A man in his 80s lived alone in what has been the family home since the mid-1930s. Over time he became unable to maintain his home, which after 20 years of neglect, was close to dereliction.
He had become socially isolated and had little contact with social services. The windows were broken and some of the roof had fallen in leaving him exposed to the elements. There was extensive fire damage, the staircase was unsafe and there was no central heating, utilities, bathroom facilities or modern appliances.
He is a proud man and wants to be self-reliant. Redbridge Environmental Health department tried unsuccessfully to get him to clear his home of rubbish and foliage and have the property repaired since it was a structural hazard to his immediate neighbour.
The solution
After the council referred him to LRS our staff managed to establish a strong and ongoing relationship with him. They carefully explained his options to him and he eventually agreed to go ahead with our scheme.
The first thing LRS did was to find him comfortable temporary accommodation just around the corner, as he wanted to stay close to his home during the process.
Working with several partners we organised the complete refurbishment of his home including: structural works; new windows, doors and flooring; full insulation; a new kitchen, bathroom and appliances; complete redecoration; and restoration of the original features.
A new garden fence improved security and the garden was cleared and re-turfed.
We then helped him to organise his finances and arrange the services he required to continue to live independently: income maximisation, management of future bills and a care package including meals on wheels and regular home visits.
He has since transformed his life. He has re-made contact with his family, become more sociable and even bought a mobile phone.
