SUPPORT TO MOVE A guide for people in Support to move A guide for people in Midlothian

●● A house that feels safe and 1. Do you want comfortable. ●● Outside space – you may or to move or may not want a garden. stay? ●● Having a property that meets your health needs. In this section we will consider the following; As we get older or there is a change in our health, our needs ●● Why you might want to move house change. The following checklist can help you work out what is right ●● Is my house still right for me for you. Try to think about what Introduction you want now and what you might Why do you want to move want and need in a few years. This guide offers a series of hints house? That helps you think about whether you want to move to a new home and tips for people at each stage What do you want your home or make changes to what you to give you e.g. of moving house, from deciding have now. Try to be specific about whether or not you want to move ●● Being in a location that is less what you want to change – there or stay, choosing the house that’s isolated and / or near people may be solutions that you haven’t you know – friends, family, thought about. For some people, right for you, right through to neighbours, activities and planning and making the move. making alterations to their home or groups you enjoy. getting some extra support can all ●● Ease of access to transport make the difference and help them and amenities eg shops, stay where they are, whilst for library, social clubs etc. others moving is the best option. ●● Having access to support and care services – a good Health Centre, reliable home care.

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Your results – kind of house do you want Checklist — is my house still right for me? ●● If most of the points are OK, to live in; do you want to live Aspect My assessment Points to consider look at ways to improve the in the centre of town or in a OK Change Change things that are not. quieter area? now in a few now years ●● If most points are OK now ●● Links with any support you Location of the but likely to change, you can might need; house start planning ahead now. ●● Would you prefer to buy,

Size of the house, Look for areas that have the ●● If there are matters that need rent or share your home (for or layout of the sort of houses you will need sorting now, look for options example living with family). rooms ●● Remember, you may need Check out options for that improve these for you, but improving what you have still think of the other factors too. to make some compromises – think about what is realistic Up Keep Can you get help with this? If several points are in the ‘need to and acceptable to you. change now’ column, this should Garden – easy to Gardening clubs may know people who can help you find help you work out your priorities for What do you require in a manage? someone to take on a big your next house move. house? Too big? garden, or let you work in an Not big enough? allotment or someone else’s Consider what you require in a garden 2. Choosing the new house that will meet your Keeping warm, Grants to improve fuel needs – cost of fuel efficiency right house ●● Number of rooms – do you Easy to keep in need an extra bedroom for a touch with friends for you carer or for medical reasons? Looking after Talk to your GP and the ●● Do you require a property yourself Council, check what support is available So you’ve decided that moving with no internal stairs?

may be right for you. Now you ●● Bathroom – shower or bath? Access to good If a service like your GP or support at home is important, want to check out the options. ●● Do you need space for a services you might want to stay in the There are 3 aspects to wheelchair or help from area they cover choosing a home – carers? Your priorities ●● The right house and location ●● What type of kitchen do you – semi-detached, flat, need – layout and lighting Your priorities terrace, bungalow – what can make a difference;

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●● What type of outdoor space ●● Renting from a private landlord; Accommodation choices ●● Very sheltered housing – do you need car parking? ●● Move in with family; There are several types of – Designed to meet the Do you want a garden or just ●● Owning a property but accommodation which offer requirements of individuals somewhere small to sit and releasing money to use for different levels of support who need some additional have a few plants. adapting or improving it. according to your need. care and support to live ●● Steps to the front door – you independently. Meals These are – may require a ramp or handrails provided. Community alarm Midlothian Council ●● Mainstream housing – used outwith office hours. ●● On a bus route, near amenities incentive to move General housing of any size Age 60+ and community facilities. scheme or layout. ●● Extra Care housing – All the ●● Near to family and friends or ●● Amenity housing – Usually features of Very Sheltered being able to get out to see Midlothian Council offers a grant ground floor accommodation but with the addition of onsite them. of £1500 to Midlothian Council tenants who move to a smaller located near amenities and care staff and flexibility to public transport. Age 55+ Money Matters property, by 2 bedrooms or increase / decrease care more, owned by the Council ●● Wheelchair Housing – packages as a tenant’s ●● Think about the costs of the Purpose built or adapted needs change. 60+ house – rent and Council Tax. through normal letting or by a mutual exchange. This grant fully accessible properties for ●● Care /Nursing Home – ●● What does the heating cost payment is designed to encourage wheelchair users. 24 hour care provided to run? Midlothian Council tenants living ●● Retirement housing – Self by Nursing and Care for ●● If living in a communal in under-occupied situations to contained flats with some individuals no longer able to building – are there any downsize and release family sized housing support from staff live independently. shared costs or service during office hours and accommodation. Any tenants charges, and what are they? 24 hour community alarm with an outstanding debt owed to service, all at an additional Midlothian Council will have this small cost relative to the Please see our separate guide Housing options offset against the grant before any individuals’ specific needs. on supported accommodation The most common options are – payment is made. Age 60+ in Midlothian for more detailed ●● Buying a property; ●● Sheltered housing – information on what is available ●● Renting from Midlothian For further information regarding Traditional Warden serviced in Midlothian specifically. Council; this scheme please contact flatted accommodation. ●● Renting from a Housing Midlothian Council’s Housing team Age 60+ Association; on 0131 271 3394.

