Older People's Support Service
The Older Peoples Support Service is a government funded service offering a range of support to help you live independently in your own home.
There are many benefits from using the Older People's Support Services. Using our service can help:
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promote your skills, confidence and well-being so you can stay in your own home;
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keep your independence;
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you feel part of the community;
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tenants to fulfil their tenancy agreements.
What Support can we offer you?
We can:
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Help you take care of your finances and claim benefits.
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Help you look after your home or tenancy.
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Help you feel safe in and around your home (we use a Home Safety Check designed to take account of the needs of older people)
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Help you fill out forms and read letters.
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Help you find out about and join local community organisations
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Help you maintain an active social life
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Help you access other services
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Help you manage better around your home (ie after a stay in hospital)
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Help you to develop social skills / behaviour management
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Give advice and support with repair work / home improvement work
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Help you get specialist counselling and advice
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Offer emotional support
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Help you find peer support and befriending
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Help you find other accommodation
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Help you monitor your health and well-being
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Help with shopping, other errands and 'good neighbour tasks'
Do you qualify for support?
Some people can received this type of support for free if they meet certain criteria. Supporting People will pay for your service if you receive housing o council tax benefit, or pension guarantee credit and can answer yes to the questions below.
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Are you over 50 years old?
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Do you live within Gateshead?
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Do you need the type of support listed in this leaflet to continue to live independently?
If you do not receive any of the benefits listed, you can apply for a Fairer Charging Assessment, which may mean that the charge for your support would be subsidised.
If you do not qualify for funding you can still use our service but you will have to pay.
How does the Older People's Support Service Work?
We will come to your home and assess your needs and risks.
We will agree a support plan with you so that you get the support you want.
Support may be short term or long term. Short term support can be up to two years. This support will give you the skills and confidence to help you live independently. Long term support helps you stay in your own home for as long as possible.
You will be given a named support worker who will try and visit you in your home at the same time and day each week so you know what to expect.
We will provide low level support for an average of one to two hours; this might be weekly or fortnightly.