A member of the Care and Repair Handy person team recently visited a gentleman in Bath, Somerset, to install a key safe enabling
access for friends and family to enter the property but still keeping the house
secure.
Whilst carrying out the adaptation he began chatting with
the client who wished for advice about what was involved in replacing his bath
with a shower. During the course of the conversation the gentleman explained to
our handy-person that the last time he had a bath he had unfortunately got stuck
and with nobody else living at the property to help him, he had remained in the bath for 3 whole days and nights!
In the end he only managed to get out of the tub when,
luckily, a neighbour finally heard his cries of help and went to investigate
the noise. After this ordeal the elderly gentleman is now understandably too
frightened to have a bath, for fear of getting stuck again.
Our handyman explained to him that he may be eligible for
a Disabled Facilities Grant to assist him with the cost of the new shower;
however the gentleman decided he wanted the work carried out straight away and
instead asked the Home Improvement Agency to fit a level entry shower for him.
This is just one example of how Care and Repair agencies
are able to help those who have difficulty and in some cases a real danger from
carrying out everyday tasks that we take for granted. For more information
about the work we do and how we can help please visit our website or follow us
via one of our social media channels.
If you or someone close to you have been helped by a HIA
please let us know by posting you story here or on our Facebook Page, we would
love to hear from you!
