Putting Your Loved Ones First: A Guide to the Priority Services Register for Families with Elderly Parents

Getting older happens to us all, and as a family member watching your loved one age, there are steps you can take to ensure they feel supported. The Priority Services Register (PSR) is a free service that offers additional help to those who need it. Energy networks supporting the Priority Services Register can give you or your elderly loved ones priority help during an energy emergency . Signing yourself or a loved one up for the Priority Services Register will ensure that you receive immediate support and peace of mind.

SIGN UP FOR THE PRIORITY SERVICES REGISTER HERE

This guide aims to give you and your elderly loved ones all the information you need to make an informed decision about the Priority Services Register.

What Support Is Available Through the PSR?

Different energy networks provide varying levels of additional support through the Priority Services Register. It is essential to check what services your energy provider offers; take a look by visiting the UK Power Networks website. It may be worth signing your elderly loved one up for the Priority Services Register if they feel they could benefit from the extra support. The types of priority services that may be available through the PSR include:

• • Provision of alternative heating and cooking facilities during an outage

• • Additional support during planned power cuts or maintenance work

• • Provision of bottled water during a water supply interruption

• • Advanced notice of any scheduled disruption to services

• • Help with reading and understanding bills

Why Carents Should Consider the PSR

Carent supporting an ageing parent, you should consider registering your loved one for the Priority Services Register. By registering for the PSR, you can help guarantee that you and your loved ones receive the support needed to be comfortable at home. It may also be worth checking whether you are also eligible for the PSR, as the free service can be beneficial to everyone. If a power cut were to happen, the PSR can provide:

• • Priority help during prolonged supply interruptions

• • Alternative heating and cooking facilities

• • Access to guidance and support services.

Energy networks Cadent and Northern Gas Network support the Priority Services Register by providing numerous support services to ensure you and your loved ones stay comfortable at home. Both Cadent and Northern Gas Network provide priority assistance during power outages, access to alternate heating and cooking services during a gas outage, and additional support services. Every energy network provides different levels of support, so make sure you know what services your network has.

The Benefits of the Priority Services Register

No one likes to assume that an emergency will happen, but it is best for you and your loved ones to be prepared. Registering for the PSR will ensure that you and your elderly loved ones receive priority assistance, specialised services that fit your individual needs, and enhanced communication. Registering on the Priority Services Register will make sure that you and your loved ones receive advance notification of planned work and accessible communication formats and benefit from password security schemes, metre reading services, and bill nominee schemes.

Above all, the Priority Services Register will allow you and your loved ones to have peace of mind knowing that you will receive the support you need if an emergency happens. As a Carent, you can research the specific services offered for your loved ones to be confident they receive the necessary help.

Cadent and Northern Gas Network

Cadent and Northern Gas Network are gas networks that support the Priority Services Register. The support services they provide may include:

• • Nominating someone to deal with your bills or help on your behalf

• • Providing information in formats such as large print, audio, braille, or one providing an interpreting service

• • Receiving an annual free gas safety check

• • Advance notice of planned power cuts

• • Providing other heating and cooking services in the event of a gas outage

• • Priority support in the event of a power cut.

In most energy networks, the staff are required to meet the following requirements when visiting you or your loved ones:

• • All staff are trained to offer additional services

• • They will carry an ID badge that is visible at all times

• • They will have access to any pre-agreed passwords

• • All staff will provide additional gas safety information, including the gas emergency number.

To ensure the safety and security of your elderly parent, it may be a good idea to sign them up for the Priority Services Register. As a Carent, checking if you are also eligible for the service may be worthwhile. To find out about the PSR, visit https://www.thepsr.co.uk. Learning about the Priority Services Register can help you and your loved ones feel safe and secure at home.

Maintaining your Priority Services Register Status

Maintaining your registration with the PSR may differ depending on your energy network. With this in mind, you must ensure your network has your most up-to-date information and that you or your loved one still qualify for the service.

If you want to make any changes to your details, contact your energy network directly. They can help you or your loved one update the information. If you no longer wish to be on the Priority Services Register, you can request to cancel your registration.

Useful Sources

It is important to remember that there are support systems and useful information available to you, whether you are a Carent or seeking advice for yourself. Additional resources can be found on local government websites, community organisations, and accredited healthcare providers.

Have you visited our Carents Lounge? The Carents Lounge is a support network of Carents who share their stories. Join the community.