Do energy companies deal well with dementia?

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The Alzheimer’s Society want to understand the problems people with dementia experience with their energy provider.
If you're affected by dementia, or care for someone who is, whether it's poor customer service, lack of staff training or complicated bills and tariffs, please take this quick survey to share your stories and help the society push for change.
Thanks all
MSE Wendy
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If you're affected by dementia, or care for someone who is, whether it's poor customer service, lack of staff training or complicated bills and tariffs, please take this quick survey to share your stories and help the society push for change.
Thanks all
MSE Wendy
If you haven’t already, join the forum to reply. If you aren’t sure how it all works, read our New to Forum? Intro Guide.
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We tried to complain again, but they did not care, we sent letters, but they still insisted we paid, so in the end we did
We have discovered, LPA doesn't mean what you think, we have had so many issues with various authorities, banks & utility services, not accepting the LPA, without passports & driving licences being provided, proof of address, proof of authority on bank accounts (copies of statements with addresses). It's hard enough dealing with the devastation that Alzheimer's seems to bring with it, without having to deal with these companies.
These large companies need a serious kick up the backside and a lesson in compassions.
The question was 'do energy companies deal well with dementia?' NOT 'do energy companies deal well with "the elderly".
Who is going to define who are 'the elderly'? There is now legislation against treating someone less favourably because of age.
We have recently changed our TalkTalk contract and they couldn't have been more helpful. It could be helpful to someone who watches a lot of TV - it's called YouView. Probably wouldn't help if the dementia was advanced, though.
Before I found wisdom, I became old.
Hi Baby mac
We've a couple of specialist teams who I'm sure will be able to give you more specific help than our general call centres.
If your husband talks to our Vulnerable customer team, they'll be able to look at the outstanding balance and offer advice as to how to handle this going forward.
They specialise in helping customers with chronic conditions like your Mother-in-Laws. If not already, they'll make sure she's on the Priority Services Register. This will open up a number of services that might help.
Fuel Direct may be a possibility, too. This is where a fixed amount is taken each week from benefits by the Department of Work and Pensions. This is then paid to us to help clear the debt.
The relevant Benefits Agency will need to agree to this first but, if all is ok, we'll be able to set the weekly payments at a relatively low level.
Also, in circumstances involving chronic illnesses like Alzheimers, relatives can set up payment arrangements on behalf of a customer.
Either Fuel Direct or a payment arrangement will stop debt follow up.
Our Caring Energy team will be able to help as well. They'll discuss your situation and either offer to help themselves or put you in touch with someone who can.
One thing that comes to mind is help through the Water Trust Funds. Several UK water companies support trust funds that help provide, in certain circumstances, debt relief involving energy arrears.
Not saying they can help here but certainly worth asking the question. Our Caring Energy advisors will be happy to talk to you more about this.
There's further information about many of the above services on our website.
I do understand the anxiety receiving debt letters can cause Baby mac and hope this helps point you in the right direction.
Malc
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Before I found wisdom, I became old.