Sarah Burton, a dedicated caseworker with Care & Repair in Powys, spends her days ensuring older adults can live comfortably and safely in their homes. Through the Older Not Colder project, Sarah helps clients over the age of 60 stay warm, reduce energy bills, and access vital adaptations to improve their quality of life. Here’s a glimpse into one of Sarah’s busy days.
9:00 AM: Preparing for the Day Ahead
Sarah begins her day by checking emails, phone messages, and referrals to plan her week. Before visiting her first client, she reaches out to confirm that they have the necessary paperwork, such as benefits documentation, ready for their meeting. This will help determine eligibility for grants like the Disabled Facilities Grant.
She also ensures her resources are fully stocked for the day, including energy-saving items like carbon monoxide detectors, energy efficient bulbs, Winter Warm packs, and small adaptations such as draft proofing strips and radiator foils. Everything is carefully prepared to make the days visits as productive as possible.
10:30 AM: First Visit of the Day
Sarah’s first stop is to a ground floor flat in a converted older building. Her client, a woman in her 60s with mobility challenges, is relying on portable heaters and blankets instead of the old storage heaters in her home. Sarah discusses available grants for heating system upgrades, but the client prefers to wait for now. To provide immediate relief, Sarah gives her a Winter Warm pack.
The client also struggles with her bathroom, where a level access shower has been recommended. While waiting for that work to be completed, Sarah arranges for the installation of grab rails as an interim safety measure. A referral is made to the in-house adaptations team, and because the client qualifies for full grant funding, the larger shower project can move forward without financial concerns.
12:00 PM: Supporting a Recently Discharged Client
The next client Sarah visits lives in a small village and has just returned home after a hospital stay. Grab rails have already been installed, but further recommendations from an Occupational Therapist include a straight stairlift and a level access shower. Sarah ensures the necessary paperwork is in order to expedite the grant process so the client can receive these vital adaptations as soon as possible.
1:30 PM: Addressing Repairs and Financial Needs
In the early afternoon, Sarah meets another client to collect financial information for a benevolent funding application. This client’s roof and electrical system require urgent repairs, and Sarah is working to secure funding to cover the costs.
Recently, the client had a new heating system installed through the ECO Flex scheme, which has greatly improved her quality of life by providing reliable hot water. During the visit, Sarah conducts a benefits check to ensure the client is receiving all the support she qualifies for. The assessment confirms her eligibility for means tested benefits, offering additional peace of mind.
3:00 PM: Wrapping Up the Day
After completing her visits, Sarah returns to her office to document the day’s work and send follow up emails. She contacts the Housing Adaptations team to coordinate grant applications and confirms benefit eligibility for one of her clients, scheduling a follow-up visit to assist with the application process.
Later, Sarah makes a call to a new client who has been dealing with subpar repairs from untrustworthy builders. The client is relieved to hear that Sarah and the Care & Repair team can provide professional support to address her housing concerns.
Every day, Sarah Burton works tirelessly to make a tangible difference in the lives of older adults in Powys. Her role through the Older Not Colder project ensures clients can remain warm, safe, and supported in their homes. For anyone over 60 living in Powys who owns or privately rents their home, Sarah and the Care & Repair team are ready to help. To get in touch, call 01686 620760, or email enquiries@crpowys.co.uk