Each year, billions of pounds of
benefits are left unclaimed by older people. At
Independent Age, we review all of the people we support to make
sure they receive the state benefits they are entitled to. We also
point them in the direction of other organisations, which may be
able to supplement the help they receive from us. We spoke to
Jean and Roy Girdler from the West Midlands, about the review.
"After filling in a couple of forms, which were quite
straightforward," says 82-year-old Roy, "we received a letter from
Independent Age telling us about the various things available to us
through social services and from other organisations. We very much
appreciated the time that you must have spent putting together the
suggestions to provide us with further help."
We suggested that Jean and Roy contact Action on Hearing Loss
(formerly The Royal National Institute for Deaf People), PDSA Pet
Aid and the Cinnamon Trust, and SSAFA Forces Help, since Roy had
previously served in the armed forces. We also pointed them in the
direction of Digital Unite, the organisation which helps older
people engage with new technology since Jean and Roy were both
interested in learning more about email and the Internet.
Since Roy suffers from diabetes, arthritis and heart trouble, we
also suggested that he seek a Community Care Assessment. "We made
contact with Social Services, who agreed to provide a range of
things to make life easier for me. In our bathroom, they have
provided grab rails for the shower and also a chair to sit on when
I take a shower. To help me get about, they have provided a walking
frame, and two sticks to help with my walking outside. All of these
items have also made a difference to Jean's life as my carer," says
Roy.
"Independent Age has really helped us through our
transition into retirement," says Roy. "It's quite a step when you
have to take it, especially when you have been pretty active during
your working life."
In fact, Jean and Roy have continued to be active in their
retirement, helping others as often they can and doing so much for
their community, that they were named tenants of the year. "We have
added the names and numbers you sent us into our information
booklet as we are certain they will be of use to other pensioners
in the future."
"The support we've had from Independent Age has completely
changed our quality of life," says Jean. "You are family orientated
and you care about people and that is so important for people like
us. The information you forwarded to us as part of the review was
illuminating and helpful and we shall also use the suggestions when
we are talking to those seeking help from us."
