Home Improvement Agencies
Helping older and disabled people to repair, maintain and adapt
their homes
Home Improvement Agencies (HIAs) are local not-for-profit
organisations providing a range of services to help older and
disabled people to remain living independently in their own
home.
In Cheshire East, there are three
HIA
s:
- Congleton Care & Repair - managed by Cheshire East
Council
- Staying Put Crewe & Nantwich - managed by Anchor Trust
- Macclesfield Care & Repair - managed by Templar Housing,
part of the Regenda Group
Who can use the services?
If you are over 60, or if you or a member of your household have
a disability, then the HIAs may be able to help.
What services do Cheshire East
HIA
s offer?
The HIAs support people through the process of carrying out
repairs and adaptations, by:
- Technical advice about the work that is needed
- Checking whether you are entitled to any financial assistance,
including repayable and non-repayable assistance from the Council,
or entitlement to welfare benefits
- Drawing up plans and specifications
- Obtaining quotes from reputable contractors
- Ensuring the work is carried out satisfactorily
Information about any other support services that might be
available to you
The
HIA
s also
offer 'handyperson' services, carrying out a wide range of
jobs:
- Home safety checks and advice
- Small practical tasks such as fitting light bulbs and changing
curtains
- Small plumbing repairs, including replacing tap washers
- Improving home security, for example fitting door and window
locks and door chains
- Other repairs such as joinery
- Preventing falls - fitting grab rails, extra handrails on
stairs, and fixing down carpets and rugs
- 'Hospital discharge' - helping people to come home from
hospital by carrying out minor adaptations and repairs
Each
HIA
in
Cheshire East operates slightly differently and offers
complementary services. Contact them to find out more about the HIA
in your area.