebadge

Concessionary travel schemesNorth Kesteven District CouncilPhone: 01529 414155 or01522 699699

South Holland District CouncilPhone: 01775 761161

East Lindsey District CouncilPhone: 08446 601111

South Kesteven District CouncilPhone: 01476 406370

West Lindsey District CouncilPhone: 01427 676676

City of Lincoln CouncilPhone: 01522 873700

Boston Borough CouncilPhone: 01205 314460

TelecarePhone: 01522 782155Website:www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/telecare

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Date published: July 2008 Reference: ASC015 www.lincolnshire.gov.uk

Lincolnshire County Council 01522 554063

This information can be provided in another language or format.For all enquiries please contact the above number.

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