Author Archives: maureenho

New online Carer’s Allowance application system

The new online Carer’s Allowance application system has launched today, replacing an “outdated” and “difficult to complete” online system, the government has announced.

02.12.14

The new system for England, Scotland and Wales has been developed by the Government Digital Service and the Department for Work and Pensions, aimed at simplifying the process for busy carers and “built around the needs of the users”. The government says that one of the many improvements for applicants is a new way of verifying that the person they care for understands the claim – removing the need for them to sign a paper declaration.

Early trials show most people claiming the allowance (54%) are using the updated online process instead of asking for a form to be posted to them. More than 125,000 digital claims have been submitted since trials began in October 2013, with a user satisfaction rate of 90%.

Lonely elderly flood Silver Line helpline with calls

In its first year, a free 24-hour UK helpline for the elderly has been inundated with calls about loneliness.

Founded by Esther Rantzen and aided by the Big Lottery Fund, the Silver Line took nearly 300,000 calls, and most were about feeling lonely or isolated.

More than half of callers told the helpline they had nobody else to talk to.

Some also called to report abuse or neglect in their homes or in residential care.

One of the first calls received was from a woman in a care home too afraid to give her name. But she did give the name of the care home, where the residents had been left without food and the heating turned off. The police were informed, and the residents are now safe.

Hero dog transforms a Hampshire woman’s life

MANY of us would say our dog or cat is more than just a pet – but one Hampshire resident’s dog has transformed her life.

Angela Moody, whose disability has left her unable to move without pain, says assistance dog Odessa is not only her constant helper but also a companion.

The pair have been together six months, which for Angela has proved a revelation after more than three decades coping on her own.

Odessa has been specially trained by charity Canine Partners to assist people with disabilities.