My little idea for extra income - thoughts and advice please

Austin_Allegro

This is something I've been thinking about doing as part of a possible 'downsizing'.

Our population is ageing so there are a lot more elderly people about. I think there are many elderly people who would appreciate a younger person about the house to do odd jobs.

It wouldn't have to be skilled, it could just be things like changing a lightbulb, moving furniture etc. I've even known elderly people to have difficulty with things like changing batteries in a radio etc.

To be fair and not exploitative to a vulnerable group, you'd need to charge low rates, but I think if you're polite, well mannered and professional (turn up when you say you will etc) you could make a reasonable amount of money especially if you got regular clients. If you did well you'd get free advertising by word of mouth from your customers at the bingo, lunch club, church etc.

A lot of old people are lonely and would probably appreciate someone calling regularly anyway.

hm902

Just a thought, why not offer to take your potential customers to the supermarket and help them do the shopping instead of just going out and collecting it all for them?

Mrs_Money

Perhaps another way would be to shop online for elderly/disabled people? You would incur the delivery charge and a lot of sorting and adding up of shopping lists - plus going out seperately for those bits unavailable from the supermarket - may be it's too complicated - but just an idea.

Claire_DC

Personally, I don't think I would want to make money from old people who may be struggling to make ends meet already.

No offence to the OP, that's just my personal preference on it but if you can make it a viable option so they can afford it and so you can make just a little bit of money then great.