THE SERVICES OF HOME IMPROVEMENT AGENCIES Home Improvement Agencies (HIAs) are small, locally based not-for-profit organisations. They help homeowners and private sector tenants who are older, disabled or on low income to repair, maintain or adapt their homes. Many of these people are unsure where to turn for help. They are concerned about letting people into their homes and worried about employing 'cowboy' builders. HIA services are currently available in 90% of local authority areas across England. What do HIAs do? HIAs provide client centred, cost effective assistance. They help people to remain in their own home - safe, secure, warm and independent. Services that HIAs offer vary within each area and can include: • Adaptations • 'Handyperson' Services • Gardening and Decorating • Information about available benefits, grants and loans • Security and Home Safety • Repairs and Home Maintenance • Energy Efficiency • Falls Prevention and Hospital Discharge • Approved Builder lists and technical support throughout any building work Why do we need Home Improvement Agency Services? We are an ageing population and, therefore, the call on health and social care services is continually increasing. Helping someone to remain in their home: • Improves their own health, quality of life, security and independence • Improves their neighbourhoods • Reduces their demands upon Health and Social Care services Are these services free? Clients would not normally be charged a fee where building or adaptation works were not carried out. Where a fee is charged it can be at variable rates, based on a client's income and eligibility for grant assistance. How to find your local HIA 'Foundations' - the national co-ordinating body for HIAs - operates an online search directory, to enable you to find your nearest HIA. The directory listings show contact details for each agency, its opening hours and services that are available. You can also telephone 'Foundations' Head Office on 01457 891909 for full information. Case Studies Mrs M Mrs M is 88 years old and lives alone in a ground floor flat. Some of the work carried out by the Agency over the last few years on behalf of Mrs M includes repairs to water heater, roof and gas boiler, fitting handrails and responding to a distraction burglary by fitting security measures. Olive says, "It's a fantastic service. They still check up on me all the time ­ life would be much more difficult without them." Mr and Mrs P Mr and Mrs P, a couple in their mid 70s, were living with only one fixed gas fire to warm their home. Mould was growing on the walls and the poor condition of the house was affecting Mr P's asthma. When the couple contacted Bristol Care & Repair with concerns about their roof, the HIA also noticed the heating problems and helped the couple apply for a grant to install central heating. Two months later, the caseworker visited to give advice on setting the time clock and thermostats to gain the most efficient use of the system. Mr P has since found that his breathing has improved and that the mould problem in the house has abated. Both Mr and Mrs P have benefited from the improvements which will make a real difference to their health and subsequently their quality of life. Mrs D Mrs D is 86 and lives independently in a ground-floor cottage. She requires little support other than from the local greengrocers and Iceland, who deliver regularly to the cottage. Despite her independence however, she was finding it increasingly difficult to use her bathroom facilities, and was afraid she might slip. Her local Home Improvement Agency arranged for her bathroom to be adapted, fitting a walk-in shower and slip-resistant flooring. These measures have allowed Mrs D to continue living independently in her own home, without the risk of injury from falling. Mr and Mrs F Mr and Mrs F, a couple in their 70s, were living in a dilapidated property with dangerous electric wiring and no heating or hot water. The couple were in serious debt and had never claimed any benefits despite being entitled to them. The couple only came to the attention of their local Home Improvement Agency in Blackpool after Mrs F was diagnosed as terminally ill. The Agency was able to assist the couple in repairs to their home and help manage their debt, which alleviated the couple's hardship at that difficult time. The couple were previously unaware of the assistance that was available. Mrs R Mrs R is 86 and lives independently. Her husband has passed away, and she has no relatives living nearby. Her local HIA has helped her by fitting a stairlift and carrying out repairs to her drains, ceiling and chimney stack. The work completed by the HIA has supported Mrs R to remain living in her own home, through carrying out maintenance and fitting adaptations when necessary. Mrs R says, "It has made an enormous difference. I feel much more secure because if anything goes wrong with the house I know that the Care and Repair team will help if they can."