Home Maintenance

OWCS coordinates a Home Maintenance Program for seniors who require assistance with help around the house. This includes: general maintenance, grass cutting, yard work, snow removal and odd jobs.

Throughout the 2010 - 2011 fiscal year 387 clients were matched with workers for service over 7129 times.

General Maintenance - stripping/waxing floors; washing walls, ceiling and cupboards; clearing basements, garages and porches; installation of air conditioners; removing storm windows, cleaning eavestroughs, washing outdoor windows or washing interior windows that require a ladder or the removal of windows is required.

Cost: $15.00 an hour with a one hour minimum (after one hour, half an hour increments will be charged)

Grass Cutting - mowing the lawn, raking and edge trimming.

Cost: The cost of this program varies as follows:

When the worker uses equipment provided by the client the cost is $12.00 an hour with a one hour minimum (after one hour, half an hour increments will be charged).

When the worker uses his/her own equipment the cost is 15.00 an hour with a one hour minimum (after one hour, half an hour increments will be charged).

Yard Work

Spring and Fall raking and clean-up, planting/weeding, hedge or tree trimming that is less than 5 feet (supervised), digging and tilling soil.

Cost: The cost of this program varies as follows:

When the worker uses equipment provided by the client the cost is $13.00 an hour with a one hour minimum (after one hour, half an hour increments will be charged).

When the worker uses his/her own equipment the cost is 15.00 an hour with a one hour minimum (after one hour, half an hour increments will be charged).

Please note: Workers are not permitted to handle chemicals.

Snow Removal

Snow removal is provided within 24 hours from the time snow has stopped falling. Workers attend for 5 cm accumulations. Workers cannot ensure service by a certain time.

Cost: The cost of this program varies as follows:

When the worker uses a snow shovel the cost is $15.00 an hour with a one hour minimum (after one hour, half an hour increments will be charged).

When the worker uses his/her own equipment the cost is 18.00 an hour with a one hour minimum (after one hour, half an hour increments will be charged).

Please Note: An additional hourly rate will apply if the worker is requested to return after the city plows have gone by. Also, OWCS DOES NOT allow workers to clear snow/ice from client roofs or vehicles. OWCS DOES NOT allow workers to move a vehicle in the drive way to clear snow.

Odd Jobs – carpentry, painting, minor home repairs.

Cost: The cost of this aspect of our Home Maintenance program depends on the nature of the job. If you require assistance with odd jobs, please call the OWCS office and we will refer a worker who will be able to give you an estimate.

For more information about the Ottawa West Community Support:

• Adult Day Program
• Congregate Dining
• Foot Care
• Friendly Visiting
• Grocery Shopping Bus
• Home Help
• Home Maintenance
• Personal Shopping Bus
• Respite Care
• Telephone Assurance
• Transportation to Medical Appointments

Ottawa West Community Support (OWCS) Client Bill of Rights