Handyperson

Welcome to Age Concern Berkshire

Working with and for older people in the county of Berkshire

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Handyperson Scheme

Could you change a lightbulb? It's easy, isn't it? Just unplug the old one, plug in the new one... But what if it's the one at the top of your stairs, high above the landing, and you're an older person, not too steady on your feet, perhaps can't see as well as you used to, and you're very worried about having to tiptoe on a chair to reach it?

Our five handymen help frail older people on limited incomes, not only by changing lightbulbs for them, but by doing a host of other minor jobs around the house.

As you might imagine, this scheme is very popular; so, to be fair to everybody, there are limits on what the handymen are allowed do for you. The tables below give you examples.

The scheme is available throughout Berkshire.

Some of the things we can do...

Inside the House:

Replacing light bulbs

Ensuring floor coverings are safe

Fitting smoke alarms

Moving small pieces of furniture

Re-siting existing alarms

Fitting draught excluders

Preventing water leaks

Unblocking sinks

Replacing broken toilet seats

Changing tap washers

Tiling small areas of bathroom / kitchen

Taking down/putting up curtains

Fitting door bell

Putting up curtain rails

Renewing bath sealants

Putting up/taking down pictures

Re-hanging doors

Fitting grab rails/hand rails (when marked by an Occupational Therapist)

Outside the House:

Installation of Key-safes

Replacing small window panes

Repairing small areas of fencing

Repairing security lights

Repairing garden gates

Repairing rotten window frames

... and some we can't

Inside:

Major Electrical work

Gas work

Plastering

Painting & Decorating

Fitting or repairing central heating

Mending cookers, boilers,TVs, or washing machines

Mending anything under guarantee

Stair Rails

Outside:

Gardening

Roofing or guttering work

Working on conservatories

Working on tall ladders (apart from stepladders)

Any job requiring the use of large tools such as power drills, cement mixers, etc.

Any work not covered by our insurance policies relating to staff and clients

Who is the scheme for?

We ask enquirers to bear in mind that the scheme is intended to help the most vulnerable clients of Age Concern Berkshire: frail older people on limited incomes. Social Services provide us with many of the referrals for work to be done under the scheme.

What does it cost?

All labour and many small items are provided free of charge. Other items may be available from social services, or provided at cost.

Make your home safer

Use Long Life Bulbs

Use handrails by the bath and toilet

Use non-slip mats

Repair or remove frayed carpets

Keep passages and stairs clear

Do not overload electrical sockets

Consider a personal alarm system