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●● Do it in stages. and household items on to ●● If you or someone else gets 3. Making the ●● Have company – that way people who need them. anxious about change and you can stop and chat and ●● Selling items – through local upheaval, work out what will move remember things. press, cards in shops or be easiest for them. Reducing what you have ●● Stop and have a break if internet sites such as Ebay Being forgetful you get tired or upset. Don’t and Gumtree. If you are moving to a smaller house ●● Plan ahead if you or someone push on just because you’ve or just to a different house it is a else who is moving has diffi- decided to finish a room or good idea to only take with you culty remembering things. cupboard before you stop. the things that you need and are Looking after yourself ●● Make as many lists as you need. There are things you can do important to you. There is no point in during the move ●● Use photographs to help if you can’t decide and feel paying a removal company or asking Physical wellbeing – you remember what is in the family and friends to help you move there is not enough time to do boxes or where things go for ●● Pace yourself – Take care boxes of items and furniture that you it slowly – example. Photographs and la- not to get too tired or give no longer need or want. ●● Ask family or friends to keep bels on doors and cupboards yourself problems by trying to some boxes for you. in the new house can also Clearing out what we have can do too much. sometimes be more than difficult ●● There are storage companies help you get settled in and find where you can hire secure ●● If you have a long term health where things go. than usual, even for people who are problem talk to your GP or storage space for your ●● It may be easier if someone used to having a clear out. Some Health Team about how to belongings. who gets confused or forgetful possessions bring back lots of cope during the move. . memories – it can be hard letting go is staying with someone else ●● Get help with lifting and carrying. of the past. Making a big change in for the day of the move or the our lives can be very stressful and Emotional & mental wellbeing – few days either side. What to do with the things emotional, and clearing things out is ●● Plan ways to reduce stress Needing more support you no longer want such as going for a walk or part of that. ●● Think about any changes There are a number of different listening to music. you want to make to the new ways of dealing with the things ●● Preparing for and moving itself house to make life easier for How to sort it out that you no longer want – can bring back memories and you or anyone else who will ●● Start in plenty of time. It ●● Family and friends – you may be quite emotional. Even if be living there. If possible get can take time to go through want to pass some things on you are confident that it is the any building work or changes things and decide what you to loved ones. right move for you, you need to the house done before you want to keep and what you ●● Charity shops to be ready for the mixed move in. don’t want anymore. ●● Projects that pass furniture emotions you might feel. 8 9 Support to move A guide for people in Midlothian

