Staying Put

What does Staying Put offer?

The Staying Put Handyman Service offers practical help to the over 60’s and disabled, owner occupiers or private tenants who are on benefits and need assistance with minor jobs in their homes that would prevent a fall or that are a safety issue.

Staying Put Team and Handyperson Van

A representative from the Staying Put Handyman Scheme will visit you in your home and carry out Health and Safety Checks if needed and also advise you on what work needs to be done and to refer you on to other schemes that you may benefit from.

Another scheme that is offered by Staying Put is the Home maintenance Scheme. This scheme helps vulnerable householders to maintain their homes.

There is a minimal charge for labour plus materials. We will pay the remainder of the labour costs.

See our leaflets at the bottom of the page.

Staying Put - Handrails fitted to a home

Feedback from some of our customers:

"The work was carried out with efficiency and kindness. Staying Put is a great help to me as I am elderly and disabled."

"I find it very comforting to be able to rely on Staying Put for problems which occur in the home. The contractor was efficient and polite and cheerful. Thank you for sending the man to do all the jobs that he did he was a very nice person."

"I cannot thank you enough for my new step. I certainly feel more confident now that the step is lowered. It really is a first class job. It certainly has improved my life. Again many thanks."

"As usual job well done. Thank you very much. I am very satisfied with the response I receive from Staying Put and find everyone very helpful especially as I am having a problem getting around now. I would like to thank them for all they have done and still do for me. With many thanks to all involved."

Staying Put Scheme - How we can help you

Shower Adaptation

Staying Put - Toilet Adaptation

Toilet Adaptation

Finding A Reliable Builder

This does not mean we can guarantee the standard of work, but it does mean that examples of workmanship have been seen by Council staff and standards of services are being monitored. We can also offer guidance on whether the cost is reasonable.

Regular visits will be made by the Staying put Officer to check that the work has commenced on time and is running smoothly.

Getting Money To Pay For The Work

We are happy to help clients apply for assistance with paying for the work. For example, Disabled Facilities Grant or Home Repair Grants.

We will find out if the client is entitled to a grant from Swale Borough Council and help with the necessary forms and estimates.

You may be eligible for a Home Repair Loan if your property does not meet the decent homes standard and you are on a means tested benefit. These loans are interest free and are deferred until the property is sold. Staying Put can assist in getting estimates; assist in filling in forms and overseeing the work for these loans.

Insurance Claims

If the client's home is damaged because of an accident, fire or storm, they may be entitled to make a claim against their house insurance.

The Staying Put Service Charter

Staying Put employees respect the fact that they undertake work in your home. Therefore there is a Service Charter.

How we will conduct ourselves

(Our Charter of Rights and Responsibilities for Individual Clients)

Throughout the time that clients are dealing with Swale Staying Put agency, clients have:
The right to be treated as an individual and have views and opinions treated as such
The right to be consulted on things that will affect them or their home
The right to control their own lives and make informed choices about the Agency services they receive, to meet their needs
The right of privacy and confidentiality
The right of equal opportunity
Open access to personal records held by the Agency (a small cost may be charged for this)
The right to know upon what basis any information may be shared with others by the Agency
The right to be treated with dignity, respect and courtesy at all times
The right to have information in plain English or other suitable formats
The right to know how information can be obtained and to obtain that information in a straightforward way
The right of access to the Staying Put complaints procedure
A guarantee that the Charter will be respected and its provisions regularly reviewed in the event of changing legislation (new laws) or shortcomings
To have any building works completed with the assistance of the Agency carried out in accordance with current regulations
A guarantee that these rights will be upheld by the Agency at all times

Clients are expected to be responsible for:

Treating Staying Put staff and contractors with courtesy and respect at all times
Providing accurate financial information with supporting documentation to enable an accurate assessment be made for eligibility for grant purposes. Staying Put reserve the right to breach confidentiality in the event of suspected fraud or other criminal activity
Funding any costs you agree to, including difference in cost between the grant approved amount and the cost of your preferred contractor
Funding the cost of any reports, such as electrical tests and the engineers reports, planning fees and charges, should a grant not be obtained for this