Handy help for the elderly at home

Date published: 13/08/2007

Pensioners are set to benefit from fresh support to help them remain independent in their own homes.

Help the Aged is offering help through its free safety and security service HandyVan.

The scheme aims to help older people with the type of work around the home they may find difficult to do themselves.

Assistance with jobs around the home is vital in helping the elderly to live as independently as possible.

A recent survey carried out by the charity found that 55 per cent of people in the North-West, who expected to live independently into very old age judge this type of support as important in helping them do so.

HandyVan will continue to offer security and safety work including fitting locks, spy holes, and smoke alarms around the home as it always has done.

However, residents will now be able to ask for help with some household duties they may find difficult to complete on their own such as changing light bulbs, fitting curtain rails, tacking down loose carpets, or moving furniture.

The HandyVan fitters are also under instruction to carry out small repairs, however, materials must be provided by the householder.

The service does not include electric, plumbing or gas work.

For more information about HandyVan and the full range of services on offer, call 0125 473 999.

Help the Aged urgently needs donations and support to help it in the increasingly challenging fight to free disadvantaged older people from poverty, isolation and neglect.

Visit the website:

• www.helptheaged.org.uk

or call 0207 239 1982.