There are various options available for people who want to live independently but need some level of support.
Lifeline Community Alarm Service
The Lifeline Community Alarm Service enables you to call for help if you feel unwell or have an accident when alone in your home. Anyone can apply for a Lifeline, regardless of their age or where they live. Often older or disabled people find this to be a reassuring service, but it is also used by victims of domestic violence. For further information visit Cambridgeshire County Council Technology Enabled Care.
Ramsey community wardens
Age Concern UK Cambridgeshire and Peterborough runs a village warden service in Ramsey. A warden can make weekly or daily contact to provide discreet help for older people to keep and improve their independence.
They offer a two week free trial and after that there is a small charge.
View further information about community wardens
For more information about the Age UK community warden service in Ramsey call 07900 340265 or 01354 696650.
You can contact Age UK Cambridgeshire online.
Sheltered housing/retirement housing
Sheltered housing (often called retirement housing) is designed to meet the needs of older people. It is available to rent or buy.
Some schemes will have a scheme manager and some do not. However, all schemes will have an emergency alarm service and often have communal facilities such as a lounge, laundry, guest flat and garden.
There is a minimum age for residents, usually 60, or slightly younger if they have a disability.
View further information about sheltered housing [PDF, 0.3MB] [PDF, 0.4MB]
Cambridgeshire Handyperson Service
Age UK Cambridgeshire and Peterborough offers this service to people aged 65 and over or those with a disability. The service covers the whole of Cambridgeshire.
The service aims to prevent falls and accidents by offering a free personal assessment, home safety checks and arranging small jobs to be carried out.
For more information call the Handyperson team on 01480 700 205.
View further information about the Cambridgeshire Handyperson Service
Cambridgeshire Older People's Visiting Support Service
The Visiting Support Service for Older People covers East Cambs, Fenland and Huntingdonshire.
This is a free short-term support service for people over the age of 65 years, supporting people to stay independent in their own homes. We can support you when you need it most, by listening to your individual concerns and visiting you in your own home at a time that suits you.
We can offer support with:
- Benefit checks
- Attendance allowance
- Pension Credit
- State pension
- Form filling
- Blue badges
- Finances
- Direct debits
- Occupational therapy assessments
- Housing applications
- Care provision
- Signposting to other services.
For more information:
- call the free phone number: 0800 048 8192 or
- email: olderpeoplesVSS@p3charity.org or
- make a fast referral through our referral portal.