Home Helpers are here to make life easier and happier

What’s the role of a Home Helper?

Home Helpers are here to make your life easier and happier; to champion your independence at home. They’ll do exactly what their name says: help you at home with daily living.

Care but not as you may know it

Close to Hand was set up because the founders recognised that there was a real gap in providing support for independent older people in their own homes before they need advanced care. We understand that it’s having somebody local to ‘just pop-in’ for a chat and to help you with everyday tasks like watering the plants, collecting a prescription and having a chat over a sandwich that would make a difference to your day.

Hannah, one of our very first Home Helpers to register, puts it like this: “Close to Hand offers a different approach to care – it’s more about the little things in life and I think it’s often those little things that can make the biggest difference to someone’s day."

A spare pair of hands

This is how 82-year old Julia puts it: "I don’t like to think of myself needing help and I certainly don’t want or need care. On occasion, I could do with a spare pair of hands to help with light duties around the house, to do the odd bit of gardening and help me to pack the car after a shopping trip. What I need is someone local who I can call on for company and help as and when I need it, without having to always call on my busy family."

Home Helpers can provide:

Companionship
Chaperone service to attend appointments, shopping etc
Light housework
Preparation of meals
Garden maintenance
Pet care
Assisting with household tasks and admin

Home Helpers are self-employed

Home Helpers set their own hourly rate or they may choose to offer their services on a voluntary basis – you’ll find this information on their online profile.

Close to Hand isn’t a care agency; it’s an online community that enables you to build a network of local contacts who can support you. All members of our community connect directly with each other. We’re believers in good old-fashioned community spirit and we’re using technology to bring people together.