The private sector housing team works closely with the home improvement and advisory team, which provides a free home safety check service for older and disabled residents in the East Riding. Funded by the East Riding of Yorkshire Council and the government’s Supporting People Programme, the service is confidential and tailored to each individual’s requirements, and provided in the comfort and convenience of their own home.
Home safety checks cover environmental hazards, as well as security and fire safety issues or concerns. Small items of safety equipment can be provided, from safety slippers and non-slip bathmats to night-lights, shoehorns and letter racks. Where appropriate, referrals can also be made to Humberside Fire and Rescue Service, Humberside Police and NHS organisations. For example, there may be a need to arrange for a smoke detector to be installed or for additional home security advice to be offered.
Elaine Hawkins, the council’s home safety coordinator, said: “By making your home safer, you’re not only protecting yourself and your family but also helping to ease the financial burden of fall-related injuries on both the council and the NHS. We’d encourage any elderly or vulnerable residents to take up the offer of a free home safety check.”
The number of home safety checks carried out in the East Riding has increased significantly during the last year, with almost 700 visits made in the 12-month period leading up to September 2009 and almost 1,300 items of safety and preventative equipment handed out. Every month 60 to 100 referrals are received from a wide range of agencies, as well as self-referrals from service users and their families.
To arrange a free home safety check for yourself or a family member, telephone Elaine Hawkins, home safety coordinator, on 01482 396355 or email home.safety.service@eastriding.gov.uk
For general advice on home safety and security issues and concerns, contact the private sector housing team by telephoning 01482 396301 or emailing private.sector.housing@eastriding.gov.uk
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