Garden and repairs

Not everyone can turn their hand to DIY. Whether its flat pack items, fitting a light bulb, putting up shelves or gardening jobs. Here are some tips that might help you:

Fixtures and fittings inside your home

• You may find it easier to use hand tools with large chunky grips and tools like screwdrivers that have a T-bar handle which you may find easier to turn.
• Look for tools with larger print, scales or displays. Some may also have audible alert indicators.
• Use tools that have electric controls.
• Tap turners are useful if you have difficulty turning taps on or off. Tap turners are plastic lever handles that fit over the tap head, and give you extra leverage when turning a tap on or off.
• Use an automatic radiator bleeder if you find it hard to turn a radiator key manually. It automatically releases air so you dont need to use a key to do this.

Garden and outdoors

Gardening is a real pleasure but it also can be hard work. Here are some ideas to make things easier for you.  

• Make sure you wrap up warm when the weather turns colder, wear gardening gloves to protect your hands.
• Think about the job that you are getting ready to do and get all your tools together in one place.
• Carry small tools on an apron or belt to leave your hands free.
• Consider raised beds and grow easy care plants.
• Use mats or a stool which will take the strain out of kneeling down for a long time.
• Shop around for easy use equipment there are lots of choices that enables you to continue to do the jobs that you enjoy.
• Wheel barrows are a good way of moving things around the garden.
• Don't over load garden waste keep the amount manageable so you can carry it.
• When mowing the lawn think about lightweight lawn mowers.
• Use long handled equipment to save bending.

Who else can help?

If you can't manage these jobs you can't contact Helping Hands who can help you with jobs around your home and garden. You may be eligible for free home repairs or work done at a discounted rate.

This page was last updated on 29 March 2011