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Taking care of your Loved One Is What We Do BEST!

It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.

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Home Care In Darlington, IN

Home Care Darlington, IN

They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.

However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting Raby Castle, Park and Gardens in Darlington, IN gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.

Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Darlington, IN is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Darlington, IN

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The Always Best Care Difference

Since 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.

Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.

The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.

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TESTIMONIALS

“best people at there”

Shelly L.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Great staff!! Caring people!”

Lissa W.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I think it’s one of the best companies there’s always someone ready and willing to go help people with great attitudes! Anyone that wants to live at home but needs a little extra help should definitely get someone from this company at your home to help out!”

Brandi S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Working for Always Best Care has been very rewarding for me to help others in need. Whatever my questions may be or any help I need as a health care provider for my client they have always came through with help.”

Diana W.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Very compassionate caregivers!”

Kendall A.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Great staff. Well trained and kind people.”

Amanda N.
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TESTIMONIALS

“The Beache’s Family are great people and I would trust my mom’s well- bean in their hands”

Isabella G.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Natalia has experience taking care of people with Alzheimer and I would be very trust my dad’s safety if they taking care of him.”

Eugene K.
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“They offer a wide range of services with professional, organized individuals willing to help care for members of your family.”

Nathan E.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Exceptional staff and very caring. I know my loved ones are taken care of which gives me a peace of mind. Definitely recommend!”

Robin
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TESTIMONIALS

“Mr. and Mrs. Beach are the owners of this location, and they are some of the most caring and dedicated people I have ever met. They truly want to help people get the best care for their loved ones. My grandmother would have loved to have care like this.”

Thomas H.

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Darlington, IN?

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Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.

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When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.

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The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.

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At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.

 Senior Care Darlington, IN

Types of Elderly Care in Darlington, IN

To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:

Personal Care

Personal Care Services

If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.

Common personal care services include assistance with:

  • Eating
  • Mobility Issues
  • Incontinence
  • Bathing
  • Dressing
  • Grooming

Respite Care Darlington, IN
Home Helper

Home Helper Services

Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.

Common home helper care services include assistance with:

  • Medication Reminders
  • Meal Preparation
  • Pet Care
  • Prescription Refills
  • Morning Wake-Up
  • Walking
  • Reading
 Caregivers Darlington, IN
Companionship Services

Companionship Services

Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Old School Park in Darlington, IN with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.

Common companionship services include:

  • Grocery Shopping
  • Transportation to Appointments
  • Nutritional Assistance
  • Conversation
  • Planning Outings
  • Completing Errands
  • Transportation to Community
  • Events and Social Outings
Home Care Darlington, IN
Respite Care

Respite Care Services

According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local The Bay Horse or visit Lafayette County Historical, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.

At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.

If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.

 In-Home Care Darlington, IN

Benefits of Home Care in Darlington, IN

Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:

Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.

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Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.

In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.

Here are just a few of the reasons why older men and women prefer to age at home:

How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?

A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.

With the help of elderly care in Darlington, IN, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.

Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.

Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.

For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.

More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.

In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.

With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.

 Elderly Care Darlington, IN

Affordable Care

In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.

Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.

At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.

In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:

If your loved one qualifies, Medicaid may help reduce in-home care costs. Review your IN's Medicaid program laws and benefits, and make sure your senior's financial and medical needs meet Medicaid eligibility requirements.
Attendance and aid benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.
Many senior care services like in-home care are included in long-term care insurance options. Research different long-term care solutions to find a plan that provides coverage for senior care.
Home care can be included as part of a senior's private insurance plan. Read over your loved one's insurance policy carefully or speak with their insurance provider to determine if in-home care is covered.
Depending on the life insurance plan, you may be able to apply your policy toward long-term care. You may be able to use long-term-care coverage to help pay for in-home elderly care.
 Senior Care Darlington, IN

Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers.

When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.

Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.

At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Darlington, IN understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.

Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.

Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.

Assisted Living Referral Services

While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.

Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.


Respite Care Darlington, IN

At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.

Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Recreational Activities
  • Social Outings
  • Emergency Medical Response
  • Medication Monitoring
  • Family Visitation
  • Personal Care
 Caregivers Darlington, IN

At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.

Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.

Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:

  • Sienna Crest Assisted Living Darlington
  • Bethea Retirement Community
  • Darlington Community Center
  • Oakhaven Nursing Center
  • Lafayette Manor
  • Darlington Assisted Living
Home Care Darlington, IN

For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.

 In-Home Care Darlington, IN

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:

A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way

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A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive

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Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider

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Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.

If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.

