Help at Home services Richmond: when you need a hand

Help at Home services Richmond offers practical support when everyday tasks become difficult to manage on your own. The council’s Home Services team steps in with DIY, gardening and housekeeping help, designed for residents who need a reliable hand around the house but may not require full social care.

The service targets residents who need support to maintain their independence at home.

What the service covers

The Home Services team handles practical jobs that can pile up when mobility or health issues make them difficult.

The service covers three main areas: DIY tasks such as putting up shelves, fitting grab rails or changing light bulbs; gardening work including lawn mowing, hedge trimming and general maintenance to keep outdoor spaces safe and accessible; and housekeeping support with cleaning, laundry and basic domestic tasks. The team works directly for the council rather than as a referral service, which means you deal with the same organisation throughout.

The emphasis is on tasks that help you stay safely in your own home rather than emergency repairs, which remain the responsibility of landlords or homeowners.

Who can use it and how to apply

Eligibility typically depends on your circumstances rather than just your age.

The service is designed for residents who struggle with everyday tasks due to disability, frailty, illness or age, and who are not receiving sufficient support through other means. You will likely need to contact the council’s Adult Social Care team for an initial assessment, which determines whether Help at Home services are appropriate for your situation. The assessment looks at what you can manage independently and where practical support would make a meaningful difference. Charges may apply depending on your financial assessment, though the council uses a means-tested approach.

If you are already receiving social care support, your care coordinator can arrange access to the service as part of your care plan.

What this means for you

If you or someone you know is finding it harder to keep on top of home maintenance, contact Richmond Adult Social Care on 020 8891 7971 to discuss whether Help at Home services could help. Have a list ready of the tasks you are struggling with so the assessor can understand your specific needs. The service works best when combined with other council support such as occupational therapy assessments, which can recommend equipment and adaptations that reduce the need for ongoing help. Keep in mind that this is support for routine maintenance rather than one-off projects or structural work, so if you need significant repairs or adaptations, ask about the council’s home improvement agency as well.

Help at Home services fill a practical gap for residents who need reliable support with everyday tasks. The service is there to help you maintain your independence and keep your home safe and comfortable.

Frequently asked questions

How much does Help at Home cost?

Charges are means-tested based on your financial assessment by Adult Social Care. Some residents pay the full cost, others a contribution, and those with limited means may receive the service free of charge. The assessment looks at your income and savings using the same criteria as other council social care services.

How quickly can I get help after applying?

The process starts with an Adult Social Care assessment, which the council aims to complete within a few weeks depending on urgency. Once approved, the Home Services team will schedule work based on priority and availability. Urgent tasks affecting safety, such as broken grab rails or overgrown access paths, typically receive faster attention.

Can I choose which tasks the team does?

Your care assessment identifies which tasks you need help with, and the service is tailored accordingly. However, the team focuses on routine maintenance that supports independent living rather than home improvements or decorating projects. If your needs change, you can request a reassessment.

What if I need more help than Help at Home provides?

The Adult Social Care assessment will identify if you need a broader care package. Help at Home often works alongside other services such as personal care, meals on wheels, or occupational therapy. Your care coordinator can arrange a combination of support that matches your situation.

Useful resources

• https://www.richmond.gov.uk/adult_social_care