If you are an older or disabled person living in Wales, there’s a non-profit making organisation - Care & Repair - dedicated to repairing and adapting your home and allowing you to continue living there, in your own community, in warmth, safety and security.

The agency staff can advise, support and assist with all aspects of home repair improvements and adaptations. There is no obligation to accept the advice offered - all decisions about the work and finance ultimately rest with you.

Many Care & Repair Agencies offer handyperson and safety at home services.  Through funding from the National Assembly for Wales all Agencies offer a Rapid Response Adaptations Programme for those needing minor adaptations or small works of repair, particularly on discharge from hospital.

This can cover such works as:

•           Fitting of a ramp to a front door
•           Handrail for stairs
•           Grab rails by a bath
•           A bright light in a dark hallway
•           Securing a loose stair carpet.

Care & Repair will visit your home and discuss your needs. If they cannot provide the best solution they may be able to suggest alternatives.

They can help you choose a reliable builder and obtain written estimates, give advice about how the work might be paid for and help you fill in the forms for grants or loans, and deal with the admin work. More on www.careandrepair.org.uk.