Home mobility renovations make sound economic sense, say Care and Repair Carmarthenshire

February 17–21 is Care and Repair week, during which local authorities are being encouraged to help community members make their homes more disability-friendly.

Adjustments within the home can reduce the likelihood of individuals having to seek emergency services or consider relocation to residential care.

Carmarthenshire is one county to have felt the benefits of embracing the Care and Repair campaign, not just for each individual at home but also for its impact on public spending, with work over the last year having succeeded in saving local health and social care budgets around £5.5m.

Mark Warren, who is manager of Care and Repair Carmarthenshire, says: “We are extremely proud to be offering such a worthwhile service to older members of our communities.

“It is always a pleasure to assist our clients, making their lives easier and safer by making small adaptations to their homes.

“Quite often, by talking face to face with our clients, we are also able to help signpost them to other organisations that may be able to help them, where it falls outside our area of expertise.”

Mrs Elizabeth Jarman, of New Zealand Street (pictured), is one resident to have benefitted from an enhanced social environment, with an easy-access shower now fitted in her bathroom, as well as hand and grab rails throughout her home.

Mrs Jarman comments: “The work they have done for me is amazing, I am thrilled to bits.

“They did rails on the steps in the front, down in to my conservatory and in my garden, and have put a new shower in too. It’s made such a difference – it’s allowed me to start enjoying Nordic Walking because now I can have a shower when I get home which eases my arthritis.”