FOR around a quarter of homeowners aged 60 and over in the Northwest the cost of home maintenance is a serious concern.

Having the physical ability to maintain their home was another key concern, with a third, indicating they have significant worries about being able to carry out everyday jobs, such as mowing the lawn.

This is important, as insurers will not cover the cost of wear and tear or damage to homes that happens over time.

Insurers expect homeowners to keep their home in good repair and take reasonable steps to avoid loss or damage.

These concerns mean that some maintenance jobs are being put off and, therefore, future claims may be at risk due to poor maintenance.

The "Adapting your home" section of our website - ageuk.org.uk - contains useful information on home maintenance and advice on how to source further help, as well as links to finding tradespeople through TrustMark.

Mark Cheeseman, Age UK Wirral.