Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1

What areas do you cover?

Accepted Answer

We are based in Swindon and primarily serve Swindon and the surrounding Wiltshire area. If you are unsure whether we cover your location, please give us a call on 01793 557197 and we will be happy to help.

Question 2

How do I get started?

Accepted Answer

Simply call us on 01793 557197, email hello@slpindependentliving.co.uk, or fill in our contact form. We will have a friendly chat about your needs and recommend the most suitable services for you or your loved one.

Question 3

Are your staff DBS checked?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All of our team members are fully DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checked before they begin working with clients. Your safety and peace of mind is our top priority.

Question 4

What are your opening hours?

Accepted Answer

We are available Monday to Friday, 8am–4:30pm. Saturday appointments are available by arrangement. You can always leave us a message outside of these hours and we will get back to you promptly.

Question 5

What is a Later Life Assessment?

Accepted Answer

A Later Life Assessment is a holistic, person-centred review of your home environment and daily living needs. Our assessor visits you at home and identifies practical changes — from equipment and adaptations to support services — that can help you live more safely and independently.

Question 6

How much does a Later Life Assessment cost?

Accepted Answer

A Later Life Assessment costs £65. This includes the home visit, a full written report, and personalised recommendations tailored to your situation.

Question 7

How long does the assessment take?

Accepted Answer

Most assessments take between 60 and 90 minutes, depending on the complexity of your needs. We take our time to make sure nothing is missed.

Question 8

Who is a Later Life Assessment suitable for?

Accepted Answer

It is suitable for anyone who wants to plan ahead for later life, has recently been discharged from hospital, is experiencing mobility or health changes, or whose family has concerns about their safety at home.

Question 9

What personal alarm options do you offer?

Accepted Answer

We offer two main options: a Pendant Alarm worn around the neck, and a Watch Alarm worn on the wrist. Both include GPS tracking, auto fall detection, and a Geozone alert feature so family members are notified if you leave a set area.

Question 10

How much does a personal alarm cost?

Accepted Answer

The device is a one-off cost of £175 (pendant or watch). Ongoing monitoring is available in two tiers: Friends & Family Response at £25 per month (alerts sent to your nominated contacts), or our Local Fall Response Team at £35 per month (our Swindon-based team can attend in person). If a responder attends a call-out, there is an additional charge of £25 per hour per person.

Question 11

How does the fall detection work?

Accepted Answer

The alarm uses built-in sensors to automatically detect a fall and raise an alert — even if you are unable to press the button yourself. An alert is sent to your nominated contacts and our local response team in the Swindon area.

Question 12

Do I need a landline for the alarm to work?

Accepted Answer

No. Our personal alarms use mobile (4G) connectivity, so they work anywhere with a mobile signal — at home, in the garden, or out and about.

Question 13

Is there a local response team?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We have a local fall response team covering the Swindon area who can attend in person if needed, giving you and your family extra reassurance.

Question 14

What does a chaperone service involve?

Accepted Answer

Our chaperone service provides a friendly, reliable companion to accompany you to medical appointments, social outings, shopping trips, or any occasion where you would like some company and support. We can also assist with transport arrangements.

Question 15

What admin tasks can you help with?

Accepted Answer

We can help with a wide range of everyday admin tasks including benefit applications, form filling, managing correspondence, paying bills, making phone calls on your behalf, and scheduling appointments.

Question 16

Can I book a one-off chaperone visit or does it need to be regular?

Accepted Answer

Both options are available. We are happy to help with a single appointment or to arrange regular ongoing support — whatever suits your needs best.

Question 17

What estate planning services do you offer?

Accepted Answer

We offer will writing (single from £150, mirror wills for couples from £250), lasting power of attorney for health & welfare and property & finance (from £200 each), trust creation, advance decisions (living wills), and letters of wishes.

Question 18

What is a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)?

Accepted Answer

An LPA is a legal document that lets you appoint someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf if you lose mental capacity. There are two types: one for health and welfare decisions, and one for property and financial decisions. We strongly recommend putting both in place.

Question 19

Is there an additional fee to register an LPA with the government?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) charges a registration fee of £82 per LPA. This is a government fee paid directly to the OPG and is separate from our service fee.

Question 20

Can you visit me at home to discuss estate planning?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We offer home visits across the Swindon area, as well as Zoom appointments if you prefer to meet remotely. We want the process to be as convenient and comfortable as possible.

Question 21

What home adaptations do you provide?

Accepted Answer

Working in partnership with The SLP Group, we can install grab rails, handrails, wet room conversions, ramps, step solutions, and key clamping — all designed to make your home safer and more accessible.

Question 22

How do I know which adaptations I need?

Accepted Answer

A Later Life Assessment is a great starting point — our assessor will identify which adaptations would benefit you most. Alternatively, contact us directly and we can arrange a home visit to discuss your requirements.

Question 23

Are adaptations available through the council or grants?

Accepted Answer

Some adaptations may be eligible for funding through the Disabled Facilities Grant or local council schemes. We can advise you on what may be available and help you navigate the application process.

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