●● Find the new Health Centre ●● Some removal companies Getting ready for the move ●● Take some time to get your and Social Work Team, where might give reduced rates to ●● Put essential things like pictures and ornaments out you can get care and support Senior Citizens. It is worth ask- medication and equipment where you want them to go. in advance. Talk to them ing and negotiating a price. you need in a brightly You can use photographs about the move and how to ●● There are some national colouored bag or box and of the old house to help transfer to the new team if associations for removal label ‘DO NOT PACK’ get positions right if this is you are moving to a different companies. Member removal ●● Pack a few essential things important to you, such as area. companies have to meet to take with you such as a when someone has slight ●● If you or someone else has certain standards including kettle, cups, tea and coffee, memory problems. Home Care, or any other good working practices, safe milk and sugar. support such as lunch clubs transportation of goods and ●● Plan something easy for your or befriending, talk to these insurance. services about how they can first meals – breakfast next help you through the move. morning as well as your tea on the evening of the move. Community groups, ●● Ask a friend or relative to look friends & family after your pet and get them Finding people to help you move There are also community groups to keep it until after you have who help people move home, moved. Removal companies – especially older people or people ●● Settling in Ask people you know and who need a bit of extra support trust for recommendations of for other reasons. Some people The move to your new house removal firms they have used. also have family and friends who doesn’t end when your furniture ●● Ask for a written quote or esti- can help. arrives at your new property. mate and get them to break it You still have to make it feel like There are lots of reasons for down so you can decide what your home. using someone you know – you want them to provide. ●● Ask friends or family to help ●● The cost is less Ask them to include informa- you over the next few days tion about what it covers, for ●● It can be good to have with tasks such as moving example some removal firms people you know if you find furniture into the positions in won’t insure boxes you have any change upsetting or your new home where you packed yourself. confusing. want them to go.

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Checklist: Telling people you are moving care and support. You will be Use this list as a starting point. You will have other people to add. 4. Further asked questions to find out what Make your own list. you need help with. If you are information you could be offered financial Who? Contact details, Done? assistance to pay for this. You can any useful notes and useful ask the council to arrange the care Bank or building societ y contacts and support for you or you can Inland revenue choose your own services, as long as they meet your needs. This is Credit card s In this section you will find a more called Self Directed Support. Store cards / catalogues detailed list of services, information and organisations that may be If you are not eligible for care and Rental / hire purchases helpful. support they may be able to direct Pension you to other services that you can It is not a comprehensive list Savings use, including voluntary service but contains some of the more and paid support. If you want to Life insurance policie s common sources of information, use the paid support you will need National insurance advice and help. to pay for this yourself. Social securit y We have provided details of a If you are already getting help from Contents insurance number of useful websites. If you the council and you are moving don’t have internet access you Buildings insurance house, you may be able to make can get help from several places in Services some changes to the support that Midlothian including all Libraries and you get so that you are supported Electoral register Citizens Advice Bureau local offices. Council tax to stay in your new home. Water ●● You will need to check Getting help to stay in your whether your service provider Electricity own home can continue to support you Gas If you need help to stay in your in your new home. Telephone land lin e own home because of a disability ●● In some circumstances the Mobile or ill health, then you may be able service provider may not Satellite / cable/ internet to get help from the council. be able to provide support Post office mail re-direction You will need an assessment at your new address, for to decide if you are eligible for example if you are moving to 12 13 Support to move A guide for people in Midlothian

an area they don’t operate in. If you want to get in touch If this happens you will need with Midlothian Council’s Getting help to make changes and to make plans for a new Social Work Department for adaptations to your home service at your new address. a Needs led assessment then Whether you are a Council tenant, home owner or in rented ●● you can call them on: It is important that you plan accommodation, if you are having difficulty getting around your well in advance to make Tel: 0131 271 3900 or email: house because of health or mobility problems you may be able to sure that you have the right [email protected] get help with special equipment or adaptations to your home. support when you move. Midlothian Council will provide advice on: ●● Adaptations to meet the needs of a disabled person ●● Energy efficiency ●● Repairing or maintaining your home Financial help may be available for people who have been assessed Independent advice and information about as needing essential adaptation work or repairs done to their home. Self Directed Support (SDS) Contact – Midlothian Council Social Work Department and ask for an The Centre for Inclusive Living is a user controlled assessment to find out if you are able to get assistance with an adaptation. organisation which supports disabled people, people with long Midlothian Council Social Work Department term conditions and older people to live independently in their own Fairfield House, 8 Lothian Road, , Midlothian EH22 3AA communities and offers advice on all aspects of SDS. Tel: 0131 271 3394 • Email: [email protected] Contact: Lothian Centre for Inclusive Living, Norton Park Centre, 57 Albion Road, EH7 5QH The Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) also know about different grants, Tel: 0131 475 2350 • Website: www.lothiancil.org.uk allowances and other financial help for people who are having difficulty getting around their house because of health or mobility problems. Full Citizens Advice Bureau – Their offices have information about SDS. contact details for CAB can be found at the end of the guide. Full contact details for CAB can be found at the end of the guide. Shelter – Shelter Scotland provides information about Getting help and advice about your housing SDS, other benefits and housing. If you live in Sheltered housing or options other supported housing or are thinking about moving to that type of These sources of advice are all free and open to everyone. housing, this website explains what you may be entitled to. www.scotland.shelter.org.uk Midlothian Council Housing Team – The Council can provide

