A retired building contractor hopes to put his extra leisure time to good use by volunteering to help seniors install simple safety measures in their homes.
Heinz Sandrock aims to bring together skilled tradespeople to help in this endeavour by forming a group which will be known as the “Retired Trades People Association of Merritt.” The goal of the group would be to provide seniors and handicapped people feel safer in their homes by installing things like grab bars, no slip maps and tub benches.
“We’re not trying to compete with contractors,” said Sandrock. “Screwing a bar in the wall so people can hang on. Little things.”
Part of the service would include an inspection, where someone from the association would visit a senior’s home to evaluate the hazards in each room. Once the appropriate modifications are selected, someone from the association would install them free of labour cost.
Sandrock’s idea for the group came during his time volunteering with the Meals On Wheels service in Willliams Lake.
“I saw all kinds of stuff that shouldn’t be there,” said Sandrock. “I said to myself, when you have the chance, maybe you should do something about that. Well the time is now.”
For now, Sandrock is looking for tradespeople who are interested in volunteering with the group. Prospective members can call Sandrock at 250-315-7748 for more information.
