jfs fix-it service

 JFS Fix-It Service utilizes dedicated volunteers to provide free minor home-safety repairs and modifications for older adults. Volunteers play a significant role in helping older adults maintain their independence and remain safely in their homes. All repairs are made at no cost to clients.

Volunteers are trained to complete a four-point safety inspection of each client’s home before making repairs. All concerns are reported back to the JFS Fix-It Service Coordinator and addressed by our professional and caring staff. Volunteers of all skill levels are urged to participate!

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The work performed by volunteers
Client eligibility requirements
Designated Service Areas
Case stories

What can our volunteers do?
Volunteers have experience making home-repairs and work flexible hours.

Work Performed:

• Installation of wireless doorbells 
• Mounting of safety grab bars and hand rails 
• Repair window screens
• Installation of handheld showers
• Installation of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors 
• Four point safety inspection completed during every repair

Limitations:
Referrals are provided when work is beyond what volunteers are capable of doing. Volunteers are unable to perform tasks that involve the following:

• Painting 
• Gardening 
• Moving heavy items 
• Major repairs 
• Roof repairs

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Who is eligible?
All clients must be 60 and over and have a recognizable unpaid caregiver. Before receiving services all interested participants must complete a short in-take form and after receiving services a post repair questionnaire. Services are limited to the zip codes listed below.

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Designated Service Areas

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Case Stories

Lillian P.
Lillian P. grew up in the 1920s. She now suffers from leukemia and has fallen several times while at home. JFS sent a JFS Fix-It Service volunteer to install grab bars in the bathroom and hallways of Lillian’s house. Now when she begins to feel weak she simply grabs hold of one of the many grab bars throughout her house. She now feels much safer and is able to safely enjoy the comforts of living in her own home.

Bella L.
Bella L. is a Polish refugee and Holocaust survivor. During World War II she avoided the concentration camps in Poland by being deported to Siberia. As a result of the cold and hunger she faced daily, she lost most of her toes and a good portion of her hearing. Now a widow and living alone, Bella struggles with mobility. She can no longer hear the doorbell or telephone, and was missing home-delivered meals and important phone calls. A JFS Fix-It Service volunteer installed a loud wireless doorbell and a hearing-enhanced telephone. Bella is much happier now that she can hear when she has a visitor or telephone call!

Martin S.
Martin S. is a World War II veteran. He has lost most of his eyesight to macular degeneration and his health to diabetes. Martin has lived in his house for over 40 years and knows his way around. However, he isn’t as steady on his feet as he used to be and has taken several falls. A JFS Fix-It Service volunteer installed grab bars and other safety features in the kitchen, hallways and bathroom. Since, Martin has fallen several times but with the help of grab bars, he was able to pull himself up.

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For more information about the JFS Fix-It Service or to receive assistance, call (858) 637-3354 or send an email.

To volunteer for the JFS Fix-It Service, call Gabi Halpern at (858) 637-3051 or email gabrielah@jfssd.org.

For additional family caregiver support services, visit www.CaregiverCoalitionsd.org and view the Service Directory page under For Families, or call Aging & Independence Services at (800) 510-2020.