Business Name
Age UK Bedfordshire
Description
Age UK Bedfordshire is a local independent charity working across Bedfordshire and Luton to support older people, their families and carers. Our purpose is to help older people maintain independence, dignity, choice and quality of life, while ensuring that people have access to practical assistance, reliable information, companionship and support when they need it. Our current service portfolio includes: • Information and Advice • Home Help • Gardening • Handyperson • Key Safe Supply and Fitting • Warmer Homes • Carers Respite • Telephone Befriending • Aids and Adaptations • Signposting and referral to appropriate local and specialist services • Volunteering opportunities that directly contribute to the delivery of our services • Community support through our wider organisational activity and relationships Together, these services form a network of practical, preventative and supportive interventions. They are designed not simply to solve individual problems, but to help older people remain safe, informed, independent and connected.
How this service works
People can access Age UK Bedfordshire services in several ways, depending on their needs. Older people can contact the organisation themselves, or they can be referred or supported by a family member, friend, carer or professional. People can access services by telephone, email, in person or through the organisation’s website. For individuals who are housebound, Age UK Bedfordshire may also be able to arrange a home visit or telephone appointment.
Benefits to the user
At the heart of everything we do is the principle that older people should be treated as individuals, with respect for their choices and circumstances.
We believe that independence does not necessarily mean doing everything alone. For many older people, a relatively small amount of appropriate support can make a significant difference. Help with cleaning, gardening, a minor repair, completing a benefits form, understanding care options or having a regular telephone conversation can enable someone to continue living safely and confidently in their own home.
Our services therefore have a strong preventative emphasis.
We aim to identify difficulties before they become crises. For example, a handyperson visit may address a safety issue in the home before it contributes to a fall. Advice about benefits may increase a person's income and make it easier for them to heat their home. Gardening support may help someone continue to enjoy their garden when they can no longer manage the physical work themselves. Home Help may allow an older person to remain at home rather than needing more intensive support.
Our approach is also person-centred. The person receiving the service is central to decisions about what support is appropriate. We seek to understand what matters to them rather than assuming that every older person has the same needs.
This is particularly important because older people can face several interconnected issues at the same time. Someone seeking advice about benefits may also be struggling with heating costs. Someone receiving Home Help may be experiencing loneliness. A carer requesting respite may also need information about benefits or social care. A person asking for a handrail may have wider concerns about safety and mobility.
Our services therefore provide opportunities to identify wider needs and, where appropriate, connect people with other forms of support.
What areas are covered?
Bedfordshire and Luton