SCOPE Access 2013 client information booklet electronic copy pdf

Home and Yard Modifications & Maintenance

Occupational Therapy Home Assessments

CLIENT INFORMATION

Phone: 1300 765 887 - cost of a local call

CS form 003/3

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SCOPE ACCESS ___________________________________ 2

Who are we? _________________________________________ 2

What areas do we cover? _______________________________ 2

ACCESSING SERVICE ______________________________ 3

Who is eligible to receive services? _______________________ 3

Purchasing or building new homes ________________________ 4

What services do we provide? ___________________________ 5

What type of services do we offer and do I need any special type of referral? _______________________________________ 6

What happens after we receive a referral? __________________ 8

CLIENT CONTRIBUTION ____________________________ 9

What will it cost for minor modifications? ___________________ 9

What will it cost for complex/major modifications? ____________ 9

What will it cost for Lawn mowing? ________________________ 9

What will it cost for an Occupational Therapy Assessment? ____ 9

DELIVERING SERIVICE ____________________________ 12

How long will I wait for service? _________________________ 12

How long will it take to get the work done? _________________ 12

ADVOCACY ______________________________________ 13

What is an Advocate? _________________________________ 13

Appointing an Advocate _______________________________ 13

INTERPRETERS __________________________________ 13

COMPLAINTS AND FEEDBACK _____________________ 14

What if you are not happy with the service? ________________ 14

RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITY ______________________ 15

INFORMATION – ADVICE – DISPLAY _________________ 17

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SCOPE ACCESS

Who are we?

South Coast Home Modification & Maintenance Service

(SCHMMS Ltd) trading as SCOPE Access is a non-profit

community organisation that provides home and yard

modification and maintenance services and Occupational

Therapy Environmental Assessment services. The

organisation receives funding through NSW Family &

Community Services, Ageing, Disability & Home Care and

Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing.

What areas do we cover?

Service provision covers the Wollongong, Shellharbour,

Kiama, Shoalhaven, Eurobodalla, Goulburn-Mulwaree,

Upper Lachlan, Queanbeyan and Palerang Regions.

A mobile Rural Outreach Builder/OT (ROBOT) Team can

also provide services to Bega Valley, Bombala, Cooma-

Monaro, Snowy River, Braidwood and Yass Valley.

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ACCESSING SERVICE

Who is eligible to receive services?

The main aim of this service is to prevent premature entry

into institutions such as nursing homes and hostels. Our

work also assists clients who have functional disabilities, to

maintain safety, independence and access within their own

homes and yards.

As defined in the legislation and National Guidelines, all

funded programs should be directed towards assisting-

(a) Persons living in the community who in the absence of

these basic services, are at risk of premature or

inappropriate long term residential care, including:

(i) Older people and frail persons with moderate,

severe or profound disabilities:

(ii) Younger persons, with moderate, severe or

profound disabilities

(b) The carers of those persons specified in (a)

There is, however, a difference between eligibility and

entitlement. It is important to note that even though a person

may fall within the categories of eligibility, ours is not an

entitlement program. There is no guarantee of receipt of

services as they are needs based.

Access to service is based on RELATIVE NEED. For

programs provided by SCOPE Access, priority based waiting

lists are kept and are based on clients’ relative need.

Relative need takes into account a client/carer’s functional

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disabilities, medical condition, long term prognosis and

availability of carers or other support services. As

modification work can be extensive and time consuming,

alternative options e.g. the trial of disability specific

equipment or assistance from suitable carers, is often part of

the program assessment.

SCOPE Access services are available to persons from all

cultural backgrounds. Interpreters can be organised to assist

Culturally & Linguistically Diverse (CALD) clients.

Clients must live in their own home or in a private rental

situation. Those who are renting will need to obtain their

landlord’s written permission to have work done on their

property (SCOPE Access can provide you with a form to

have completed by the landlord). In some circumstances

Body Corporate permission is required, even if the property

is privately owned.

Funded Home Modification and Maintenance services, are

available in a client’s primary place of residence. Services in

secondary residences e.g. holiday homes are available

through our non-funded services.

