Epsom & Ewell Home Improvement Agency: Helping People Stay Safe, Independent and at Home

Supporting disabled, elderly and vulnerable residents to remain safe and independent in their own homes is at the heart of our Home Improvement Agency service. Through a home assessment, our experienced team identifies practical solutions to help people live comfortably and safely, using a range of available grant assistance alongside our trusted handyperson service.

Prevention is key. By addressing risks such as slips, trips and falls, the adaptations and repairs we carry out not only improve confidence and safety within the home, but also play a vital role in preventing hospital admissions and reducing the need for people to move into residential care.

Over the past year, the team has once again delivered strong results, supporting residents with a wide range of advice and practical assistance. This has included fitting handrails, installing stairlifts, creating wet rooms, and adapting homes to provide wheelchair-accessible spaces—each tailored to individual needs.

Working in close partnership with the NHS and Surrey County Council, the team has focused on supporting the most vulnerable members of the community. This collaborative approach has helped to prevent unnecessary hospital admissions and has supported timely and safe hospital discharges, enabling residents to return home with the right adaptations in place.

The handyperson service has expanded considerably. Following extensive promotional work over the past two years, the scheme has seen a 79% increase in completed jobs, reflecting both rising awareness and the value residents place on having access to reliable, preventative home support

Through early intervention, partnership working and a strong focus on prevention, the service continues to make a meaningful difference—helping people remain safe, independent and at home for longer.

Case Study: Fast-Tracking Support When It Matters Most

Recently, our Home Improvement Agency team received an urgent referral from Adult Social Care for a resident who was terminally ill and in need of immediate bathroom adaptations. The resident required their existing bathroom to be converted into a level-access shower, along with specialist bathing equipment, to support their comfort, safety and dignity.

Recognising the urgency of the situation, the case was fast-tracked through our prevention grant for palliative care patients. Within one week of receiving the referral, a joint visit was arranged involving the case officer, surveyor, contractor, the resident and their family. This early collaboration allowed everyone involved to clearly understand the resident’s needs, the proposed adaptations and the timescales involved.

The specification for the works was drawn up within two weeks, with all necessary forms, estimates and consents completed shortly afterwards. The case was funded under one of our discretionary palliative care grants, which enabled the team to prioritise the work and appoint a single contractor, rather than following the usual two-contractor tender process.

Due to the urgent nature of the case, work commenced quickly and was completed within two weeks. The grant process can often involve several teams and take longer but by working closely together and setting clear expectations from the outset, the team was able to streamline the process and deliver the adaptation as swiftly as possible.

These essential adaptations were vital in supporting the resident’s independence and personal dignity. Most importantly, they provided both the resident and their partner with peace of mind and reassurance, knowing that bathing could be carried out safely and comfortably at home during a very difficult time.

Contact the HIA today to find out if you’re eligible by emailing HIA@epsom-ewell.gov.uk or calling 01372 732000.

For more information on the service, please visit the link to our website in the comments below 👇

Home Improvement Agency | Epsom and Ewell Borough Council