A home visit leads to benefit award, blue badge, and major home improvements from Care & Repair

A powerful example of how one client visit can lead to  multiple avenues of support.

Mrs. A is undergoing cancer treatment, and Mr. A is already in receipt of disability benefits. During the visit, Mrs. A expressed interest in applying for Attendance Allowance (AA) but was unsure how to fill out the application form effectively. Bethan was able to assist Mrs. A in completing the application form during the visit.

Additionally, Bethan inquired whether the couple held a blue badge, as neither of them were current holders. Upon learning this, an application for a blue badge was submitted on their behalf. While completing the AA form, it became apparent that the couple’s home was in need of several adaptations to improve their quality of life. Both Mr. and Mrs. A were finding it increasingly difficult to manage at home, especially in the bathroom and the garden. The house is situated at the bottom of an incline, making outdoor accessibility particularly challenging. Given these concerns, a referral to Care and Repair was made to address the necessary home modifications.

Approximately eight weeks later, a follow-up phone call was made to check on any developments. Mrs. A reported that she had been awarded the higher rate of Attendance Allowance, received her blue badge, and that Care and Repair had already completed several modifications to their home.

Handrails had been installed outside in the garden, and they were now awaiting adaptations to the bathroom. Care and Repair had agreed to convert the bathroom into a wet room to better suit their ongoing needs. This decision was critical as Mr. and Mrs. A had previously been using a radiator as a makeshift handrail to get in and out of the bath, posing a significant health and safety risk, especially during the winter.

Mrs. A shared that the blue badge has already had a positive impact, making journeys easier and less stressful, particularly when it comes to parking and walking short distances. The bathroom adaptation, however, is expected to have the most significant impact, as it will eliminate the risk of injury associated with bathing.

Mrs. A expressed her gratitude, saying: “We can’t thank you enough for being so kind and all the help you have given us. What you have done for us has far exceeded any expectations, we are so grateful for all of your help and support you have shown us.”

The team will follow up with Mr. and Mrs. A in the coming months to check on the progress of the bathroom adaptations.