At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Darlington, IN 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.

When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.

 Elderly Care Darlington, IN

Latest News in Darlington, IN

Sam Kerr marks return to Chelsea starting XI in style

This article is brought to you by our exclusive subscriber partnership with our sister title USA Today, and has been written by our American colleagues. It does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald.Sam Kerr scored twice on her first Chelsea start since December 2023 as they climbed to second in the Women’s Champions League table with a commanding 6-0 win away to St Polten.Sonia Bompastor’s side laid down a marker in the competition with Kerr, recently back from an ACL injury, slotting across the goalkeeper...

This article is brought to you by our exclusive subscriber partnership with our sister title USA Today, and has been written by our American colleagues. It does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald.

Sam Kerr scored twice on her first Chelsea start since December 2023 as they climbed to second in the Women’s Champions League table with a commanding 6-0 win away to St Polten.

Sonia Bompastor’s side laid down a marker in the competition with Kerr, recently back from an ACL injury, slotting across the goalkeeper for her team’s fourth goal in the 75th minute then heading the sixth in stoppage time.

Earlier, a goal from Wieke Kaptein and a brace from Catarina Macario had put the visitors in command. Lisa Ebert’s own goal, in between Kerr’s double, compounded the misery for the home side.

Chelsea went ahead after 12 minutes as Macario slid the ball up to Ellie Carpenter who picked out Kaptein’s run into the box. The home side had numbers back but were unable to prevent the Netherlands international slipping the ball beyond goalkeeper Carina Schluter into the bottom corner.

Defender Naomi Girma thought she had made it two when the ball rebounded off the post, hit her and went in, but the offside flag intervened to chalk the goal off.

Chelsea would not be denied though, and a minute before the break Macario doubled their lead. Johanna Rytting Kaneryd worked the ball up to her and the forward stepped inside and rattled a finish low across the goalkeeper and in.

Alyssa Thompson won a penalty by tricking her way past defender Izabela Krizaj and drawing a foul. From the spot, Macario stepped up and found the corner for her second and her team’s third.

Kerr’s first goal gave the scoreline the gloss Chelsea’s dominance had warranted, but there was more to come in the closing stages.

Lauren James’ cross was deflected into her own net by the unfortunate Ebert before Kerr headed in Niamh Charles’ cross in stoppage time.

BBC is our last hope for saving children’s TV, says Children’s Laureate

The BBC is “our last hope” for ensuring the creation of high quality children’s TV, Children’s Laureate Frank Cottrell-Boyce has said.The author and screenwriter appeared before the Culture, Media and Sport Committee on Tuesday alongside Greg Childs, director of Children’s Media Foundation, who said the “industry is broken and broke”, adding that “we are stuck in a groove in that, pretty much, now the only funder in this country, and in a lot of European countries, is the public service ...

The BBC is “our last hope” for ensuring the creation of high quality children’s TV, Children’s Laureate Frank Cottrell-Boyce has said.

The author and screenwriter appeared before the Culture, Media and Sport Committee on Tuesday alongside Greg Childs, director of Children’s Media Foundation, who said the “industry is broken and broke”, adding that “we are stuck in a groove in that, pretty much, now the only funder in this country, and in a lot of European countries, is the public service broadcaster”.

Childs also said that “YouTube has captured the eyes of the nation” and spoke of a decrease in engagement in children’s TV, “advertiser flight”, and the need for a funding support model.

Cottrell-Boyce, 66, also spoke about the popularity of YouTube, as well as the loss of live action children’s TV when he gave evidence during the Committee’s opening session into its inquiry on children’s TV and video content.

He said: “I mentioned in passing, the importance of live action in children’s (TV), which is… that’s almost dead.

“That’s like me calling for a regeneration of scrimshaw or thatching. You know, it’s gone, live action.

“Where do working class boys see themselves in our media? Who therefore is able to address working class boys? And I’m just using them as an example.

“If we vacate the space, it doesn’t stay empty. And I don’t think this is not fixable… It can be done.”

Asked who would make children’s TV to a high quality if there was no BBC, he added: “Nothing (would happen), it would just be an empty space. They are our last hope.”

He also spoke of the limitation of YouTube and said it is “one of those things that presents the illusion of choice, but because it’s algorithmically driven you default to more and more of the same choices.”

The evidence session comes after the Committee discussed, in private, the letter received from BBC chairman Samir Shah on Monday, who apologised for an “error of judgment” over the editing of a speech by US President Donald Trump for Panorama.

