In plain English
Age UK is the UK's largest charity for older adults, providing information, advice, advocacy, befriending and community services. It supports many people affected by dementia, alongside the dementia-specific charities.
What Age UK does
Age UK is the operating name of the federation of UK older adult charities (Age UK, Age Cymru, Age Scotland, Age NI). It supports older adults broadly, including those with dementia. Services include:
- Information and advice on a wide range of older adult issues;
- Advocacy and support with benefit claims;
- Friendship and befriending services;
- Day services;
- Lunch clubs and social activities;
- Handyperson services;
- Footcare;
- Insurance products (motor, travel, home, life) often suited to older adults including those with health conditions.
The Age UK Advice Line
Free, confidential information and advice:
- Phone: 0800 678 1602;
- Hours: 8am to 7pm, every day.
Advisors can help with benefits, housing, care, money, end-of-life planning and many other issues.
Local Age UK
Around 150 local Age UKs operate independently across England, alongside Age Cymru, Age Scotland and Age NI. Local services vary by area, often including:
- Day services and lunch clubs;
- Befriending volunteers (in person or by phone);
- Handyperson services for small jobs at home;
- Footcare;
- Information and advice;
- Help with claiming benefits;
- Computer training and IT support;
- Dementia-specific support in some areas.
The Age UK website allows you to find your local Age UK by postcode.
Resources for people affected by dementia
Age UK provides:
- Free factsheets and guides on dementia;
- Local dementia-friendly groups;
- Help with the benefits claim process for Attendance Allowance and PIP;
- Advocacy for hospital and care home decisions;
- Pre-paid funeral plans and other end-of-life planning.
Age UK insurance products
Age Co (the trading arm of Age UK) sells insurance products designed for older adults, including those with health conditions:
- Motor insurance (including for people with dementia who continue to drive lawfully);
- Travel insurance covering dementia;
- Home insurance;
- Life cover (where available);
- Funeral plans.
Profits support Age UK's charitable activities.
How Age UK relates to other charities
Age UK is the broadest older adult charity, with services that extend beyond dementia. Alzheimer's Society, Dementia UK and the local Age UK often work together; many regional Age UKs run dementia-specific groups alongside the wider older adult provision.
Frequently asked questions
Is Age UK help free?
Most direct services (Advice Line, befriending, factsheets) are free. Some services have small charges (handyperson labour, footcare); means-tested support is sometimes available.
How do I find my local Age UK?
Visit ageuk.org.uk and enter your postcode. Or call the Age UK Advice Line on 0800 678 1602.
Can Age UK help me claim Attendance Allowance?
Yes. Many local Age UKs offer benefits advice and help with claim forms. A free benefits check often reveals unclaimed entitlements.
Does Age UK provide care services?
Some local Age UKs provide homecare and other personal services. Coverage varies.
Are Age UK insurance products cheaper?
Age Co products are designed for older adults and may cover conditions excluded by mainstream insurers. They are not always the cheapest; compare with other specialist providers.
References
- Age UK. https://www.ageuk.org.uk
- Age Cymru, Age Scotland, Age NI.
- Care Quality Commission (where Age UK provides regulated services).
- Charity Commission for England and Wales.