Is there an occupation or should there be

[Marthe48]

Apartments have supers and staff that take care of maintenance of the building. HOA, POAs have groundskeepers for a fee. I wonder if there is some kind of profession that advises homeowners on the repair, maintenance and upkeep of their homes and then recommends reliable experts to hire for the jobs?

I'm asking because I spent a week with my friend. She hasn't been well, and had a setback recently. I went to visit and help out with normal work that she isn't up to doing, and took note of little repairs that should be done before they turn into major problems. She is aware of the things that need to be done, but hasn't felt like finding a handyman to make the repairs. It would be so nice if homeowners would voluntarily have a periodic inspection and a checklist, and if there were things on the checklist have a member of a vetted team to come and do the work.

If there isn't something like this, I bet it would add job opportunities for experienced contractors who don't mind a few small jobs between the big ones.

[usonian]

1. Until there is, seniors can help seniors. We can and will unite.

There is a great thread on Hacker News asking techies (and others) to HELP SENIORS.
This is a giant list, but I feel that the time has come, after years of it not being right) for a seniors (and others) helping seniors.

Tell HN: your next idea should focus on aged care
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=40951324

I'm opening up my old notebooks and I'm ready to make things happen.
And I just got a son-in-law who can program the techie stuff.
The low-tech stuff is just as important and needs to be done.

I seem to recall home inspection checklist "apps", and I'll follow up when I find them.
I have dealt with contractors and am really unimpressed.
Fellow seniors might be a better bet, and call in the contractor only when the building inspector is involved.

Keep this idea kicked!

[Marthe48]

2. I will look for that myself

But my friend has turned her back on technology. I'm surprised she has Internet and cable. I've told her about websites she could check to find contractors for everything she needs, but she doesn't want to to it that way and not surprising, she is frustrated by her lack of results.

I have help if I need it from a variety of age groups, and I appreciate that lore, know-how and hands-on is being passed along.

Thanks for your post.

[usonian]

3. People want other people to recommend services, or to just take care of them.

I would do a ton to help others, but I am in a very isolated place.
I intend to change that soon.

Back to helping neighbors fix things, real soon.

And between the low-tech stuff and higher tech stuff still To Be Invented, I am pretty stoked by the prospects.

Look (pun intended), it takes me, even nearsighted and taking my glasses off, almost a minute to find expiration dates on food items.
I did so last night, and had to invoke a powerful magnifying glass.

There's simple stuff to do.
I'll find those home checklists (especially when I go to sell this place) and they can be PRINTED for others

I ran computer systems for a department in a renowned university, and some professors asked that their emails be printed.

[Marthe48]

4. I help where I can, how I can

will probably do that till I can't

I hear you on vision. I have some pretty good magnifying glasses. If all else fails, I take a picture and zoom it lol

Good luck on the changes you're making.

[ShazzieB]

7. Taking a picture and zooming it is a GREAT idea!

I don't know why I never thought of that! I'll have to remember to do that the next time I'm out shopping and trying (in vain) to read the labels on things.

I have also started keeping a small flashlight in a kitchen drawer and will be adding a magnifier soon, after having too many frustrating experiences trying to read the cooking instructions on packaged foods.

[Marthe48]

8. Thanks!

You wouldn't believe the gymnastics I go through to read the store shelf, let alone the fine print on packages lol

I collect/sell antiques and collectibles. For years I carried a magnifier, tape measure and magnet in my purse. Now I need the magnifyer to read the tape! lol

[marybourg]

5. A good handyman would advise her on what little jobs need doing

and which can wait. Of course, good handymen are hard to find. Your friend sounds depressed and maybe if that could be taken care of, the repairs would fall into place. On the other hand, she may be a candidate for a CCRC (Continuing Care Retirement Community) if her health and finances permit, or a nice Independent Living or Senior rental apartment and saying goodbye to these issues entirely.

[Marthe48]

6. We discussed her options while I was visiting

You're right about her outlook. She had a lot of unexpected injuries at different times this last year and she is discouraged. Ordinarily, she runs rings around me