Dementia Advice To Help Save You Money

Regular readers of our blog will know that we have been working at Marks and Spencer's to raise money for Approach the local charity that helps those who are affected by Dementia or Alzheimer's.  

Keith the MD, has found out some very useful information, in a chance conversation, which isn't very widely known, for those who may have a family member suffering with either of these.  

Quite a few of us have had family members or have known someone who has signs of a condition like those just mentioned.  It can be quite a burden to help continue to care for them in their own home, when there is a risk, however small, of them not being able to look after themselves.

Castle Comfort Staff - Keith (photographer), Ann Bruce and Dr.Neil Stirling visiting the Carers Cafe in Silverdale

With a simple process, not advertised by the local councils, there is a way to possibly have your council tax bill reduced or even completely eliminated!

Image:Flickr-ImagesofMoney

Council Tax Exemptions or Reductions

For those With Alzheimer's or Dementia 

If a relative of yours has had a diagnosis of Dementia or Alzheimer's, which can be classed as a severe mental impairment that makes them unable to look after themselves independently 
with out assistance then they may well be able to get a full exemption if they live alone.  

All that is required is that the local council will require a confirmation of diagnosis with the form and it is straightforward to apply.  

It is worth applying also if a family member is a carer as they would get a discount too. 

If the person with such a diagnosis lives in your home with you, and there are just two of you in the house, then you can apply for a 25% discount on the council tax bill.  See this page on the citizens advice website for more information.

Here's the steps to follow for Newcastle under Lyme Council

1)Click Here to download this form (Claim Form for Council Tax)

2)Print it out and complete it with confirmation of the diagnosis (which doesn't have to be from the person's own GP, it can be another suitably qualified individual, consultant or medical professional.) 

3)Post to:
Revenues and Benefits
Civic Offices
Merrial Street
Newcastle-under-Lyme
Staffordshire
ST5 2AG

If you are a carer for the person you can make a separate claim with this form and follow the same procedure, and post to the same address. Help with the form is available on 01782 715500 or by emailing counciltax@newcastle-staffs.gov.uk 


Here's the steps to follow for Stoke on Trent City Council

1) Download this form that needs to be signed by a medical professional confirming diagnosis.

2) Once completed by the doctor it needs to be scanned into your computer before it is uploaded when you complete the online application form.

3) Go to this page to complete the online application form.

There is advice and assistance on 01782 234234 or you can go online and use this initial enquiry form here.


Here's the steps to follow for Staffordshire Moorlands Council

Unfortunately there isn't a detailed form for completion directly on the Local Council website, though all local authorities follow roughly the same procedure, requiring a medical diagnosis for exemption, however you can enquire online about it, giving your council tax reference number, so at least the process can be started. There is an enquiry form here.

There is also a phone number to call if you want to speak directly to someone in the Council Tax section - 0345 605 3011

More money off!

As well as the council tax reductions mentioned above, there are also cases which a lot of our customers have had success with, where a reduction is made for someone who lives there with a physical disability. This discount is called the "Disabled Reduction."

The only criteria to meet are just one of the following, i.e. you don't need to meet all these criteria, just one. 

• A room, other than a bathroom, kitchen or lavatory, which is used mainly by the disabled person and is required for meeting their needs.
• Or an additional bathroom or kitchen which is required to meet their needs.
• Or enough space for the use of a wheelchair where one needs to be used inside the dwelling.

Once the form is completed your home would be banded at the next rung down in terms of council tax due. For example if you lived in a band D property you would only have to pay the band C rate for it.  So, downstairs wet-rooms or doorway alterations would count as an adaptation, or if you have a main living room or study which is set up to primarily meet just the disabled persons particular physical needs.

So if you have been thinking about an additional bathroom adaptation at home for a physical disability then the money you save could help you afford to go ahead with your plans.

If you want to save more money on helping you to live independently we also stock reconditioned riser recliner chairs to help you to stand and sit more easily.

And finally, for a last money saving method we can put you in touch with grant awarding charities and schemes that can help with the purchase of chairs or stairlifts. Just call us on 0800 007 5060 today to find out if you could qualify.