Information to support you to age well

Find out about benefits, help and services that can support you to age well.

Ageing Well 

Ageing Well is a programme of local services and activities for people aged 50 plus. If you are looking for information and advice, social activities, health and wellbeing, and volunteering opportunities, they have a range of options for you. All Ageing Well services are inclusive of people living with dementia.  

Phone 01273 322 947 or text  07770 061 072, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm or send an email to ageingwellbh@impact-initiatives.org.uk.

Lasting Power of Attorney  

A Lasting power of attorney (LPA) is a legal tool that lets you choose someone you trust to make decisions for you. As you age or experience certain conditions, such as dementia or stroke, there may come a point where you can no longer make some decisions for yourself. This is known as lacking ‘mental capacity’ to make those decisions. When this happens, someone else, often a carer or family member, will need to make decisions on your behalf.   

For more information on how to make a lasting power of attorney visit our Help to make decisions about your life page or the Alzheimer’s Society. 

You can phone the Alzheimer’s Society support line on 0333 150 3456.

Alternatively, Solicitors for the Elderly can put you in touch with legal professionals to help you plan for later life and support your loved ones.  

Driving and dementia  

If you are driver diagnosed with dementia you must tell the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) straightaway. If you don’t, you can be fined up to £1,000. 

You must also tell your car insurance provider straightaway. If you do not, your policy may not be valid. Find out more about the law on driving and dementia. 

If you would like to keep driving, you must tell DVLA. Find out more about how to keep driving after a dementia diagnosis. 

Disability or mobility benefits 

If you’re living with dementia or severely disabled of state pension age or over and need help to look after yourselves, you may be entitled to a disability or mobility benefit. These include: 

  • Attendance Allowance 
  • Personal Independence Payment 
  • Disability Living Allowance 

These benefits are not means-tested (payment is not affected by your savings or income). They are tax-free and do not depend on National insurance contributions. They can be claimed whether you work or not, and whether you live alone or with other people. For some benefits a medical assessment may be required.  

Find out more about Attendance Allowance and disability and mobility benefits for people living with dementia.

Pension Credit  

Pension Credit gives you extra money to help with your living and housing costs if you’re over State Pension age and on a low income. You might get extra help if you’re a carer, severely disabled, or responsible for a child or young person.  

Pension Credit is separate from your State Pension. You can get Pension Credit even if you have other income, savings or own your own home. If you get Pension Credit you are also entitled to other help, such as: 

  • Housing Benefit 
  • Council Tax discount  
  • Warm Home Discount Scheme 

Visit the GOV.UK Pension Credit page. 

Digital support  

Digital Brighton & Hove provides help with basic digital skills or support getting online, including completing online forms. Phone their free helpline on 0808 196 5883. 

Changes to your home 

If you have a disability or a long-term illness or health condition, you might benefit from making some changes to your home, adapting it to better meet your needs and to enable you to stay independent for as long as possible. Find out more about making changes to your home. 

CareLink Plus alarm and telecare alarm service 

Telecare describes a range of services and equipment that allow you to call for help in an emergency. Telecare can increase your independence and help you feel safe. Find out more about telecare options. 

Help from Adult Social Care 

For support to help you live comfortably at home ask for an assessment from Adult Social Care.   

Housing options 

Visit our Housing section for information on: 

  • how to apply for council housing 

  • renting a private property 

  • homelessness support 

  • finding affordable housing  

Senior Housing and Extra Care Service  

Seniors Housing is for older people who want to live independently but need some support.  

Extra care housing is for older people who need some extra support to look after themselves. These schemes have 24-hour care staff available.   

Find out more information on Senior Housing and extra care services.  

Healthy ageing  

Being active, eating healthily, keeping connected and exercising your mind can help you to age well.  

Although getting older is the biggest risk factor for dementia, evidence shows there are things you can do to help reduce your risk. Find out how to reduce your risk of Alzheimer's and other dementias or join Alzheimer Research UK’s Big Brain Health Check-in. 

The Healthy Lifestyles team provides free support on: 

  • healthy eating 
  • physical activity 
  • reducing alcohol 
  • losing weight 
  • stopping smoking 

The team also deliver low-cost physical activity sessions or you can join a volunteer led guided healthwalk.

Sign up for support from the Healthy Lifestyles Team. 

Find out more about activities for older people and local activities, classes and events to support you to maintain your strength, balance and independence. 

To find out ways to support your mental health by using 5 ways to wellbeing. 

For advice about staying healthy and well go to your NHS Health Check.  

Keeping active 

Plan a cycle ride or walk, get information on cycle facilities, find out about local walking routes and download walking maps.

Explore Brighton & Hove by downloading one of Visit Brighton’s free maps, or use the free Brighton and Hove Cycle Map to plan a bike ride. 

If you are over 65 you may be entitled to a free bus pass. You can find information on how to get your free older person’s bus pass.  

Volunteering 

For volunteering opportunities visit the Community Works website or our Volunteering section. 

Keeping Well for Retirement in Brighton & Hove booklet 

To order our booklet ‘Keeping Well for Retirement in Brighton & Hove’ which provides health and wellbeing information to support you to have a healthy retirement please email publichealth@brighton-hove.gov.uk. 

Other local services to support you to age well 

Find out about groups and activities through the Ageing Well website.  

Find local organisations and services on our Health and Adult Social Care directory. 

Get help if you’re a carer from the Carers Hub.  

Get more information and support on our Dementia support in Brighton & Hove page. 

Find information and support after the death of a loved one.