Rutland Home Improvement Agency
Rutland Home Improvement Agencies (RHIA) assists vulnerable people remain in their own home in comfort, safety and security for as long as possible. Usually, our services are available to older people, disabled, and/or vulnerable people who can receive assistance with repairs, adaptations and other forms of practical help within their home.
How can we Help?
Staff working for RHIA may be able to help you with your living circumstances and conditions. They will visit you in your home and can provide advice and support on:
RHIA staff can advise you on repairs, improvements or adaptations you may need in your home. The type of work that could be carried out at your home by RHIA can vary
Smaller jobs such as repairing a leak are common, as are large-scale renovation jobs to the exterior of the property.
Adaptations to assist people with disabilities are also frequently carried out. These can range from small jobs such as fitting a handrail to much bigger improvements like removing a bath in order to build a special walk-in shower or installation of a stair lift. Where disabled adaptations take place, the work would be specified following the advice of a qualified Occupational Therapist.
RHIA also employs a ‘Handyperson' to carry out small jobs, which you might have difficulty in carrying out yourself (such as fitting a curtain rail or repairing a dripping tap). Local builders can often be reluctant to carry out such small jobs but RHIA will often be happy to help you in this way. There may be a small charge for this service.
Financial and Budgetary Advice
Sometimes people feel anxious about discussing their financial affairs with others. However, you do not need to worry about trusting RHIA staff with the details of your financial situation. RHIA staff are highly skilled in assessing people's income. They also check on your entitlement to benefits
Receiving such advice can result in an increase in your income, as well as helping to find any funding that might be required for repairs.
Advising You
When considering repairs to their homes, many people become concerned about the problem of ‘Cowboy Builders'. Using RHIA takes the worry away from you about deciding which builder to use. We have a comprehensive list of reputable or ‘vetted' building contractors in the area. The work of the builder will also be monitored by our skilled staff.
Supporting You
An important part of RHIA's is to listen to your needs, desires and preferences. RHIA recognises that everyone should be allowed to make their own decisions about the kind of work which is carried out in their home. Repairs would not be carried out unless you gave your consent to RHIA for the work to go ahead.
Would I need to pay for any Repairs or Improvements?
Not always. Everyone has a right to apply for Local Authority assistance in carrying out certain repairs to their home. As Local Authority and other government grants are means tested, you therefore may not be required to contribute to the work at all. Similarly, you may be eligible for assistance from a local or national charity.
If I had to pay something - How would I find the money?
Building work carried out to your home can be financed through a number of routes. Where a Local Authority grant will not pay for all, or any of the work to be carried out, our staff can assist you with deciding how the costs could be met. For example some people receive assistance from Charities, are able to make an insurance claim, can use the equity in their home, apply to the DSS social fund, use their own savings or accept the work as a ‘gift' from their family. However the funding is arranged, you can rest assured that RHIA staff are entirely independent and will assist you with choosing a package that will be the least expensive option and that will best suit your needs.
Contact -
The Rutland Home Improvement Agency
13 High Street East
UPPINGHAM
LE15 9PY
Tel: 01572 821322
Fax: 01572 823 944
Email
Statement
Rutland Home Improvement Agency will be able to help you by:
- Listening confidentially to any problems you may have with living in your home.
- Advising you on how to address these problems
- Checking your entitlement to any benefits or other assistance.