UK helpline information for older people, for family members' reference
Based on UK public sources, this article introduces six telephone helplines for older people and carers. Family members can learn about the form of services abroad, but should note that these helplines operate in the UK, and China does not necessarily have equivalent services.
Machine translation of our Chinese article, without human translation review. Suggestions concerning China remain specific to China.
Automatically reviewed, without human verification. Programmatic checks are not professional review. Seek professional advice where appropriate. Automatically reviewed on 10/4/2026, 7:14:25 AM
Chinese fact summaries and suggestions for China (not a full translation)
Original: Social care telephone helplines and forums - Social care and support guide - NHS · Original language: en
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Facts from the sources
Age UK provides a telephone helpline for older people, their families, friends and carers; opening hours are from 8 am to 7 pm every day of the year. View source
Independent Age provides advice to older people on care, money and housing; the telephone helpline is open Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm. View source
The Silver Line provides a telephone helpline for older people, open 24 hours a day, every day of the year. View source
Money Helper provides advice on money and benefits; the telephone helpline is open Monday to Friday from 8 am to 6 pm. View source
Citizens Advice provides advice on money and benefits; the telephone helpline is open Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm. View source
Carers UK provides help and advice for carers; the telephone helpline is open Monday to Friday from 9 am to 6 pm. View source
For older people and families
In the UK, older people can call the Age UK helpline from 8 am to 7 pm every day to ask for information on elderly care.
The Independent Age helpline is available Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm to ask about care, money and housing.
The Silver Line has someone answering 24 hours a day, every day of the year; older people can call at any time if they want to talk.
Money Helper is open Monday to Friday from 8 am to 6 pm, providing money and benefits advice.
Citizens Advice is available Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm for advice on money and benefits legal issues.
Family members caring for older people can call the Carers UK helpline Monday to Friday from 9 am to 6 pm for help and advice.
See what care and community teams can do
If communities in China refer to this model, they should first confirm whether there are reliable telephone resources for elderly assistance operating locally.
Helplines should clearly state opening hours, whether charges apply, and whether dialect or interpretation services are provided, to avoid comprehension difficulties for older people.
It is recommended to verify official telephone numbers that can be contacted with local civil affairs and health commission departments, and not to use numbers of unknown origin at will.
Social workers or volunteers may be trained to answer calls with reference to UK practices, but needs assessment and privacy protection must first be addressed.
Helplines cannot replace emergency medical services or police reporting; older people in danger should call local 120 or 110.
The opening hours of foreign helplines are for reference only; specific services in China are subject to local official announcements.
What needs local assessment
This material is based solely on UK public information reviewed in August 2024, and describes UK helpline services, not China's current policies or service commitments. China does not have helplines identical to those in the UK; for specific elderly-care enquiries, please refer to information issued by local civil affairs authorities, communities, or accredited institutions. The original text does not state whether the helplines are free, whether interpretation services are provided, or holiday arrangements; please confirm with the relevant organisations before use. Telephone helplines cannot replace emergency medical services or police reporting; if in danger, call local 120/110. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Information from the NHS website is licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. This article is an independent Chinese compilation and suggestion by this website, and is not an official NHS translation or content approved by it. Licence: https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3/
Sources
UK National Health Service NHSWas this article helpful?
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