Case Studies
Case Study 1
The problem: Three elderly siblings, each with learning difficulties, lived with their father in the family home until he passed away some years ago. The house had fallen into disrepair and become unsafe. It had no central heating, and the external doors and windows were badly fitting, draughty and rotten.
The loft was inadequately insulated and overall the house was thermally inefficient. One sibling had difficulty climbing stairs and getting in and out of the bath.
The kitchen was prone to flooding due to poor drainage so the family was constantly wading through standing water that spread in to the hallway and living room.
Carpets were damp and wet. Wiring was not professionally installed and there were trailing electrical cables, not only a trip hazard, but also a fire hazard.
They were referred to LRS from Social Services, via Age Concern. Social Services had proposed to split the family up and place them in sheltered housing or residential care. The house is the only home the siblings have ever known, they have always lived together and are a strong, mutually supportive family unit. They did not want to leave their home and go into care.
The solution: We developed a trusting relationship with the family. They discussed what improvements they would like done on their home. We arranged a survey of the house’s repairs, maintenance, energy efficiency and adaptation needs. They received Financial Capability Coaching, benefits advice and help with applying for grants.
They decided to sign-up to the LRS scheme. The siblings were involved at every stage of the works and in deciding design, layout and décor. Their home has been transformed and they are now a very happy family.
The works have achieved both thermal comfort and exceeded the standard rating; saving money and greatly reducing waste and C02 emissions.
They now have a walk-in shower and wet-room; saving water and making it possible for them to bathe.
The house is fully insulated, modernised, re-wired and re-plumbed. It is double-glazed throughout, is free from damp and has energy efficient central heating and lighting and low energy appliances.
The siblings have been supported as a family unit, and feel happy and secure. If they had gone into residential accommodation the total care costs (assuming they lived for another 20 years) would have been £2.7 million. Works to their home cost £70,000, and it is not possible to put a price on the difference in their quality of life.
Case Study 2
The problem: 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
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 returfed.
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 remade contact with his family, become more sociable and even bought a mobile phone.
Case Study 3
The problem: A disabled single parent living with her two teenage sons, her daughter, and her son’s girlfriend was the victim of ‘cowboy builders’ who had built an extension which did not meet regulations and created hazards in the home. The homeowner is unable to work because of her condition and did not have sufficient savings to pay for repairs.
She was unable to access further finance due to her low income and is too young to qualify for a local authority home improvement grant.
The solution: LRS liaised with the local authority to determine their exact requirements before costing the works - which included demolition and rebuilding of the kitchen extension, extensive repair and alteration to the loft conversion and staircase, and replacement of the defective electrical supply.
LRS’ contractors carried out all these works quickly and to the upmost quality.
The creation of an extra bedroom adds value to the home and addresses overcrowding. Through the LRS scheme the homeowner was able to improve the health and safety of her family and their quality of life.