MPs: Give OAPs handyman help

Plan to keep homes safe as number of elderly soars

COUNCILS should provide elderly people with handymen to carry out odd jobs and help them stay safe in their homes, MPs say.

The service would be available for tasks such as changing lightbulbs.

The Communities and Local Government Committee report yesterday also recommended “age-proofing” new homes to meet OAPs’ needs.

It came as part of a wider call for a national strategy to deal with housing needs and a helpline to offer advice to the elderly on housing options and downsizing, as their numbers soar.

The number of over-65s in Britain is predicted to almost double to 19 million by 2050. About half of over75s live alone, charity Age UK said.

Select Committee chairman Clive Betts said: “The right kind of housing can help people stay healthy and support them to live independently.

“This can help reduce the need for home or residential care, bringing real benefits to the individual and relieving pressure on the health service.”

Demos think-tank’s Claudia Wood told the committee having a handyperson was “very important” to older people. She said: “When in your 70s, you cannot climb a ladder to change a lightbulb, so you end up sitting in the dark. Then there’s the risk of falls.”

The report said: “The committee’s recommendations include additional funding for home improvement agencies operating services, including a handyperson for older people.”

The Government said: “We are committed to helping older and disabled people live independently and safely, and we’re providing funding to help local housing authorities make adaptations to a disabled or elderly person’s home, such as stairlifts.”

COUNCIL handymen and women helping the elderly in their homes is a simple and great idea, with just one catch – money.

Without adequate funding for local authorities, town halls will be unable to pay workers to perform the small but important tasks that senior citizens need to enjoy the comfort and security of sleeping in their own beds.

It should be a cause of celebration that we’re living longer, with the number of over-65s doubling to 19 million by 2050. But half of over75s will be living alone and requiring support.

The MPs backing helpers for OAPs must put their money where their mouths are, and give councils the cash to do the job.