HANDYPERSON SERVICE
or they’re worried about being conned.
For my generation it’s important to have
someone in the house who you can
trust. Safety is a real concern.”
The service’s contractors are
vetted, carry identification and visit
by appointment-only so people know
when to expect them.
‘LIVING SAFELY AND
INDEPENDENTLY’
Last year the handyperson service
carried out 2,500 jobs in people’s homes.
Typical tasks carried out included:
■ Setting thermostats and timers
■ Fitting grab rails, fuses, plugs
■ Small areas of tiling
■ Removing mould
■ Putting up curtains, tracks or blinds
■ Replacing toilet seats.
Councillor Hitesh Tailor, the council’s
cabinet member for health and adults’
services, said: “The service has been
invaluable for people who would find it
difficult to do those little jobs around the
house or who could put themselves at
risk if they attempted them. We want to
help people live safely and independently
in their homes for as long as possible
by carrying out work for them.
“A quick visit by the handyperson
to nail down a bit of loose carpet or
change a lightbulb means residents
using the service may be less likely to
have an accident in the home such as
a trip or fall. One resident who had
used our service thanked us because
she had become too nervous to use
a stepladder after a number of her
friends had suffered falls.”
‘TRUSTWORTHY AND RELIABLE’
“I’m particularly pleased that carers
can now use the service too,”
continued Councillor Tailor. “Caring for
a friend or loved one can be physically
and emotionally demanding without
the added pressure of trying to do
these jobs around the house or having
to pay someone to do them. Using
our service means that you can be
reassured that you will have someone
experienced, trustworthy and reliable
working in your home.”
SHORTENING HOSPITAL STAYS
The new ‘hospital to home’ service has
been introduced to reduce the length
of time people spend in hospital by
making sure their homes are safe and
comfortable to return to. Work could
include setting up a bed downstairs,
installing safety alarms and making
sure the heating works.
MORE INFO
■
To request a visit, call
020 8825 6070 and select
option 1
■
Visit www.ealing.gov.uk
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Winter 2015/16
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