IT is estimated that hundreds of dangerous falls by elderly people have been prevented in Dumfries and Galloway, thanks to a valuable community project.
A small repairs and home support service, known as the HandyVan, has been providing vital assistance to vulnerable and elderly residents across the region.
In the first nine months of 2022/23, the service carried out 1637 repair and equipment fitting tasks, which include 723 listed as falls prevention, 731 for home security, 164 small repairs, and 19 minor adaptations.
The work was highlighted in council report, which states: “The delivery of this service is focused on the provision of minor adaptations and works to properties that promote independent living. These include plumbing repairs, home security, installing grab rails, fitting smoke and heat alarms to meet new standards, gutter cleaning and draught proofing.”
The HandyVan is available to home owners or private tenants who are either aged over 60, disabled, have learning difficulties or mental health problems, or are a victim of domestic abuse.
The important work carried out by the service will be highlighted at the economy and resources committee next Tuesday where it is being proposed that funding is given for another year at a cost of £149,000.
Councillors will also consider allocating £948,000 in 2023/24, just like last year, towards funding the region’s Care and Repair Service.
This provides grants for housing adaptations for people with disabilities in the private housing sector, helping residents to maintain independence at home for as long as possible.
In the first nine months of 2022/23, Care and Repair completed 170 adaptations at homes across Dumfries and Galloway. These included: 116 showers, 24 stairlifts, 14 ramps and six hoists.
Meanwhile, a project to support people with dementia could also receive £15,000 in funding. Examples include replacing solid kitchen cupboard doors with glass doors enabling the householder to see the contents, and works to prevent falls in the home.
Up to the end of 2022, 89 tasks had been completed: 30 falls prevention jobs, 42 for home security, nine small repairs, and eight minor adaptations.
A fourth service called Food Train At Home involves volunteers delivering food train services, such as shopping and befriending, and also supporting older people with small household jobs.
New ways of helping the elderly were also introduced, including malnutrition screening checks. A grant of £37,400 will be required to keep the Food Train At Home going in 2023/24.
The continuation of all these projects will require around £1.15m of funding to be allocated to the Dumfries and Galloway Health and Social Care Integration Joint Board.
Councillors sitting on the economy and resources committee will next week be asked to recommend funding these projects, however the final decision will be taken later a full council meeting.
