NKHMS – North Kerry Home Maintenance Service is a Community Service Programme operated under NEWKD

Description

NKHMS is an older persons service, providing handymen for low cost maintenance and minor repairs which is targeted specifically at the older community of North Kerry, making home repairs affordable, allowing people to remain living in their homes independently & safely.

Aim of Initiative

To assist older people with maintenance & repairs jobs, promoting a safe environment for them to live independently.

Who is it aimed at

Older persons in the communities of North Kerry.

3 Steps critical to success

1. Trustworthy, skilled and caring staff. Staff build up rapports with their client and the older people trust them. Our staff are Garda vetted and also trained as first aid responders. Having a service for older people requires staff to be patient and understanding of the clients needs at all times.
2. Ability for older person to access the service as easily as possible. We are acutely aware of barriers that can be associated to older people accessing services, therefore we strive to make accessing our service as seamless as possible. We take into consideration hard of hearing on the telephone, sight issues associated with form filling, lack of digital literacy when advertising the services.
3. Transport is an important aspect of delivering our service. North Kerry is mostly rural and we have a fleet of vans that outreach to the most remote areas to deliver our service to those that need us. Our vans are loaded with the necessary tools & equipment to carry out the maintenance jobs e.g. power washers, lawnmowers etc.

3 Challenges in Planning / Delivery

1. Staff – Sourcing suitable staff and rising wage costs.
2. Financial – Maintenance costs of our fleet of vans and equipment along with the rising cost of fuel.
3. Weather – The weather is a challenge as it can delay outdoor jobs getting completed, thus creating a backlog.

3 Outcomes / Benefits

1. To delivery a friendly and caring service. The forms request the jobs and tasks required but there is also a social aspect to our work. Staff link older persons to other services if they identify a need or are asked.
2. To promote independent living. The population is living longer and people desire to remain in their homes. NKHMS was designed by understanding local needs and was established to address the needs of the most vulnerable target group identified in the community – Older Persons.
3. To promote safety. We carry out maintenance and repair jobs to show that their premises are lived in and not derelict, thus reducing the risk of break-ins. We liaise with the local Gardaí in promoting safety in peoples homes e.g. stressing the importance of using locks, alarms, etc.