Blaenau Gwent Care & Repair provides a free Rapid Response Safety at Home/ Adaptations service for people who are in hospital awaiting discharge, have recently been discharged from hospital, or at risk of being admitted because of an unsafe/unsuitable home.

 

Small grants, from the Welsh Government or Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council Social Services are accessed to fund the necessary works.

 

The types of works involved are as follows:

 

• External or Internal Hand Rails
• Grab Rails
• Small Ramps
• Levelling/Widening Paths
• Door Entry Systems/Alarms
• Keysafes
• Safety in the Home (eg. Floor and Stair Safety, additional lighting, electrical safety)
• Assistive Technology

 

To obtain grant assistance, referrals must come from a health or social services professional. We will speak to the referral agency on your behalf and/or arrange for one of our officers to come to your home to discuss your needs. In most cases, grant assistance is limited to £350 per case.

 

Safety at Home Checks

 

All clients homes’ visited by our officers will be given a simple check to ensure that any present or potential maintenance, repair or adaptation works are brought to your attention. If you wish, we can then assist in carrying out the identified works, via the above Minor Adaptations & Safety Grants, the Handyperson Service or the Home Repairs Advice and Support Service.

 

In addition, we offer a Healthy Home check and Home Fire Safety check free of charge.  The Home Fire Safety check is carried out in partnership with the South Wales Fire Service and involves advising on fire risks and assisting the householder to develop an escape plan in case of fire.  Free smoke detectors will be fitted if required, and other fire safety equipment is also available to reduce the risk from fire.