If you have to go into hospital or a care home and your family or friends can't look after your things, we can help if you meet our eligibility criteria. We'll make sure that all of the issues on this page are taken care of.
But if you're not entitled to our help, use this page as a quick checklist of things to remember, and a few do's and don'ts about security.
Property and belongings
Before you leave your house, take the same precautions you would if you were going on holiday. For example, make sure that:
- doors and windows are secure
- electricity and water is turned off
- water tanks are drained (in winter)
- perishable food is thrown away
- someone visits your home regularly, to keep an eye on things.
Leave valuable items, money and important documents with trusted family members or friends until you return home. Alternatively, lock them in a safe.
Pets
If you go into hospital, you will need someone to look after your pet. The most common option is to ask a family member, neighbour or friend. If no-one can help, you may need to contact a local kennel or cattery. You can find details of these in the Yellow Pages.
Organisations such as the RSPCA and Cinnamon Trust can offer advice and help you find pet care if you need to go into hospital. When staying at home is no longer an option, the Cinnamon Trust also lists different types of accommodation for older people in each county that are happy to accept pets.
East Sussex County Council