Health care provided through the NHS is mostly free – you don't pay to see a GP or for hospital treatment. Some people get free prescriptions and dental care, though most people need to pay for these things. Some people can get help with the cost of glasses.
You may need help at home with daily activities like shopping, cooking or washing or dressing yourself. You may be able to claim Attendance Allowance, and if someone looks after you for 35 hours a week or more, they may be able to claim Carers Allowance. You may be entitled to more help from Sutton Council, such as a personal alarm or meals on wheels, though depending on your situation, you may need to pay part or all of the cost.
In general, health services are free and care services may make a charge, depending on your financial situation. Sometimes it can be hard to know what counts as "health" services and what counts as "care".
Several local community groups provide free and confidential advice about these issues.
Citizens Advice Sutton
provide advice about benefits, housing, employment, consumer issues, debt and legal issues. Ring them on
020 8405 3552
or take a look at their website
Sutton Carers Centre
can support you if you provide care for someone. They provide advice on many issues carers face, including how to take a break from caring. They run groups for carers in particular situations, such as caring for someone with dementia, and they work with Citizens Advice to check carers get the benefits they are entitled to. Ring them on
020 8296 5611
or take a look at their website
Age UK Sutton
provide advice for people 50 and over about benefits, and also about staying safe at home, getting help at home or finding a care home, benefits and income issues, health questions and travel options. They also run social activities, support people coming home from hospital and also people with dementia or mental illness. Ring them on
020 8078 0002
or take a look at their website