Tai Tarian Haven schemes get gold and platinum awards

Eleven of Tai Tarian’s Haven schemes have been awarded the RNIB Visibly Better gold standard with one scooping a platinum accolade.

The aim of Visibly Better is to improve accessibility of the homes of people with sight loss, helping them live independently and enhance their wellbeing. Many of its principles also help people with dementia and mobility problems.

With a multi-million pound project planned to enhance Haven schemes, Visibly Better became a key part of this with tenants playing a huge role in making it happen.

A Visibly Better Tenant Assessors Group was formed, undertaking RNIB training on identifying and addressing situations that could affect those with sight loss.

The group decided on suitable kitchen and bathroom styles for residents and good contrasting colours for communal areas. Lighting, layout, signage, together with contrasting furniture and décor, was also chosen, all whilst ensuring residents that were experiencing sight loss were kept in mind.

Tai Tarian Director of Assets, Steve Tucker, said:
“Our partnership with RNIB on delivering our Haven Improvement Programme has been fundamental in ensuring our residents remain independent and comfortable in their own homes.

The RNIB Visibly Better training that residents and staff received allowed them to carry out their visibly better tenant assessor role and provide help and support to others where it is needed.”

RNIB Cymru Director Ansley Workman said: “We’d like to congratulate Tai Tarian for their outstanding work. The Visibly Better standards recognise organisations who are delivering positive changes for blind and partially sighted people by making their environments more accessible.

"Often the changes are very simple, from improving lighting to making sure people can move around more safely. But they are essential for increasing independence and wellbeing and reducing falls and accidents. As we get older this is more important than ever as we know that one in five people aged 75 and over are living with sight loss, rising to one in every two people aged 90.

"We’re really looking forward to working with Tai Tarian in their continued efforts to break down the barriers for people with sight loss.”