Home Improvement Agency

Managing at Home

As you get older or live with a long term health condition or disability, it can become harder to live independently and safely, and complete everyday tasks such as washing and dressing, cooking and cleaning.

Many people are able to stay in their own homes for most or all of their lives by getting the correct help and support in the home.

There are often options available to you that will allow you to make changes to your home, or to how you do things, that will make your home more suitable for your changing needs and help you live safely and independently.

Home maintenance

Keeping your home and garden well maintained can sometimes be difficult, especially as you get older or if you have a health or physical condition.

A well-maintained home can help you to stay in better health and avoid accidents, whilst the garden is often a sanctuary for many people and can help with mental wellbeing.

If you are struggling to keep up with jobs that need doing around the home and garden, you may be able to get help from some voluntary organisations for smaller jobs.  There may be a small charge or you might be asked for a donation.

For larger jobs you may need to hire a tradesman. Always check previous work from testimonials, ratings on the internet or personal recommendations from family and friends. If you are worried about hiring someone you don't know,  visit Herefordshire Council's Trading standards pages on their website www.herefordshire.gov.uk for further advice and to view their trade register of local tradesmen.

If you live in a Housing Association home or rent from a private landlord, then they are responsible for keeping the home maintained and you should contact them directly for anything that needs doing.

Home improvements and adaptations

You At Home, is the council's experienced Home Improvement Agency (HIA) and can help you with support and guidance for all home improvements and adaptations. They can also sometimes provide financial assistance for small scale emergency repairs. Contact details can be found at the bottom of the page.

Handyperson service

The handyperson team may be able to help with small adaptations and a wide range of small repairs to help you remain independent or to ensure you can return home from hospital. In some cases a small fee will be charged for work undertaken.

The handyperson team is Trust Mark accredited, which means they are accredited as a reputable provider of repair, maintenance and improvement work at your home. If they can't help directly, the handyperson team may be able to refer you to someone who can offer assistance. For further information take a look at the Handyperson leaflet

Minor adaptations such as grab rails, half steps, ramps may be provided free of charge by the council or your registered social landlord.  If you live in private property you can contact the council via the occupational therapy service. 

For registered social landlord properties, speak first to your housing association as they may be able to do this directly on your request. 

Disabled Facilities Grant

If you or someone you live with is disabled, a Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) may help pay for an adaptation like showers and stairlifts. DFGs are awarded for adaptations which help people access their home, and for adaptations which improve comfort, safety and independence.

If eligible, how much you get depends on your household income and household savings, further information on Disabled Facilities Grants can be found on the government's GOV.UK website at  https://www.gov.uk/disabled-facilities-grants

Contact

For further information about all of these services you can contact the You At Home team as follows:

• Online: Contact us form
• Email: yah@herefordshire.gov.uk
• Telephone:  01432 260757
• Postal  address: You At Home, Herefordshire Council, Room 111, Nelson Centre, Whitecross Road, Hereford. HR4 0DG