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Handyperson Services

What is a Handyperson Service?Handyperson Service
What does it cost?
How do I get it?

What is a Handyperson Service?

Many Local Authorities provide a Handyperson Service to carry out small home DIY tasks safely for you if you are 65 and over or have a disability. This can be helpful if you have difficulty using tools or climbing stepladders.  This service is provided through most local Care and Repair Schemes.

All staff who carry out this work have been vetted by Disclosure Scotland and carry identity cards. They are appropriately trained in respect of health and safety requirements.  Therefore using this service is also a way of ensuring that you avoid getting work done by bogus callers or become the victim of a trading scam.

Examples of some of the work they can do includes:

  • Home safety and security check
  • Changing light bulbs
  • Fitting smoke alarms or battery changing
  • Fitting door locks, chains or viewers
  • Replacing tap washers or unblocking sinks
  • Fitting curtain rails or curtain hanging
  • Sealing baths and sinks
  • Lowering cupboards
  • Adjusting internal doors
  • Securing carpets
  • Putting up bathroom cabinets and other small items
  • Fitting grab rails, plugs, fuses
  • Fitting smoke/carbon monoxide alarms, chains and peepholes
  • Unblocking sinks/basins/baths/WCs

 

They can also contact your Local Authority or private landlord about larger repairs which are required to your property, or put you in touch with your local Care and Repair Scheme if you are a home owner needing help with adaptations.

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What does it cost?

The work is often carried out free of charge except for the cost of materials. 

You do not need an Assessment of your Care Needs to receive help from a Handyperson Service. This is because the service is not designed to provide on-going help and support.  However, there may be a waiting list for this service as it is prioritised for those who need it most.  When you apply for this service, you may also be offered an Assessment of your Care Needs, if you have not yet had one, to find out whether you may need other kinds of help.

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How do I get it?

To find our more or to apply for this service, contact your local Social Work Department.

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last updated 26/09/2011