Put you feet up and relax... pay your rent by Direct Debit. To request a form call 273 5456 or contact your local area housing office

Home » About Us » Sheffield Homes News » November & December 2006 » Adaptations to homes can transform lives for

Adaptations to homes can transform lives for customers

Ecclesfield customers David and Irene Hawksworth are saying a big thank you to Sheffield Homes and Sheffield City Council for adaptations made to their home. Mr Hawksworth who has undergone treatment for bowel cancer and who suffers from emphysema and heart failure, needed the adaptations to enable him to be cared for at home.

Since moving into their bungalow two years ago Mr and Mrs Hawksworth have had a number of improvements made to their home, including a new central heating system and a new window. However it’s been the disabled adaptations made by Sheffield Homes contractors Kier, that have really transformed their lives. Work has included installing an adapted bathroom with walk-in shower and entrance ramp to the bungalow.

“It’s made an unbelievable difference to our lives” says Mrs Hawksworth.

“I’m David’s main carer and the new bathroom means I can care for him at home. We’ve been married for 50 years and its great that we’ve been able to celebrate our golden wedding anniversary here.

It was also impossible for David to leave the house previously, as there was steep steps. But now he’s got his independence back. The new ramp means he can enjoy a pint or a trip to the shops and use his mobility scooter to get around.”

Jill Hurst, Investment Planning Manager at Sheffield Homes says “It’s really gratifying that we can make a real difference to people’s lives.

If Sheffield Homes customers think they may qualify for disabled adaptations they should contact their area Investment Team on 205 3333 or 293 0000.

The Occupational Therapy Team will then visit and assess the difficulties the customer is having in and around their home, and what can be done to improve things. If they decide that the person qualifies for adaptations they will let us know and we will carry out a survey and place orders with the contractor. Or if they decide the customer needs equipment, they will arrange this themselves. “

Sometimes Sheffield Homes can carry out this work as part of our Decent Homes programme. A contractor will survey the customer’s home a few months before work starts. At this stage if anyone has difficulty using the kitchen, bath, stairs, steps or path they should tell the surveyor, the customer liaison advisor or a member of your area investment team. They can then pass on your details to Sheffield Council’s Occupational Therapy Team.