Case studies
Mr D regularly uses the services of his local home improvement agency, including having his plumbing repaired and the handyperson scheme. He has recently used the handyperson more than usual as he has just moved house, downsizing to a smaller home that is more suitable for him.
To set up his new home, Mr D bought flat-packed furniture - but once he got it home he realised he could not get it out of the boot of his car! He contacted the home improvement agency, and the handyperson came round, carried the furniture into Mr D's new house and assembled it for him.
Mr D is currently planning to use the home improvement agency's help to make the garden easier to maintain. He recently enlisted their help to bid for a bidet on eBay. He won the item for 99p and donated the washbasin that came with it to the agency for another client to use.
"It's about trust. You know the workmen from the home improvement agency will be reliable and trustworthy." - Mr D
Mrs V, 81, is a regular user of the handyperson service. She has lived on her own since nursing her husband who had Alzheimer's disease, and during his illness the house began to fall into disrepair. Traditionally her husband had carried out the repair work, and not only was he unable to do this any longer since becoming ill, but he could not cope with having strangers in the home to do the work.
Jobs carried out by the handyperson included fitting a new toilet seat, fitting a bathroom mirror, repairing a drawer, and mending a chair that had unstable legs.
"It's the little things that get on top of you. You cannot get anyone out to help with the little jobs, and it reminds you that your husband has gone and it makes you grieve again. Finding out about the HIA has given me independence and a lack of worry. It's like having a friend come. Bill (the handyperson) is such a lovely man. I call him 'my son'. It's not just about the handyperson being able to carry out the physical work but also being able to relate to people as well. Lots of people are prisoners in their own homes and care packages mean strangers coming into the house. This sort of care is more important. For example, my chair had wobbly legs and I could have fallen but now it's all fixed. They also recommend tradespeople if they cannot do the work themselves. It's wonderful." - Mrs V
Mr R, aged 58, is enjoying life at home instead of living in residential care.
At the end of a long spell in hospital, he needed some home adaptations so he could be discharged.
The home improvement agency’s Handihelp service fitted grab rails at his front and back door, as well as a key safe, so that friends and family could let themselves in. They also built a tailor-made shed to house a motorised scooter.
Mr R said: "I feel much more confident at home now and it's great to be able to get out and about on my scooter."