Martin Lewis shares key energy company back-billing rules

Martin Lewis has clarified a key point for energy bill payers and reminded them that bills can only go back for a maximum of 12 months - anything before that should be written off, as long as customers were not notified previously.The Money Saving Expert founder has hit out at gas and electricity firms who leave customers with higher bills thanks to faulty meters.Earlier this year he appeared before the Energy Security and Net Zero Committee in the House of Commons to campaign on the key issue of back billing. Also known as a &...

Martin Lewis has clarified a key point for energy bill payers and reminded them that bills can only go back for a maximum of 12 months - anything before that should be written off, as long as customers were not notified previously.

The Money Saving Expert founder has hit out at gas and electricity firms who leave customers with higher bills thanks to faulty meters.

Earlier this year he appeared before the Energy Security and Net Zero Committee in the House of Commons to campaign on the key issue of back billing. Also known as a "catch-up bill", energy firms bill customers for energy that wasn't previously accounted for, usually because of gaps in meter readings.

Energy firms CANNOT bill you for energy used over 12mths ago. Yet many do. My evidence to Commons Energy Committee on this including how the rules should be changed. Please share so people know their rights. pic.twitter.com/oJM0sZX1Oi

— Martin Lewis (@MartinSLewis) March 20, 2025

The Money Saving Expert founder often shares his advice on X, and in a post he told billpayers: "Energy firms CANNOT bill you for energy used over 12mths ago. Yet many do. My evidence to Commons Energy Committee on this including how the rules should be changed.

"Please share so people know their rights."

Energy bill back billing rules

If your gas or electricity supplier believes you have not been accurately billed for energy you’ve used, they may send you a back bill.

These bills are sometimes called ‘catch up’ bills, and are intended to cover a period where you’ve used energy but have not been charged for it.

If you get one of these from your supplier, check whether you’re protected by Ofgem's back billing rules before deciding what to do next.

Energy firms AREN'T allowed to back-bill over 1 year Ie. if you're sent a bill for the first time about energy from past years (providing you didn't obstruct em in getting the info) it's usually wrong. You needn't pay it. Make a formal complaint & if needed go to Energy… pic.twitter.com/PNhKKsVyQ5

— Martin Lewis (@MartinSLewis) March 3, 2025

Ofgem back billing rules

You cannot be charged for energy used more than 12 months ago if:

Suppliers must make these rules clear in their contract terms and conditions.

The rules only apply to domestic energy consumers and microbusinesses.

What to do if you get a back bill from your energy supplier

Contact your supplier and let them know. They should refund any money taken in error, which could be all or part of the bill.

You’ll find your supplier’s contact details on their website, or on your energy bills.

If you want to write to them or send them an email, you can use the Citizens Advice back billing example letter.

You can complain about your energy supplier if they continue to ask for payment for a period covered by Ofgem's back billing rules.

The rules do not apply if you have acted unreasonably by:

Paying a back bill

You are responsible for paying for the energy you have used in any period not covered by the back billing rules.

If you’re worried about being able to pay, take a look at the help and support options available if you cannot afford your energy bills.

Recommended reading:

How to help make sure your energy bills are accurate

The best way to avoid getting a back bill is to make sure you receive regular, accurate bills from your supplier.

Make sure the bills you get accurately reflect the energy you’ve used. If you think there’s something wrong with your bill, for example, if you’ve been undercharged, contact your supplier right away.

You should also contact your supplier to let them know if you do not receive a bill for energy you’ve used.

If you do not have a smart meter, make sure to give your supplier regular meter readings.

Electric ambulance trials begin in North Yorkshire urban areas

Electric ambulances are being trialled in the region, North Yorkshire councillors have been told.In an update to a North Yorkshire Council meeting, representatives from Yorkshire Ambulance Service (YAS) said EV ambulances were being tested in urban areas.Martin Dodd, area operations manager for North Yorkshire at Yorkshire Ambulance Service, told members of the Richmond area committee that the service was currently looking to renew its fleet.He added: “We are looking at the electric ambulances, certainly across the...

Electric ambulances are being trialled in the region, North Yorkshire councillors have been told.

In an update to a North Yorkshire Council meeting, representatives from Yorkshire Ambulance Service (YAS) said EV ambulances were being tested in urban areas.

Martin Dodd, area operations manager for North Yorkshire at Yorkshire Ambulance Service, told members of the Richmond area committee that the service was currently looking to renew its fleet.

He added: “We are looking at the electric ambulances, certainly across the other areas. We have some trials ongoing at the present in some of the more urban areas.

“Obviously, the problems in the rural areas continue with having the infrastructure available for electric vehicles, but it is something that we are abreast of and on top of.”

