The Dunedin City Council had offered to support Senior-link's new visiting service for up to four hours a week, for the first six months, Senior-link co-ordinator Geraldine Tait said.
While Senior-link did not want to replicate the work of existing agencies, it would provide a first port of call for elderly who had difficulties or questions, she said.
Upon request, Ms Tait would visit the elderly person, solving small problems for them, or directing them to the appropriate agencies.
The problem could be as small as a light-bulb needing to be changed, or getting hold of a "real person" to speak to in a government department.
While it was funded for four hours a week, Ms Tait said she would meet demand regardless of funds.
After the six-month point, she would seek funding from other sources if there was demand.
The housework cuts this year had highlighted the fact many elderly people in Dunedin had no family support in the city.
Sometimes the smallest of issues could be confronting for them, she said.
