Safe, accessible housing has the power to maintain and even improve health and wellbeing, and social connections. By recognising the critical link between health and housing, and by creating innovative solutions to adapt homes to meet changing needs, we have the chance to dramatically improve people’s quality of life.
Yet, we’re living in a society where millions of people live in homes that are damaging their health and wellbeing and many are unable to make the changes needed to make their homes warm and safe due to a lack of money, time, support and/or advice.
Homes for Living, a programme delivered by E.ON, aims to tackle this. The scheme, in partnership with Invisible Creations®, PROCare and Newcastle University, is designed to support people to live healthier and happier for longer with a range of supportive solutions to aid independence and wellbeing at home.
Kelly’s life has been transformed through the Homes for Living programme and the installation of her Invisible Creations® grab rails.
“My name is Kelly, I'm chronically ill, disabled and plus size. I live with my wife, two dogs, and two cats. I am passionate about disability advocacy, accessibility and equality.
My friend shared with me a while ago about a scheme called Homes for Living, run by EON. Homes for Living is a scheme designed to support your mobility, wellbeing and independence, offering free and attractive home aids and equipment designed to give you more freedom in your home. They've secured Government funding for the scheme and Invisible Creations® are working in partnership with E.ON, PROCare and Newcastle University. Invisible Creations® is a British company who design and create stylish grab rails.
The process to apply for the products was quite simple. I just filled in some basic information and answered a few questions about what I needed help with. I got a prompt response, and then got a phone call from PROCare, who were super helpful, to arrange for someone to come to my house.
They arrived and were lovely, smiley and chatty, which put me at ease. It felt similar to an occupational therapy assessment, they asked me where I needed help, what I'm struggling with, then they got some products from their van to show me. I wasn't obligated to have anything I didn't want, but there were lots of products I was happy to have. Before fitting the products, they checked my height and the position I needed them.
Normal grab rails generally are dull and boring, but functional. They're not designed with style in mind; it's like whoever designed them thought disabled people don't have style or a personality, they're just disabled. Since I've been disabled, I've noticed the world seems to forget that I'm still a 29 year old woman with likes and dislikes. I still want to be house proud, and don't always want constant reminders that I need help. There are lots of other mobility aids that companies have given personality to like crutches and walking sticks; but until I was introduced to Invisible Creations, I didn't realise it could be done with grab rails too.
Even though my mobility changes day to day depending on my pain levels, fatigue and balance, I use grab rails all throughout my home. It helps me feel more secure about doing things on my own. I'm not talking about climbing a mountain, but it's nice to be able to go to the toilet or get in the shower independently. Since having Invisible Creations products installed I don't feel as vulnerable. I'm less likely to fall, and if I do I know I can get myself back up again.
Invisible Creations® products are multipurpose as many of them are also shelves, toilet roll holders and plant pot holders. Their products don't look like grab rails while still having the ability to be used as one. I use a corner shelf and towel rail in the shower, and a shelf rail and toilet roll holder around the toilet. They also installed a flower pot grab rail at the front and back door, and sleek grey grab rails by the front door and down the side of my house to help me walk the length of my drive safely.
They currently have two ranges, the Standard and the Elegance. I love both styles but I think the Elegance is my favourite. My favourite product changes day to day but at the moment it's the Elegance Corner Shelf. It sits in the corner next to my shower, matches my bathroom and doesn't stand out and say 'she's vulnerable'. It's helped me get in and out of the shower independently and it's great for storage. All the products are easy to keep clean and are very sturdy.
It makes me happy to know I can use my house a little more independently, and that my house doesn't scream 'disabled' even though I have lots of grab rails to help me."
Watch Kelly’s story here https://youtu.be/PEMv4r5Q1ts
You don't need to be an E.ON customer to apply for Homes for Living. Eligibility is based on household income and receipt of certain benefits by someone living in the property. If you're interested in the Invisible Creations mobility aids contact [email protected] and the team will help you understand if you qualify.
Nothing to pay
Homes for living is totally free if you meet the eligibility criteria. If you qualify for the Affordable warmth scheme or the E.ON Warm Homes Fund, you could also qualify for this scheme.
Modern, subtle design
All of the home adaptations, from simple toilet roll holders to sleek shower shelves, are attractive, functional and incorporate all of the support of a handrail.
Installation included
If you’re eligible you’ll be able to create a package of products for your home. Homes for Living can then arrange for these to be installed in your home for free.
To find out more please visit https://www.eonenergy.com/home-heating/warmer-homes-scheme/mobility-aids.html or email us [email protected] and quote ‘Homes for Living’.