According to a report presented to councillors at the meeting, ambulance response times for most categories of incidents had improved this year, compared to 2024, in the Richmond constituency area.

The average response to the most serious category one incidents was nine minutes 13 seconds in 2025, compared to nine minutes 25 seconds last year.

Only category four incidents had seen response times increase.

These had gone up from 56 minutes 44 seconds to one hour 34 minutes and 42 seconds.

Response times for the more serious incidents were, however, slower in the Richmond constituency area than across the wider Yorkshire Ambulance Service area.

Handover times for ambulances passing on patients to hospitals had also improved from last year.

The handover times this year were 18 minutes 44 seconds this year at Darlington Memorial Hospital and 26 minutes and 27 seconds at James Cook Hospital, compared to 20 minutes and 42 seconds and 31 minutes and 30 seconds.

The report noted that significant progress has been made in reducing handover delays across Yorkshire, with the introduction of a new ‘transfer of care’ operating procedure.

The meeting heard that work had started on the new ambulance station being built in Thirsk, with the steel frame constructed last week.

Mr Dodd said it was hoped the station would be fully operational by the end of March 2026.

Martin Lewis shares 5-minute check to save on energy bills

Martin Lewis has shared his advice on how to save money on energy bills this winter with a 5-minute check that could save you hundreds.It's all about getting off what be calls the "pants cap" - officially the Energy Price Cap."For all but those on pre-payment meters, where sadly there’s little choice, I’d urge people to get off the Cap, use a whole-of-market comparison site to find their cheapest fix. That will instantly cut people’s bills."He adds: "While I’m urging peopl...

Martin Lewis has shared his advice on how to save money on energy bills this winter with a 5-minute check that could save you hundreds.

It's all about getting off what be calls the "pants cap" - officially the Energy Price Cap.

"For all but those on pre-payment meters, where sadly there’s little choice, I’d urge people to get off the Cap, use a whole-of-market comparison site to find their cheapest fix. That will instantly cut people’s bills."

He adds: "While I’m urging people to do a comparison right now, as savings are potentially large, for those on a Price Cap tariff currently, it’s important for people to be aware that sites will show your savings compared to the current Price Cap."

Is paying via PayPal a bigger risk? How to budget? Has govt ever told you (Martin) to stay schtum? NEW MONEY-QUESTION TIME POD! Here u ask the Qs incl on EV energy bills, why bank accounts lie etc. Do listenhttps://t.co/O7b14FLwb2https://t.co/R4eZdU6Xi2https://t.co/RCrSyznDx9

— Martin Lewis (@MartinSLewis) November 10, 2025

Energy prices have increased by 2% with the October price cap, and with 131,000 Google searches for ‘energy price cap’ in the past month alone, many households are eager to find new ways to save money.

Stephen Hankinson, energy efficiency expert at Electric Radiators Direct agrees with Martin Lewis on getting off the Energy Price Cap: “If you’re looking to save money on your energy bills this winter, switching energy suppliers can be one of the quickest and most effective ways to do it. The exact saving, of course, depends on how much energy you use and what tariff you’re on.

“Between the 1st October and the 31st December, the energy price cap is set at £1755 per year for a typical household.

“However, some energy companies are offering tariffs that are up to 18% cheaper than the cap, which would mean up to £315 off your annual price cap bill.”

How to find out which energy tariff you are on

Check a recent energy bill or log into your account online, and it should be clearly listed there. Once you’re aware of these details, you can compare deals and lock in a better rate.

If you’ve been on the same tariff for over a year, you might have been put on a standard variable tariff, which is often one of the most expensive. These are the default tariffs that suppliers put you on when your fixed deal ends.

Fixed rate tariffs can often be the best choice, because you pay the same every month, even if energy prices increase.

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When should you look to switch?

“The best time to switch is when you’re coming to the end of a fixed-rate deal," says Stephen. "For people who organised a one-year fixed deal in November 2024, now is the perfect time. If you can find a fixed deal less than the October price cap or even less than the 2% increase, you will be saving money on your energy bill.

“Energy providers are required to notify you when your contract is finishing, and if you’re within 49 days of the end date, you can switch without paying any exit fees.

“If you have just signed up to a new fixed tariff, make a note in your calendar of when you are 49 days away from the end date, as you can then start searching for the best deals again.

How long does it take to switch?

Switching energy providers itself is simple. It shouldn’t take longer than 5 working days, and your energy supply won’t be interrupted at any point, meaning you don’t have to worry about feeling cold or the lights going off in the meantime.

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