What is Age UK?
Age UK is a major UK charity focused on supporting older people with information, advice, and practical services. They help with everything from social care and housing to benefits, home adaptations, and carer support. They run a national advice line and also have local Age UK branches that offer face‑to‑face guidance.
Their core mission is to help older people stay safe, independent, and well — whether at home or in supported accommodation.
How Age UK can help with live‑in care
Age UK doesn’t directly provide live‑in carers, but they offer guidance, tools, and support to help you arrange it safely and confidently. Here’s what they can do:
1. Explain your care options clearly
They break down:
- What live‑in care is
- What a live‑in carer typically does
- How to decide whether it’s the right option
- How it compares to home care or care homes
This is especially useful when you’re weighing up whether live‑in care is the right fit for your mum.
2. Help you navigate the funding
Age UK provides guidance on:
- Financial needs assessments
- What the council may pay for
- Benefits that can help with care costs
- Self‑funding options
Given your experience navigating Attendance Allowance, Carer’s Allowance, and CHC, their advice line can help you double‑check you’re maximising every entitlement.
Support you in choosing a reputable live‑in care provider
They offer:
- Lists of well‑known live‑in care agencies
- Guides on how carers are regulated
- Questions to ask when hiring a live‑in carer
This is particularly helpful if you’re comparing agencies or trying to avoid low‑quality providers.
4. Help with housing and home adaptations
If you’re trying to keep your mum at home safely, Age UK can advise on:
- Small home adaptations
- Housing options if staying at home becomes difficult
- Sheltered housing or supported living
This ties in well with your ongoing search for step‑free, accessible accommodation on the Wirral.
Offer direct support to carers
They provide:
- Advice for people looking after someone else
- Guidance on arranging respite
- Help understanding your rights as a carer
Given you’re a full‑time caregiver, this part is especially relevant.
How to access their help
Age UK Advice Line: Free, open 8am–7pm, 365 days a year
Local Age UK branches: Offer in‑person advice and sometimes practical support, visit Age UK | Let’s change how we age