There is plenty of free information and support if you want to find ways to stay independent in your own home:



Practical aids for your home
You may need some simple adaptations to your home to make it more suitable for you. There is also a Disability Facilities Grant to which you may be entitled.

Assessments for disabled facility grants are made by Essex Direct through social services.

For more information call us on 01376 552525 or:
- Essex County Council - Essex Direct 08456 037630
- Age UK 0800 1696565 

Help with housework and shopping
Age UK offers a reasonably priced housework and shopping service if you are finding these things difficult.
CALL them on 01245 346106
Click here for more information on ways to make tasks easier around the house.

Help with your own home
For maintenance and odd jobs that may be too difficult for your, Swan Care and Repair run a scheme whether you own or privately rent your home.
CALL them on 01277 844235 

Greenfields Community Housing also offer a handy-person service to their older residents to undertake small jobs around the home for a small charge. CALL them on 01376 535400

Affordable warmth
Don't try to save money by turning off your heating this winter. Here are some suggestions and some organisations that you can call if you have any concerns about heating your home.
Home Heat Helpline (provides advice on managing your energy bills and tariffs) 0800 33 66 99
Winter Fuel Helpline (a tax benefit to help pay for heating during the winter) 
08459 15 15 15 or email them here
Warm Front Scheme 0800 316 2805
You can email them enquiry@eaga.com

Tips to beat the cold:
* Several layers of thin clothing will keep you warmer than one thick layer as the layers trap warm air
* Draw curtains at dusk  
* Save energy by turning off the heating at night and use a warmer duvet
* Ensure you have loft and cavity wall insulation- ask us about our free insulation scheme for over 70's.

Gardening help
Green Fingers is run by a voluntary organisation that provides an affordable garden maintenance service especially for you.
CALL them on 01376 550507 or click here for more information.

Getting help in an emergency
Carecall is an alarm system installed in your home which you can use to call for help in an event of a fall or some other emergency. It goes through to a control centre which is manned 24/7 so giving you peace of mind if you live alone. Carecall is part of Central Essex Community Services.
CALL them to arrange a visit or for more information 01376 551600 or click here to read their information leaflet.



Toenail cutting service 
Cutting our own toenails can become much harder or even impossible as we grow older. The team of toenail trimmers from Age UK Essex travels throughout Essex to help clients remain mobile, active and free from discomfort. To book an appointment, call 01245 423 333 between 9am and 4pm on weekdays or email them at toenails@ageukessex.org.uk

Meals on Wheels
The service provides hot meals (either cooked or ready to microwave) for a small charge. Call Essex County Council for more information 0845 6037630.

Extra care at home
If you need extra help to stay in your home such as help with washing and dressing you need to call Essex County Council for more information 0845 6037630. Age UK also provides a very useful fact sheet, click here for more information or call 0800 1696565.

Advice about residential care  
Sometimes there comes a point where managing at home become too difficult, you might find this organisation helpful:
The Relatives & Residents Association
- General helpline 0845 0177720
- Helpline for people living in residential care, their families and carers 0845 0177730