jfs fix-it service

The JFS Fix-It Service plays a significant role in allowing older adults to remain in their homes safely. Many older adults live in San Diego County with the aid of spouses, family members, or friends as unpaid caregivers. The JFS Fix-It Service eases the burden for caregivers by providing additional resources to help the older adults in their care. Dedicated volunteers provide free, minor home-safety repairs and modifications, allowing older adults to maintain their independence and remain safely in their homes. All repairs are made at no cost to clients.

“Thank you for installing safety bars at my brother’s home.
Your services may have saved a life or prevented injury –
I will rest much easier now.”

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!

Learn More About...
JFS Fix-It Service Supply Drive
Work Performed by Volunteers
Client Eligibility
Designated Service Areas
Case Stories
Creating a Safe Living Environment
Home Safety Makeover in a Day

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What Can Volunteers Do?

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

“We’re very happy to have the railing on our steps. It gives my husband a greater sense of security.”

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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.

For more information or to receive assistance, contact Melissa Dennison at (858) 637-3354 or fixit@jfssd.org.

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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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Creating a Safe Living Environment

About half of all falls happen at home. To make your home safer:

• Remove things you can trip over from stairs and places where you walk.
• Remove small throw rugs or use double-sided tape to keep the rugs from slipping.
• Keep items you use often in cabinets you can reach easily without using a step stool.
• Install grab bars next to your toilet and in the tub or shower.
• Use non-slip mats in the bathtub and on shower floors.
• Improve the lighting in your home: As you get older, you need brighter lights to see well. Lamp shades or frosted bulbs can reduce glare.
• Install handrails and lights in on all staircases.

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Home Safety Makeover in a Day

Give your home a safety makeover in a day! In this video, learn helpful tips to insure that kids and older adults avoid accidents in the home. JFS Fix-It Service is featured in the 24th minute!

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Stay Connected with JFS

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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.