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Living independently

house front, after

September 4th 2014

After 20 years of declining maintenance, Mr W’s family home was nearly derelict. Broken windows and a fallen roof had left him exposed to the elements, and along with extensive fire damage and an unsafe staircase, he was living without central heating, utilities, bathroom facilities and modern appliances.

We met Mr W after the Redbridge Environmental Health department declared his property to be a structural hazard to the neighbouring building. Mr W is in his 80s and fiercely independent. He was determined not to lose the house that had been the family home since the 1930s.

How we helped

Our team made establishing a strong relationship a priority in our work with Mr W, and after he agreed to go ahead with the Home Improvement Fund work, we found him temporary accommodation just around the corner. He wanted to stay as close to his home as was possible during the building process.

We organised the complete rebuilding of his home. This included structural work; 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 Mr W better organise his finances and arrange the services he required to continue living independently.

He has since transformed his life. He has re-made contact with his family, become more sociable and even bought a mobile phone.