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Winter weather is causing disruption to services in some parts of the county. Find out what services may be affected in your area.
Make the most of your home by making sure you are in a place that is right for you.
Think about:
- what you will need and whether improvements or adaptions could make sure your home is suitable for you in future years
- the different housing options if the time comes when you need to move to a home that would be better for you
Reasons you might consider a move could include:
- moving to a home that makes it easier to live without others’ help
- living in a smaller home may be easier for you to manage and keep clean
- you have a home now that will be hard to change – for instance, if there are many steps, or a curved staircase
- being closer to a community, shops and people you know
- are in social housing and might be a priority for a home better for you in the future – for instance if you have more bedrooms than you need
- own your home and would like more money available for your future care and support
You can find out:
- about eligibility and how you would make changes to your home to make it easier to use with a grant
- if you might be able to make changes to your home or may need to move
- if you can get help from us if you own your home by calling 0333 003 0010
- about local community groups and getting involved, like friendship and activity group
- what public transport is available in Dorset
- whether you might qualify for care and get an idea of how much you might need to pay for care yourself
Decide what home could be right for you in the future
If you are thinking about moving, find a home that will be right for you, now and in the future.
You can find out about:
- getting a mortgage if you're on disability benefits
- whether you will be a high priority for social housing in Dorset
- private renting through a landlord or an agency
- shared ownership (part-buying, part-renting)
- having your own home with support with day-today tasks no end then, in supported or sheltered housing
- having your own home with care-provided on-site in extra care housing
If you are thinking about moving home
If you are interested in moving, explore your options by:
- calling our customer service team on 01305 221000 to get advice around joining the housing register or downsizing
- speaking with a local advisor at Citizens Advice Dorset. Call on 0800 144 8848 to discuss your options or to arrange a face to face appointment with an advisor
- contacting First Point Dorset on 0300 123 2550 or contact them online for specialist support in finding suitable long term housing
- a local advisor at Age UK can answer questions about getting changes to your home and getting care. Call on 01305 269444 or 01202 530530
- if you have one, talk to a social worker about housing that could meet your needs
- talking to professionals who can help you to ask the authorities about where you can live if you have a disability or are a carer (Dorset Advocacy)
- talking to a team who can help you plan where to live in the future if you are becoming an adult and need care or support