Older People
Useful Information for Older People
Activities
Get up and go Programme – 529 7844
(magazine available at GP surgery)
www.edinburgh.gov.uk/getupandgo/
Attendance Allowance
0800 88 22 00
www.direct.gov.uk/en/Diol1/DoItOnline/DG_4017510
Benefits Advice:
The Advice Shop, South Bridge – 200 2360
Benefits Hotline – 0800 88 22 00
Bereavement Counselling
Cruse – 0845 600 2227
www.crusescotland.org.uk
Care and Repair (handyperson service)
220 7630
www.careandrepairedinburgh.org.uk
Carers Information:
CA(I)RE Project, Eric Liddell Centre – 446 3321/3317
ericliddell.org/our-services-caire.php
Oxgangs Pentland Carer Project – 445 3332
VOCAL – Voice of Carers across Lothian – 622 6666
www.vocal.org.uk
Chiropody
Collect self referral form at GP surgery, or download from this website.
GP referral needed if housebound
Continence garments:
District Nurses – 228 7503
Disabled Living Centre
Astley Ainslie Hospital – 537 9190
Edinburgh Council
Website with general information and advice for older people
www.edinburgh.gov.uk/info/1456/older_people
Energy Assistance Package
0800 512 012
Fire Safety
Lothian & Borders Fire Brigade
free safety check and smoke alarm – 0800 169 0320
www.lothian.fire-uk.org
Free TV Licence (for over 75s)
0300 790 6131
Garden Aid Service
529 7881
Health Information
NHS Inform – 0800 22 44 88
www.nhsinform.co.uk
Hearing Impairment
Action on Hearing Loss (new name for RNID) – 0808 808 0123
Textphone – 0808 808 9000
www.actiononhearingloss.org.uk
Home Care / Respite Care Information
Social Care Direct – 200 2324
Lunch clubs/ Day centres etc
Social Care Direct (general info) 200 2324
Also see above under ‘Activities’
Out of Hours
NHS 24 – 08454 24 24 24
www.nhs24.com
Personal Alarms and Home Safety Devices
Assessment and advice service – 529 7661
Sheltered and Supported Living
advice and application form – 529 5080
www.edinburgh.gov.uk
Social Work Department
Social Care Direct – 200 2324
Transport
Blue Badge (for disabled parking) – 0800 23 23 23
Bus pass (One Edinburgh team) – 200 2351
Dial a bus (handicabs) – 447 1718
Dial a ride (handicabs) – 447 9949
www.handicabs.org.uk
Taxicard – 0800 23 23 23
Visual Impairment
Royal National Institute for the blind – 0303 123 9999
www.rnib.org.uk
War Disablement Pension
0800 169 2277
www.veterans-uk.info
Winter Fuel Payment
0845 9 15 15 15
www.direct.gov.uk
Last updated 03 October 2011
Information leaflets on other topics are on display at the surgery.
There are some items of equipment you can order directly from the Community Equipment Service. Booklets available in surgery.
