A plain guide to the Herbert Protocol for Essex families: what it is, who can fill it in, what goes in it, how to set it up on Safe and Found and what to do if someone with dementia goes missing.

Typical UK stairlift prices for 2026, why curved ones cost more, and how VAT relief and council help can change what you pay.

Before any stairlift is fitted, someone visits to measure your stairs. Here's what the free home survey involves and what to ask.

The shape of your staircase decides which stairlift you need, and has a big effect on price. Here's how straight and curved stairlifts compare.

Some people pay no VAT on a stairlift, and many over-60s pay a reduced 5%. Here's who qualifies and how to claim it.

A stairlift is a big outlay. Here's how grants work in Essex, including Colchester's non-means-tested Stairlift Grant, and where to start.

What home help for the elderly actually covers, what you might get for free, and how to arrange the right support for a parent in Essex.

Pension Credit tops up a low income and can unlock other help, from Council Tax Reduction to a free TV licence. Here is who can claim and how to apply.

Attendance Allowance is a tax-free benefit for people over State Pension age who need help because of a health condition or disability. Here is who can claim, what it pays and how to apply.

A Disabled Facilities Grant can pay for ramps, grab rails, a level-access shower or even a stairlift. Here is what it covers and how to apply through your council.

A personal alarm can give an older person independence and give their family peace of mind. Here is how they work, what to ask before buying and how to avoid paying VAT.

Stairs are the biggest barrier for many older people. Here is how to decide whether a stairlift is right, what to ask, and how grants and VAT relief can help.

Wondering how home help actually starts? Here is what happens from the first phone call to the first visit, and what it costs.

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service offers free Home Safety Visits for people who may struggle to escape a fire. Here is what happens and how to book.

If you’re researching support for an elderly parent, you’ve probably come across two very different types of care: companionship care and personal care. Understanding the difference matters, because it affects cost, regulation, and what kind of support your loved one will actually receive. What is companionship care? Companionship care, sometimes called home help or light home support, focuses on reducing loneliness and helping with everyday tasks that aren’t medical or physi

Essex Home Support is a home help and companionship service based in Leigh-on-Sea, supporting older people across Essex. Here is what we offer in each of the areas we cover. Home help in Leigh-on-Sea We are based in Leigh-on-Sea and can help older people here with companionship visits, meal preparation, shopping and everyday jobs, so they can stay independent in the home and community they know well. Home help in Southend-on-Sea We offer regular companionship and light home h

It’s not always obvious when a parent needs more support. Changes often happen gradually, and many older people are reluctant to admit they’re struggling. Here are ten signs worth paying attention to. Noticeable weight loss, or little fresh food in the fridge and cupboards, which can mean meals are being skipped or are hard to prepare A less tidy home than usual, or piles of unopened post and bills Missed medical appointments or confusion around medication Reduced social cont

One of the first questions families ask when looking into support for an older parent is simple: how much does it actually cost? Here is a clear, honest breakdown of what we charge, so you can plan with confidence. What Essex Home Support charges Home help and companionship: £27 an hour General cleaning: £24 an hour Deep cleaning: £32 an hour Specialist hygiene cleaning: from £45, with the exact price agreed before any work starts Gardening: priced once we know what the job i

A practical guide for Essex families: which mobility aids help older people stay safe at home, what each one does, and where to start.

Fake refund letters are landing on doormats across Essex. How the scam works, the warning signs, and how to protect an older relative.