CARE HOMES: If you are finding it harder to do everyday tasks because of a disability or illness, it's worth considering adapting your house to make life easier.

Starlifts, ramps and bathroom additions can all make a huge difference and enable you to stay in your own home and enjoy life.

Companies such as Ridgeway Care & Repair offer free advice about home adaptations and for a fee will sort out any building work that you need doing as well as help you apply for grant funding.

They also offer a Handihelp service, to provide practical help for simple jobs. Call Ridgeway Care & Repair on (01380) 735437 or you can visit them online at www.ridgewaycommunity.org.uk If you need help with everyday activities a home carer would be a good option. There are lots of different services available ranging from a quick visit to 24-hour live in care.

Candlelight homecare was established in 1988 and deals with a range of requests, from 30 minute visits through to 24 hour care, this could be for getting up and/or putting to bed, assistance with washing and bathing, toileting, dressing and undressing.

24 hour personal care is also provided, and they are passionate about delivering high quality care with tailor made packages to suit individuals' needs. This can be either social services or self funded. Call Candlelight on (01225) 776000 for more information. The time may come when you want to move out of your house and into a care home. Talk through all of your options with your family. It's important to feel comfortable and have the right balance between the amount of independence and help you want.

There are different types of care homes. If you'd like to keep your own independence, it's worth considering a flat in sheltered accommodation. You can usually buy or rent your own unit and facilities such as sitting rooms, gardens and laundry are shared.

For peace of mind there is a resident warden who can be summoned by an alarm.

If you feel like you need more care, a residential home may be the answer. These can be anything from homes where meals are provided and you have your own room, to specialist places where 24 hour supervision and care is provided. Prices vary and help is available from the government for people who can't afford the fees.

Some homes are run by charitable organisations such as the Orders of St John Care Trust, who run 20 care homes in Wiltshire.

All their homes offer residential and respite care. Many of the homes run in conjunction with the local councils and Primary Care Trusts also offer rehabilitative care and day care. For more information call (01373) 865400.