Department for Work and Pensions
The PensionService publishes a comprehensive Pensioners' Guide that explains how to make the most of government help and advice to older people. Copies of the booklet, code PG1, if not available locally, can be obtained from DIAL Doncaster or by phoning the Pension Info Line 0845 7313233 (Textphone 0845 6040210). Versions of the booklet are available for Scotland and in the Welsh language and on the Internet at www.direct.gov.ukInformation and guidance included in the booklet is:
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Money and Tax:
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Disabled Pensioners and their carers.
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State Pensions.
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Enduring Power of Attorney.
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Taxable and non-taxable benefits and entitlements.
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Health and Social Services:
- NHS-funded nursing care in care homes.
- NHS Direct.
- Help with health costs for pensioners.
- Social Services.
- Support for carers.
- Direct Payments.
- A guide to disability rights and services.
- Standards in healthcare, social care and housing services.
- Keeping warm and home improvements:
- Winter fuel payments
- Cold weather payments.
- Warm Front Scheme.
- Disabled Facilities Grant.
- Energy Saving Trust.
- Fire safety in the Home.
- Learning:
- UK online centres.
- Legal Services, Crime and Security:
- Free Legal Advice and Information.
- Bogus Callers/Traders.
- Victim Support.
- Travel and Leisure, Voluntary and paid work:
- Voluntary work.
- Paid work.
- National minimum wage.
- Job Centre Plus Services.
- Travel Concessions.
- Free TV Licence for over 75's.
- Losing a Loved One:
- Making a will.
- Inheritance tax.
- Funeral payment.
- Bereavement payment.
Where to get Help and Information
Useful Contacts:
Social Care Adult Contact Team
Can help you continue to live independently in your own home. They can also, if appropriate, advise you on moving into sheltered housing or a care home.
The Service also has a number of Day Centres around the Doncaster area, catering for those who are physically frail and socially isolated. A varied range of activities may be provided and, in some centres, a hot meal is available.
Further information can be obtained from The Adult Contact Team, P.O. Box 251, The Council House, College Road, Doncaster DN1 3DA.
Tel: 01302 737 391
Fax: 01302 736 939
Minicom: 01302 737 796
E-mail: adultcontactteam@doncaster.gov.uk
Age UK Doncaster
Services provided include domiciliary cleaning for the over 55s, domiciliary respite, IT courses and day services. Day Centres are designed to offer older people the opportunity to get out and meet up with friends. At all centres, a freshly cooked two-course lunch is provided. Accessible transport provides a door-to-door service.
Details of these services can be obtained from:
Age UK Doncaster
109 Thorne Road
Doncaster DN2 5BE
Tel: 01302 812 345
Fax: 01302 812 813
or through the website noted below.
An advice and information service is available at:
Meals Services
If you are elderly or disabled, there are a number of companies that will deliver meals to your door, usually on a weekly or fortnightly basis. These meals are, usually, designed to be stored in your fridge or freezer and heated in a microwave as required.
Doncaster Communities 'Live at Home' Scheme
This scheme offers support and friendship to older people in certain areas of Doncaster. It can offer friendship and companionship and can provide help with such tasks as shopping, letter writing, accompanying on outings, etc., so long as it is not already provided by a statutory or voluntary body. Areas covered by the scheme are Warmsworth, Cantley, Edenthorpe, Askern and Norton. There are restrictions to some areas of operation.
The office, at Carr House Wesley Methodist Church, Bentinck Close, off St. James Street, is open from 9am to 1pm, Monday to Friday.
Tel: 01302 769 898.
Home Alarms
For a small weekly fee, Doncaster Council's Home Alarm Service can provide you with equipment to enable you to contact the Service at any time, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. An Operator, who is trained to deal with any emergency quickly and efficiently, can be contacted just by pressing a button on a pendant or on your telephone.
For details of the Scheme and eligibility, contact the Council's Home Alarm Liaison Officer.
Tel: 01302 737 189
Wheelchair Hire
A Factsheet is available from DIAL Doncaster (Wheelchair Hire) which gives details of companies and organisations that have wheelchairs available for hire.
Dentists/Opticians
If you are unable to make a visit or visits to your Dentist or Optician, there is a limited number who offer a home visiting service. For further details contact Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) on 01302 768 550.
Prescription Delivery Service
Services provided by most GPs and by many of the local pharmacies can enable you to obtain medicines prescribed via repeat prescriptions with the minimum of fuss and avoiding the need for long treks to doctors and chemists.
It is usually possible to phone through to your GP surgery to request a repeat prescription, or to simply take or send the form that will have been attached to your previous prescription. Many chemists will collect the new prescription from your GP and will dispense it for later collection by you. In some cases, the chemist will provide a home delivery service.
To check on the services provided, you should make enquiries at your chosen pharmacy. They will know whether these facilities are available through your own GPs surgery.
Repair and Support Service
Doncaster Council operates a domestic Repair and Support Service for adults who are unable to do the job themselves or do not have anyone else to help them. It will carry out small repairs and maintenance jobs within people's own homes and gardens, to help prevent accidents and to keep occupants safe and independent.
There is, generally, no charge for labour provided under the scheme, but you may have to pay for materials. They will carry out a wide range of jobs within or outside your home. The Service is available in the Doncaster Metropolitan Borough.
The Service can be contacted through your Health or Local Authority professional, or direct at:
North Bridge Depot
Telephone the Repair and Support Service
Tel: 01302 736 574
Tel: 01302 736 567
E-mail: yvonne.charters@doncaster.gov.uk
DIAL Disclaimer
Whilst all the information given in this fact sheet was correct at the time of going to press,
DIAL Doncaster cannot be held responsible for any subsequent changes.
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