Page last updated 2/8/2001
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Umbrella of the Capital District
Umbrella of the Capital District is a nonprofit agency that helps senior citizens and persons with disabilities to live comfortably and safely in their own homes. By providing low cost home maintenance and a wide variety of personal services, we help our members keep the two things they cherish most...their homes and their independence.
One of the most innovative aspects of Umbrella is our workforce. For the most part, we use senior citizens. Our handypersons have the skills to get the job done! In fact, some have more than 30 years of experience in various trades. Equally important, because most of our handypersons only work to supplement their income, they are able work for less. We pass this savings on to our members. Currently, more than 100 retirees provide services.
Emergency assistance is just a phone call away -- 24 hours-a-day -- seven days a week. If a pipe bursts, a window breaks or the furnace won't start, trained Umbrella staff are ready and able to help correct the problem. In fact, handymen are sent to the member's home within 90 minutes of being called. Routine maintenance work is identified and prioritized as part of a written 17 point home inspection reports done at no cost for every Umbrella member once a year.
The emphasis is always on prevention. Our goal is to fix small problems before they mushroom into major repairs.
Umbrella strongly supports the "Aging at home" philosophy and is committed to the idea of seniors helping seniors gain confidence to live comfortably and independently in their own home for as long as desirable and practical.
Through our program of high quality home maintenance, with special emphasis on prevention, Umbrella is helping senior citizen and disabled homeowners to regain confidence that often leads to greater independence, self satisfaction, peace of mind and improved overall health.
Just as homes are adapted to meet the needs of a married couple or a growing family, we're working to make sure homes meet the changing needs of Umbrella members. The modifications can be environmental and as low-tech and as simple as removing items stored for years on basement stairs, using higher wattage bulbs and installing grab bars in the bathroom. In addition, all Umbrella handymen are trained to be alert to potential fire and safety hazards in the homes during their visits. They are encouraging the elimination of step stools, scatter rugs, improperly run electrical extension cords, etc. By the removal of these seemingly innocuous items, the home environment is being improved; the risk of falls is diminished and any subsequent serious injury is avoided.
Founded in 1995, currently Umbrella serves more than 500 homeowners living in Albany, Schenectady, Rensselaer and Saratoga counties of New York State.
Visit the Umbrella of the Capital District web site.
