Funded by Home and Community Care (a joint Commonwealth and State Initiative).

The Projects Aim
The aim of the Home Modification and Maintenance Project is to assist clients to remain in their own home rather than having to move into a nursing home or hostel accommodation.

What Services Are Available ?

Examples of modification or maintenance work that can be carried out include:
• internal/external ramps:
• hand rails
• hand held showers
• tap turners
• adjusting hot water services
• widening doorways
• securing rugs
• securing cords
• repairs to gutters, doors, floors, steps and paths
• minor plumbing repairs
• minor electrical work.

Priority Will Be Given to Work that Involves:
• making your home a safer place
• Allowing you to move around your home more easily
• Helping you to be more independent in bathing, using the toilet and preparing meals.

What Will It Cost You?

• Limited funds are available and you will be asked to pay for the cost of the materials and a small hourly rate.
• Assistance is available if you cannot afford the full amount.
• The cost of all work will be set out in a service agreement, to be signed by you before any work will commence.
• Home Modification and Maintenance is funded by Home and Community Care.

How Can the Project Assist You?

• The Service specialises in home modification, maintenance, adjustments and advice on building related matters.

You Are Eligible If You Are:

• a frail aged person or a person with a disability who requires support and assistance.
• A person who has to care for an adult or child with a disability and you are a home owner, or in certain circumstances a private renter.

What if I Am Not Happy with the Service Provided?

• We aim to provide a high quality service, and would like to know, if you have any concerns with the service.
• Your service will not be stopped, if you complain and your complaint will be kept confidential.

Your Right to Complain.

• If your rights are not being respected or have a complaint you are encouraged to raise your complaint with the staff member concerned in the first instance.
• If you are not satisfied with the outcome, or not happy to discuss the issue with the builder/co-ordinator, you can use an advocate to negotiate on your behalf.
• The co-ordinator will investigate and seek a resolution. A letter outlining the process will be sent to you within five working days.
• If the issue is still not satisfactorily resolved, you should raise the issue with the BINC Manager who will refer the matter to the management committee.
• If after approaching the above people, the issue is still not resolved, you can lodge a complaint with the Commissioner for Community Services of the Disability Complaints Service.
• You will be informed of the outcome of your complaint and asked for your feedback on the complaints procedure.

ADVOCACY

• You might prefer to communicate through an interpreter and /or an advocate, a person of your choice who will speak on your behalf.

What are Your Rights?

• Dignified, courteous, honest and respectful treatment
• To express your concerns about the service without fear of losing the service or suffering any other recriminations.
• To have your complaints dealt with fairly and promptly.
• To be represented by an advocate of your choice.
• Informed about what services are available.
• To receive services without discrimination
• Privacy and confidentiality
• No information about you will be provided to anyone outside HMM with your permission.
• Permission may be withdrawn anytime.
• The only time your personal information is given to others without permission is, if there are concerns for your or others safety of if required by law.
• Choice available where possible.
• To view relevant confidential records held by the Service by contacting the Co-ordinator.
• The right to appeal any decision made in respect of the Service.

What are your responsibilities?

• Treat our staff with dignity and respect.
• Maintain safe working conditions for our staff.
• Accept responsibility for decisions you make.
• Pay the agreed amount for our Service.
• To assist staff to provide them with services.

DIRECTORY
• Home Modification & Maintenance Co-ordinator 6332 2106
• BINC Manager (Neighbourhood Centre) 6332 4866
• Disability Complaints Service 9319 6622
• TARS Aged Care Rights Service freecall 1800 242 079
• Commissioner Community Service freecall 1800 060 409
Level 3, 128 Charlmers Street
Surry Hills NSW 2010
* TIS Translating & Interpreting Services freecall 131 450

David Humphries
Project Supervisor
Builder’s License No: 4913C
Home Modification & Maintenance Project,
96 Russell Street,
P.O. Box 1469
BATHURST NSW 2795.
Tel. 6332 2106
Fax. 6332 3229
hmm@binc.org.au