How a Handyman Service Can Help Seniors Age in Place
Additional Home Maintenance Resources for Cleveland Seniors
Think of all the unexpected problem solving that comes with homeownership: Perhaps the light fixture above the stairway needs the bulb replaced. Maybe the sump pump has backed up during a storm, flooding a small area in your basement. Or what if you put clothes in the washing machine, only to have it fail to run the load? While any of these problems can be tricky for a homeowner to address, they can be debilitating for a senior who is living independently in their own home. For these types of home maintenance tasks or issues, it can be a lifesaver to have a qualified handyman service on call. A reliable handyman service can help reduce a senior’s calls to family members who are busy with upkeep and maintenance tasks for their own home. But how can you find the right service for you or your elderly family member?
• Search the Better Business Bureau. A company that has been accredited by the BBB means that the business meets their accreditation standards, and it is “committed to make a good faith effort to resolve any consumer complaints.” This is a good place to start your search if you don’t have any recommendations from family or friends.
• Read reviews—and ask for referrals. See what other people’s experiences with local handymen have been like. Have they been responsive to urgent calls? Are they willing to handle both small- and large-scale projects for homeowners? Make sure you clearly communicate your expectations and needs for yourself or your loved one.
• Understand their services. If you are looking for a “jack of all trades” service provider for you or your loved one, it is important to know from the start what types of services they can and cannot provide. For example, maybe they are not comfortable doing electrical work, or they are not available to do snow or leaf removal. Keep this in mind—along with the type of home maintenance needs you or your loved one is most likely to have—when selecting a service provider.
Consider Local Resources in Cleveland
Senior Home Maintenance Assistance Programs
While having a dependable handyman service is important, we also want you to be aware of free programs that exist for seniors living in Cleveland. Seniors may be eligible for free home maintenance assistance through a variety of initiatives provided by the Department of Aging, which can be reached at 216.664.2833. Keep in mind that eligibility requirements vary depending on the senior’s age, income, and other factors. Programs include:
Chore Services Program • Enrollment conducted annually in early spring • Includes services such as general house cleaning, smoke detector installation, lawn mowing, leaf raking, and snow shoveling
Leaf and Lawn Programs • Applications available for no-cost lawn care • Program runs seasonally through October
Senior Homeowner Assistance Program • Grants available to Cleveland residents age 60+ or disabled adults based on eligibility • Recipients must own single- or two-family homes in need of critical, health, safety, and maintenance repairs
Cleveland Tree Assistance Program • Provides assistance with hazardous tree and branch removal on personal property
Age-Friendly Home Investment Program • Helps address one home maintenance or home repair need
If we can help you in your search for a senior-friendly handyman service in the Cleveland area, or if you would like to be connected to any of the above resources, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We would be happy to help, as well as provide more information about the services potentially available to you or your loved one through the PACE program.