Downloads

Hello and welcome

We have copies of the following Independent Age booklets available for you to take away. These free guides are full of information to help you boost your income, find the care you need, remain independent, choose the right place to live, stay connected and more. Please click on the relevant image for a summary of each booklet’s contents.

Winter Wise

Image

Ways to look after yourself during the coldest months. This guide has tips on staying healthy and safe, as well as information about the help available with higher winter fuel costs.

Download

Staying in control when you’re older

Image

How to avoid being mistreated and what to do if it happens. Everyone has the right to live in safety, free from abuse and neglect. While you can usually trust those close to you – family, friends and carers – there may be times when they take advantage or mistreat you. This guide shows you where you can go for help and what will happen after you report abuse or neglect.

Download

Settling into a care home

Image

This guide has tips on how to settle into your new home, including what friends and family can do, and how a good care home can help you to feel at home. We spoke to care home residents, relatives and staff about their experiences and we’ve included their suggestions and stories throughout.

Download

Scamwise

Image

Spotting, avoiding, and reporting scams. Scams are fraudulent tricks designed to deceive you into giving away your money, possessions, or personal details. One of the best ways to prevent this is to arm yourself with knowledge about what a scam might look like. This guide can help you protect you identify common features this growing problem and tells you who to contact if you, or someone else, has been the victim of this crime.

Download

Paying for your care

Image

Funding your own care at home or in a care home. This guide is intended for people paying for all of their own care, and their friends and family. It explains council assessments and how they could help you. Whether you’re looking at residential care or need care at home, it’s important to consider your options carefully and review them regularly.

Download

Living well with long-term health conditions

Image

This guide looks at how to live well with long-term conditions, including how to help yourself, where to look for support and information, and how to get the most out of medical appointments. If you need medical advice or information on a specific condition, speak to your GP or consultant.

Download

If you’re feeling lonely

Image

How to stay connected in older age. Loneliness is a personal experience and people find different ways to overcome these feelings. This guide has advice on simple things to try which could help reduce loneliness, and information on where to look for more help.

Download

How to find the right care home

Image

Where to start and what to consider. In this guide, we look at what to consider when choosing a care home. As well as the essential practical questions like cost and location, it’s important to think about what you want from a home and whether a care home is actually the best option.

Download

Home security

Image

Protecting your property. This guide looks at simple and effective ways you can improve your home security to avoid burglary and other crimes around the home. It also outlines where you can get help to keep your property safe and what to do if your home is broken into.

Download

Home safety

Image

How to spot risks and prevent accidents. This guide can help you identify some of the common hazards in your home and advise you on preventive measures. There are some simple checks you can do yourself. You can also get help to keep you safe and well.

Download

Dealing with depression

Image

How to recognise the signs and the action you can take. This guide explains what mental health is and what might make you vulnerable to depression. It also has guidance on where you can go for help, and things you can do to help yourself and stay well.

Download

Caring for someone

Image

How to get the support you need. This guide explains your rights and the benefits, services and support that may be available to help you look after someone else. It also looks at what happens when your caring role ends.

Download

Behind the wheel

Image

Tips for safe and confident driving in later life. This guide covers things you can do to help you feel safe and confident when driving, and what the alternatives might be if you do decide to stop driving in the future. This decision should be based only on your ability to stay safe on the roads, not on your age.

Download