You might want to contact an independent organisation or charity working with older people before making a decision on the type of care or housing needed by you or a relative.
Here are some of the organisations Anchor works with who can offer you advice:
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) regulates and improves the quality of health and social care. It took over from the Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) in April 2009. www.cqc.org.uk
Tenant Services Authority (TSA) regulates affordable housing providers, raising the standard of services for tenants. www.tenantservicesauthority.org
The Association of Retirement Housing Managers, of which Anchor is a member, has developed a self-regulatory code of practice approved by the government. www.arhm.org
The Leasehold Advisory Service (LEASE) and The Independent Housing Ombudsman Service ensure high standards in housing are maintained. www.lease-advice.org or www.ihos.org.uk
The Relatives & Residents Association supports older people living in residential care. 020 7359 8148 or www.relres.org
The Alzheimer's Society is the UK's leading care and research charity, working to improve the lives of people with dementia. 0845 30 00 336 or www.alzheimers.org.uk
Help the Aged and Age Concern have joined together to form a new national charity, supporting and campaigning on behalf of older people. 0207 27 81 114 or www.helptheaged.org.uk or www.ageconcern.org.uk
The Royal British Legion provides financial, social and emotional support to those who have served and are currently serving in the Armed Forces and their dependants. 0203 20 72 100 or www.britishlegion.org.uk
Care And Repair England is a national charity which campaigns to improve the housing and living conditions of older and disabled people. 0115 95 06 500 or www.careandrepair-england.org.uk
The National Association for Providers of Activities for Older People (NAPA) is a voluntary organisation dedicated to increasing the profile and understanding of the activity needs for older people. 0207 07 89 375 or www.napa-activities.co.uk
The Elderly Accommodation Council helps older people make informed choices about meeting their housing and care needs. 0207 82 01 343 or www.eac.org.uk
Foundations provides advice and training to home improvement agency staff across England and represents the sector in discussions with government and other stakeholders. 0145 78 91 909 or www.foundations.uk.com
Eldercare Group offers independent financial advice on all aspects of paying for care and on how to sell your home and release funds to pay for care. 0800 08 21 155 or www.eldercaregroup.co.uk
The Cinnamon Trust is an animal welfare agency which offers advice on pet-friendly sheltered housing schemes and care homes. 0173 67 57 900 or www.cinnamon.org.uk
