handyman program

From the Genesee County Office for the Aging:

Handyman Program Update

The Handyman Program for Genesee County residents age 60 years and older will be limiting services during this time.

Due to the guidance provided by the State* and to protect the safety and well-being of the service recipient, requests for IN-HOME Handyman services will be prescreened and a determination will be made on a case-by-case basis.

Outdoor repairs will continue.

Requests for Handyman services may be made by calling NY Connects/Genesee County Office for the Aging at (585) 343-1611.

The Handyman Program is funded by the Muriel H. Marshall Fund for the Aging and is administered by the PathStone Corporation. 

*UPDATED by Governor Cuomo's office at 4:01 p.m. today (April 2) NYS on PAUSE Extended: it mandates that nonessential workers work from home, and everyone is required to maintain a 6-foot distance from others in public due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Get the facts.

Press release:

If you are a Genesee County resident 60 or older (or you know someone who is) and would like help with small repairs to your home, inside or out, let the Handyman help.

The Handyman Program, offered through the Pathstone Corporation and funded by the Muriel Marshall Fund, is a home maintenance and minor repair program.

According to a comment posted by program supervisor John Wiltse, and confirmed by Office of the Aging specialist Maureen Estabrooks, there is no charge for lower-income seniors needing grab bars or hand rails installed or other services with modest materials costs.

Wiltse says seniors may need to cover part of the cost of materials, depending on the dollar amount. For higher-income seniors, the program requests a donation of $10/hr. for handyman labor to help offset program costs.

Call NY Connects/Office for the Aging at 343-1611 for more information.

A sampling of services is as follows:

• Install grab-bars
• Repair entry steps Install hand rails
• Repair porches
• Electrical repairs
• Window and door repairs
• Install weather stripping
• Gutter repairs
• Install smoke detectors/change batteries
• Hang pictures
• Fix faucets
• Unclog drains
• Install mailboxes
• Install locksets & deadbolts

Press release:

Are you an older adult who has trouble getting in and out of your home? The Genesee County Office for the Aging wants to remind Genesee County residents, age 60 and over that handyman services are available.

The handyman can repair or install stair railings, repair entry steps, add exterior grab bars for stability, install motion sensor lighting for entryways as well as other services. While the handyman can do many jobs, priority is given to those that promote personal safety.

“The handyman can do those small jobs that make a big difference in the life of an older adult," said Courtney Iburi, specialist for Aging Services. "Especially during the winter months, it is a good idea to look at one’s entryway to make it as safe as possible.

"Sometimes just the addition of a grab bar to hang onto while opening the door can prevent a fall.”

The Handyman Program is made possible by the Rochester Area Community Foundation’s Muriel H. Marshall Fund for the Aging. Contact the local Office for the Aging for more information at 343-1611.