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advice and information to homeowners and to people who rent their Housing Options Scotland – They can help you work out homes – Council tenant, Housing Association or private landlord. your finances and housing options based on your own personal You can talk to a Housing Officer either at the Housing Team office circumstances. This includes looking at what you need in your new in Dalkeith or request a home visit. home, your finances, other allowances that you may be entitled Contact: Midlothian Council Housing Team to and other help and support for you in your own home. They will Buccleuch House, 1 White Hart Street, Dalkeith, Midlothian EH22 1AE provide you with a written report with follow up phone calls so that you can ask questions about the suggestions and options in their Tel: 0131 271 3394 • Email: [email protected] report. East Hub Housing Advice – The East Housing Options Hub is a Tel: 0131 247 1400 website that helps you explore all your housing options. It provides: Website: www.housingoptionsscotland.org.uk ✔ A self assessment tool which will generate a personalised housing action plan detailing housing options matched to your needs. Citizens Advice Bureau – The local CAB can provide a ✔ A property search portal allowing you to search for good quality comprehensive range of information and support to help you work private rented accommodation out your housing options, what you can afford, who to talk to in The website also provides useful information on housing related the council and getting help with benefits, other allowances that issues including: you might be entitled to and getting help from social services if ●● Council Housing you are eligible. They can help you with phone calls and talk to ●● Private renting people on your behalf. They can help you with any form filling that you want help with. They will meet you and family members. Full ●● Sheltered, supported and Amenity housing contact details at the end of the guide. ●● Adaptations ●● Home ownership ●● Disrepair ●● Mortgages Other Services ●● Debt There are a number of local organisations who can provide ●● Benefits information and advice about a wide range of topics including ●● Employment money worries, debt management, housing issues, benefits, help ●● Homelessness and support for carers and services for older people. Website: www.eastscotlandhousingoptions.co.uk

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VOCAL Midlothian Carer Centre – Support for carers. The Midlothian Disabled People’s Directory – produced in 30/1 Hardengreen Business Estate, Dalhousie Road, Dalkeith EH22 3NX partnership with Forward Mid (the recognised group for people Tel: 0131 663 6869 • Email: [email protected] with disabilities in Midlothian) and Midlothian Council, this directory provides information on services and activities in Midlothian that Living It Up Midlothian – provides a range of information about disabled people have told us are important to them and is available local groups and events. Website: www.livingitup.org.uk in all Midlothian libraries or from Forward Mid.

ALISS – A Local Information Service for Scotland Money Matters This website has lots of links to local groups in your area as well There are some useful websites to give you ideas about maximising as other parts of Scotland and is updated from local sources of your income and making your money go further. information on a regular basis. Money Extra – www.moneyextra.com Website: www.aliss.org Money Saving Expert – www.moneysavingexpert.com

The British Red Cross – Provides information about locally run Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) groups and offers services such as befriending. The local CAB staff provide a range of information and support. Tel: 0131 338 5700 • Website: www.redcross.org.uk In Midlothian, offices are located in Dalkeith and , with outreach services in various other locations (please see CAB Midlothian Voluntary Action (MVA) – Supports community website www.cas.org.uk for further details of locations and times. organisations. 4/6 White Hart Street, Dalkeith, Midlothian EH22 1AE Penicuik Branch – Please call to make an appointment Tel: 0131 663 9471 • Website: www.mva.org 14a John Street, Penicuik, Midlothian EH26 8AB Tel: 01968 675259 Forward Mid – Voluntary organisation for disabled people in Midlothian. Dalkeith & District Branch – Drop in and appointment (call or 4-6 White Hart Street, Dalkeith, EH22 1AE check website for times) Tel; 0131 663 9471 • Website www.forwardmid.org.uk 8 Buccleuch Street, Dalkeith, Midlothian EH22 1HA Tel: 0131 660 1636 The Midlothian Older People’s Directory – Produced in partnership by MVA and Midlothian Council provides information on Midlothian Council Website services and activities in Midlothian that older people have told us are www.midlothian.gov.uk important to them and is available in all Midlothian libraries or from MVA.

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