OLDER residents in east Durham are enjoying the benefits of additional home adaptations designed to make their lives easier, as part of improvements being carried out.

The work by Kier on behalf of East Durham Homes includes safer bathroom facilities, to help residents remain independent and in their own homes.

Almost 650 residents have received shower adaptations since the start of the programme in June 2008.

The adaptations programme also covers stair lifts, through floor lifts, adaptations for wheelchair access, shower over bath adaptations, French doors, door widening, stair rails, grab rails and external handrails.

Kier regional director, Mike Furze, said: “Kier is committed to helping older residents and ensuring they are able to feel as independent as possible in their own homes.

“We have received excellent feedback and I am proud that Kier operatives are doing such a good job.”

East Durham Homes’ interim chief executive, Paul Mains, said: “Our adaptations programme is a key part of our overall home improvement works and a part that we’re really proud of.”