Small electrical, plumbing, carpentry and gardening
Practical services team:
DIY 01908 557890
We offer help with small practical tasks, such as minor plumbing, small electrical jobs and carpentry for people age 60 and over who are unable to manage for themselves.
- we can change plugs and replace sockets where one has already been fitted
- put up shelves
- replace tap washers
- other minor work
Most smoke alarm fittings are referred to the Bucks Fire Service who can supply and fit smoke alarms for older vulnerable people free of charge.
The service is charged at £10 per hour for the work. Usually only one person is needed but we will send up to a maximum of two. Clients also pay for materials used.
We can do up to three separate jobs for each referral and we can give free advice on, and sometimes help with, most practical problems in the home.
We regret we are not able to carry out any heating or plumbing work requiring a Gas Safe registered (previously CORGI registered) tradesman nor can we do painting or decorating. We cannot replace broken glass. Whilst we may not be able to do certain jobs, we often have a contact who may be able to help although we are not actually able to recommend tradesmen. The Trading Standards Department or our Home Improvement Agency may be able to advise.
Gardening 01908 557890
A grass cutting, tidying and pruning service for people age 60 or over is offered at a reasonable rate of £11 per hour, which covers the cost of the service.
There is a registration fee of £11, which is reduced to just £6 if there are only one or two subsequent gardener visits.
The number of hours gardening you can have depends on the size of your garden and how often you would like the service. Some people have just an hour a month, others choose to pay for a weekly service.
Work is normally restricted to:
- grass cutting
- trimming and pruning overgrown shrubs
- forking borders
- trimming hedges which can be reached by the gardener standing on the ground
Clients need to be on the Milton Keynes Council Waste scheme which supplies a green wheelie bin. Or you will need to have a compost heap or bin in the garden. We willl put garden waste in proper sacks if requested but cannot take waste away as the gardeners use their own cars.
We regret we are not able to spray weed-killers or pesticides, nor are we able to apply preservative to woodwork or erect or repair fences. We cannot undertake large garden clearances or tree work, nor can we do heavy digging, planting or landscaping. Our aim is to help as many older people as possible keep their gardens in a reasonably tidy condition.
Demand for gardening and DIY work is constantly high. We try to provide the help you need as soon as possible but sometimes there is a waiting list.
Home Safety Check - free service 01908 557890
Falls are the biggest cause of injury in the home amongst older people. Age UK Milton Keynes, in partnership with Milton Keynes Council and the NHS Trust, is working to reduce this problem: we offer a free home safety check to anyone aged 60 or over.
Homes are checked to identify hazards likely to cause an accident or a fall:
- loose mats or rugs
- poor lighting
- protruding cables can be relocated and remedied
- Aids such as handrails and grips, half steps and non-slip bath mats can be installed where necessary
- Other practical work can help ensure the dangers are minimisedThe service works closely with the Occupational Therapy department. This service is funded by Milton Keynes Council and is free.
Whilst we can sometimes install permanent and semi-permanent ramps if requested, there are time consuming and expensive and are outside the scope of the Safety in the Home scheme. A ramp can be costed individually before committing you to the expense, however, and there may be a wait before we can construct it.
Installation of intercoms 01908 557890
For people over the age of 60 we charge a standard rate of £45 for the supply and fitting of a wired intercom to the outside of your house. This will enable you to find out who is calling before you open the door. A wireless intercom unit costs £55 to supply and fit.
Installation of key safe 01908 557890
We will supply and fit a key safe outside your main door for £41.