Council agrees funding for elderly and vunerable
people
More elderly, disabled and vulnerable people will be able to
remain in their own homes in 2010/11, thanks to funding from Wyre
Forest District Council.
The authority has agreed to top up government funding for
grants for adaptations to properties. These are
known as Disabled Facilities Grants.
In 2010/11 a total of £800,000 is available for adaptation work
and a further £120,000 for vulnerable households to carry out
essential home maintenance through interest free loans.
84 year old Wilf Millward of Wrekin Close, Kidderminster has
benefited from one of the grants. He had developed back
problems and found it difficult to get into the shower, so a level
access shower was installed. Wilf said,
"It has been a marvellous job, it's going to make a big
difference. My wife and I are both looking forward to using
our lovely new bathroom."
Councillor Tracey Onslow, Wyre Forest District Council's Cabinet
Member for Housing and Environmental Services said,
"At Wyre Forest District Council, we are very keen to help older
and vulnerable people remain in their own homes, if that is what
they want to do and what is best. As with most things in
life, we are not able to do everything we would like to do
straightaway, but this extra funding will help to reduce the time
residents have to wait."
This year the Council, working with Community Housing Group and
the North Worcestershire Care and Repair Agency, will have
delivered more than 200 grants to households requiring
adaptations. This essential work can really improve a person's
quality of life and often enables someone to remain in their own
home.
The Care and Repair Agency is based at Community Housing Group's
offices and they can be contacted on 01562 733217. The agency works
closely with the Occupational Therapy service to identify people
requiring works and can also provide advice about home safety and
security and minimising slips, trips and falls.
From 1st April the Care and Repair service will be
delivered by a new service "Worcestershire Care and Repair" managed
by Festival Housing.
It will still be located at Community Housing Group offices.
Photograph shows Wilf Millward in his new level access
shower. He is photographed with his caseworker Jayne
Brennan.
Date of issue - 18th March 2010