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The rising cost of living – and in particular recent increases in the cost of gas and electricity – mean that more and more people are struggling to pay their energy bills. Worrying about bills can also result in people trying to make economies, for example by switching off the heating, so that they’re no longer warm and comfortable in their own home.

“Energy costs can be a real issue for people living with dementia,” says ADSS Home Energy Adviser Kelly Chable. “Sometimes the condition means that people forget to turn off lights or leave appliances running. People living with dementia may also struggle to take simple steps to make their homes more energy efficient.” Want to know more? Age UK has some great energy-saving tips.

Kelly and her team offer practical advice on all aspects of energy in the home, including ways of keeping warm, how to get additional support through the Priority Services Register and how to protect against carbon monoxide poisoning. They can also connect people with sources of extra help and support.

[h2] Green Doctors: making your home more energy efficient

ADSS works closely with Green Doctors, a project developed by SGN in partnership with local charity Groundwork South, to help people living in Kent and Medway keep their homes safe and warm for less. “Because Green Doctors are local, they can actually go into people’s homes and give them advice and practical help face to face,” says Kelly. “They can also provide help over the phone.”

Here are 7 ways Green Doctors can help:

• Find out whether you’re eligible for discounts or other help with your energy bills
• Take steps to lower your bills by making sure you’re not wasting energy, for example by using draught excluders or swapping to low energy lightbulbs
• Check for cheaper tariffs and deals
• Understand your bills and statements
• Benefit from free energy saving measures
• Access grants to repair or insulate your home to make it more for insulation measures or repairs relating to energy performance
• Put you in touch with organisations that offer other help including food, white goods and warm items.

[h2] Real-life impact: how Green Doctors are helping people living with dementia

Here are a few quotes from people Kelly and her team have referred to Green Doctors:

• “The Green doctors visit was well worthwhile and pleased with the information provided. It will help me make decisions for the future.”
• “The visit from Green Doctors was helpful. They helped me apply for food vouchers and help look into Winter Fuel Allowance.”
• “Green Doctors checked EON and water bills. They gave me useful information on saving energy and fitted reflective sheets behind some radiators too. Thank you for referring me”

[h2] Incomemax: getting the financial support you need

Kelly and her team also work closely with Incomemax, a national organisation that promises to “help you get the money you’re entitled to and take a weight off your mind”. “Incomemax will look at the whole picture of your finances, not just help with energy costs,” says Kelly. “It’s so important for people living dementia to feel confident that they’re getting all the help they’re entitled to.”

Here are just 7 of the benefits and areas of financial support Incomemax can help with:

• Attendance Allowance
• Council Tax reduction
• Winter Fuel Payment
• The Warm Home Discount Scheme
• Hardship funding
• Grants
• Water rates reduction

Find out more about the Winter Fuel Payment here and the Warm Home Discount Scheme here.

To date, Kelly has referred 26 people from ADSS to Incomemax – with amazing results. “Incomemax have carried out benefits audits for 14 people and identified new benefits entitlements in all 14 cases,” says Kelly. “They’ll help with all the admin and form-filling too. It’s a really great service.”

[h2] Real-life impact: how Incomemax is helping people claim the benefits they’re entitled to

Here are a few quotes from people Kelly and her team have referred to Incomemax:

• “Incomemax called and went through everything, they confirmed all benefits in place – advised possibly a further Council Tax reduction, with forms and applications.”
• “Incomemax have been in touch and Attendance Allowance was identified, forms from DWP have been received. Thank you for your support and help.”
• “I am happy with the service from Incomemax, my wife is now handling the information and claim.”

[h2] Want to find out more?

ADSS can provide support with all aspects of living with dementia. To find out how we could help you, contact us. For extra support with energy issues, and advice on staying safe and warm in your home, contact Kelly Chable, Home Energy Adviser.

This should link to the ‘Winter Warm’ blog, due to be published. on 03/10

This should link to the PSR1 blog, to be published 29/09

Link to ‘Stay safe at home: practical tips on carbon monoxide and gas safety for people with dementia’ blog, assuming it’s been published – spreadsheet says 15/09