by Carol Bradley Bursack, Editor-in-Chief You don't have to be all that old to want a little help around the house. How many of us, whether because of time or lack of talent in that area, have wished we could just have someone come in a fix a ding in the wall, an iffy light socket and maybe sand off the deck? But who can we get? In my family, my grandfather was Mr. Fix-it. Everything was kept humming along as nearly perfectly as possible. However, when Granddad got too frail to do the work himself, the house slowly declined. By the time he died, it was getting a bit shabby, and by the time my grandmother went into a nursing home, the home needed major repairs to make it saleable. Many in-home caregivers go into an elder's home and see evidence of this neglect. They are not licensed to be handymen or women, nor are they often skilled in that area. They are there to do personal care. Also, by the time they are called in, the homes are often in a state of disrepair that specialist must do the work.

I'm seeing, in my area, more people going into business themselves to address this need. Actually, the economy seems to be helping this on both ends. Many people want to get things fixed up rather than start from scratch, and some people without jobs are finding they have marketable skills they hadn't thought about. Add to this foundation a little advertising and a needed business is born. A number of years ago, I saw a van dropping kids off at the local high school. I noted the number under the logo of Neighborhood Services, thinking, "I'll need those people one day, I know I will."Within a year, I was seriously looking for help with mowing the lawn and shoveling snow. Added to that were the annoying things homes need for upkeep, plus a small appliance problem here and a little plumbing glitch there. I called the folks at Neighborhood Services, a couple who runs the business together. They have been wonderful, and I trust them with a key to my home. I've been able to call them from anywhere and know they can get in and do the job.

This is the kind of trust you want if you are looking for a handyman for yourself, or especially, for your aging parents. You should find out if the business is bonded and insured and be sure to ask for references. Any such business should be willing to give you several references and you need to check those references. Don't take the word of just one person, as he or she could be biased in either direction. I've practically hung out a shingle to recommend Neighborhood Services to others. You may find that same kind of loyalty to some of the businesses where you live. Check out several, make inquires about their licensing and then ask for references. If you have doubts, check with your local Better Business Bureau to see if there are any complaints. Once you find a person or company to suit your purpose, and you've checked references, start slowly. Have them do one or two services and see how it goes. If you like their work, expand on your requests. If you don't, start over.

Just don't sign a long-term contract. business for sale putneyYou shouldn't have to.business for sale nairne sa Having the right handyman service can give seniors and their families added peace of mind. handyman services nyc yelpIt's worth the effort to find the perfect home improvement company for your needs.handyman services south riding“Thanks to Senior Community Services, I can live in my own home longer and enjoy my neighborhood. business for sale buderim sunshine coast

I am so grateful.” – Helenhandyman in state college pa Senior Community Services (Household and Outside Maintenance for Elderly) mobilizes open-hearted people to bring you affordable home maintenance and chore services delivered by trusted professionals and community volunteers. The goal of the HOME program is to provide reasonably priced services to help seniors continue to live independently in their own homes. Our network of reliable workers and volunteers provide indoor and outdoor chore services to residents ages 60 and older in many of the suburban communities of Hennepin County. Conveniently order housekeeping and handyman services online. Click here to view view a complete list of HOME volunteer opportunities Let our trusted staff come in and assess your home for fall risks and minor repair work. Afterwards, you will receive a report with practical steps you can take to reduce falls and make your home safer.

Our team of handypersons can work with you to complete needed repairs and safety improvements. Be proactive about fall prevention and call 952-746-4046 to schedule an appointment today. HOME is able to offer services based on a sliding fee scale. This means seniors contribute to the cost of the service based on their monthly income and ability to pay. HOME also accepts some insurance payments as well as the Elderly Waiver and the Alternative Care Grant. For program details, please contact us at 952-746-4046 or email. We’ll be happy to help.Click here for more informationElder Abuse Prevention Aging Awareness & Sensitivity Caregiver and Eldercare Senior Contributions Dementia and Memory Loss Senior Healthcare End of Life In-Home Care Senior Housing Elderly Nursing Senior Safety Senior Activities Cool Aging ProgramsSenior Discounts,Coupons, Deals, Rewards Aging FilmsCaregiving Films Death & Dying Films Dementia FilmsElder Abuse FilmsInspiring Seniors FilmsNursing FilmsGay Seniors LGBT Films

Home Modification, Home Repair Assistance, Design for Aging in Place "Senior Connections" provides seniors with free or subsidized home repair assistance services completed by licensed and bonded skilled workers. Elderly may qualify for subsidized home repair services depending on place of residence, income and age. Generally, any home repair assistance related to senior health and safety will be considered for free repair. Examples of repairs that may be allowed: -Weatherization to Reduce Heating Bills -Furnaces Repaired or Replaced -Plumbing and Electrical Fixed The following repairs are generally not allowed: painting, room additions or appliance replacements. In order to qualify senior homeowners must live in the home, be 62 years or older, not have a reverse mortgage, be current on property taxes, have no tax lien on the home, have homeowners insurance and meet certain low income guidelines. An additional program the “Fixit Connection” program helps elderly find a trusted handyman service by providing a referral to a contractor.