Changing lightbulbs

[Nancy60]

I feel rediculous but I am going to call someone to change some lightbulbs for me because I can't reach them easily and the long handled changer isn't working very well....I have to have the electrician I used for my alarm system/smoke detector come out to change the batteries and wonder if he would do it for me since he will be up on a tall ladder anyway....I hate asking for help for things like this but....the joys of living alone!  I might have the electrician put up a new light in my kitchen/dining area I have been wanting anyway....What does everyone else do for little projects like this that need to be done, but for whatever reason you can't do yourself?

Nancy

[eyeamdry]

Nancy, I was going to suggest checking out a handyman service most communities have for easy household chores.  BUT, before you do that, I would see if you have a Senior Services type agency in your city.  Most do.  You don't have to be senior to use it.  Many have people especially to do things for you at a reasonable price.  I used to work for one of the agencies and I loved it. 

Again, there are "handyman services" but I'd go the route of a Senior agency.  Call around and ask if they are licensed and insured so you are not liable for any accidents.  My husband always "knows" someone who can do any of that type of stuff, but I tell him "no, I want an insured person here."  Lucy

[WildThing]

If your electrician is coming out anyway then yes I see no reason in asking him to change a lightbulb otherwise I think Lucy's advice is the best advice.  personally I change most of mine myself by standing on a stool but if I can't reach we have a caretaker here who doesn't mind doing odd jobs.

[susanep]

I badly need my porch painted, and kept hoping to do it, but I don't know if I can do it or not the way I feel. I may have to think of paying someone else, but I wish I could do it myself.

susan

[Gayle]

Hi
I have a neighbor who helps me with this stuff... including painting, fixing the tile in my bathroom, and he even built my deck. I trade with him... cooking, watch his house while he is gone (he is in Afganistan now) feeding his animals when he is on short trips, etc..believe me- I get the best of this deal!!

[Sleepy In Seattle]

Call a local Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Campfire Kids, or High School.

All those groups require Community Service hours for their kids, and it's a great way for them to learn to help. There is usually no charge - the whole point is for the kids to volunteer in the community - and usually an adult comes with them (unless they are older High School kids and working on a badge or something).

You could probably assemble a list of things you need done - sweeping the garage, changing bulbs, moving small furniture to clean underneath and then move it back, etc....and then somebody could come for a couple hours and get everything done at once while they earn credit hours. You just have to sign a note saying they helped you - it's a win-win!

My daughter's Campfire group has done this sort of thing and it's wonderful.

[star723]

I was just going to say a church group, 4-H group or Scouts~ I am sure you can contact someone local for each of them.

[Nancy60]

what great ideas!  I thought of church, but hate to be so needy to them, I would depend on them if I was ever seriously ill, so don't want to "wear out my welcome if you know what I mean.  But the senior service, boy scouts etc...I hadn't even thought of.  I am 51 and live alone so I guess I would qualify.  I think there are "handyman services locally too, just didn't know how to check them out to know if they are reliable and trustworthy.  I have some calling to do now!  Thank you so much for the ideas, you are all great!!

Nancy