New volunteer DIY service for the elderly

A new service providing minor DIY work for older people was introduced by Age Action Ireland yesterday.

The "care and repair" services will involve a team of volunteers who will carry out small repairs and do minor home tasks for older people in Dublin and Galway. There are plans to roll out the scheme nationally over the next three years.

In all cases the elderly person will only pay the cost of the materials. The shortfall will be made up by a €250,000 fund provided by Irish Life.

The team of workers will be able to do minor gardening and home decorating as well as installing handrails, changing plugs, fuses and light bulbs and installing security locks and smoke alarms. Age Action is keeping a register of recommended tradespeople in case older people need larger jobs done which go beyond the scope of the service.

With "QuoteCheck", an experienced volunteer visits the older person's house, assesses the job and gives an informed opinion about the quotations from professional tradespeople.

Chief executive Robin Webster said that the scheme was a response to a "huge demand" for home repair services.

Age Action is seeking the support of local communities and organisations around the State to allow it to extend the service. It is also seeking volunteers with DIY skills.