Purchasing or building new homes

Where a client is looking to purchase a new home,

established or new build, they should seek to ensure that the

dwelling is suitable to their functional requirements such that

the need for additional home modifications to the dwelling

following purchase is minimised. Minor modifications e.g.

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grab rails, handrails etc. can provided in a new home, either

established or new build.

We also provide assessment and work provision for Veterans under several Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) Programs. Please call 1300 765 887 for full information. Department of Housing tenants should be referred to the Department of Housing – Ph. 1300 HOUSING (1300 468 746). We do NOT do any kind of modification or home maintenance on DOH properties but may be able to assist with yard maintenance and lawn mowing services to eligible clients.

What services do we provide?

Home Modification & Maintenance Service Level 1 (HMMS)

- Provides subsidised minor modification work to homes

and yards up to $7,500

- Provides subsidised minor maintenance work to homes

up to $3,000 per client over a 5 year period

Minor Home and Yard modifications and general yard

services for health, safety and independence

Home Modification Service Level 2 / 3 (HMS)

- Provides major/complex home modification work

between $5,000 and $25,000

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- Access point to Statewide Home Modification Service

Level 3 (the NSW Budget Holder for major home

modification work over $20,000)

Yard & Home Maintenance Service (YHMS)

- Provides one-off yard maintenance services in all our

level 1 service areas - up to $3,000 over a 5 year period

- Lawn mowing services to some of the LGAs we cover.

Please contact 1300 765 887 for coverage.

- A partnership with Wollongong City Council provides for

pathway cleaning (water-blasting) and repair to access

pathways, under a community program called ‘Up the

Garden Path’. Provided only in the Wollongong LGA.

Environmental Occupational Therapy Assessments

- Service provider for Occupational Therapy

assessments specifically related to home and yard

modifications & maintenance

- Service provision covers the Wollongong,

Shellharbour, Kiama, Shoalhaven, Eurobodalla,

Queanbeyan, Palerang, Goulburn-Mulwaree and

Upper Lachlan Regions.

- A mobile Rural Builder/OT (RBOT) Team can also

provide services to Bega Valley, Bombala, Cooma-

Monaro, Snowy River, Braidwood, Yass Valley.

What type of services do we offer and do I need any

special type of referral?

Home modifications – a subsidised service that requires a

client contribution as well as the funded subsidy. A referral

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(including a home assessment) from an Occupational

Therapist is mandatory. You can access Occupational

Therapy assessments through your GP, local hospital or

community nurse. SCOPE Access also has Occupational

Therapists who can assess for the services provided by

SCOPE Access. Please contact the office to make an

appointment for an assessment. Waiting lists apply.

Home modifications can include items such as grabrails,

handrails, hand-held showers, lever taps, ramps, access

paths, widening doorways, wheelchair access, minor and

major access, and bathroom or kitchen modifications.

Home maintenance - a subsidised service that includes

client contributions and can be self-referred or referred by a

carer/advocate or other agencies. Home maintenance

includes minor repairs internally and externally (stairs, rails,

windows, roofs, doors, cupboards, fences, driveways and

paths). We do not replace roofs or fences or provide painting

or cleaning services. Maintenance services are based on the

premise of REPAIR not REPLACE and do not cover long

term neglect of basic maintenance to a property.

Yard maintenance – a subsidised service that includes

client contributions. Yard clean-ups can be self-referred or

referred by a carer/advocate. Lawn mowing services (which

are ongoing) require a health certificate or referral from your

GP, Community Nurse or OT and are subject to annual

review of service eligibility. Accessible, low-maintenance

garden redesigns are classed as modification work and

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require an Occupational Therapist’s assessment and referral

(see Home Modifications).

Environmental Occupational Therapy Assessments A

free service that does not require a client contribution and

can be self-referred or referred by a carer/advocate, family

member, friend or other agency. OT assessments are

available to clients who specifically require services provided

by SCOPE Access. Our OT can also assist other OT’s and

health professionals in the assessment and referral process

to SCOPE Access and can support them in prescribing the

unique specifications required for your home modification

work.

What happens after we receive a referral?

Your information will be registered with our service included

in our work schedule and the following will take place:

- We will contact you to confirm your details and arrange

for a home visit and assessment

- We will give you a quote on the spot or for larger jobs,

may need to draw up a quote and/or plans and have it

posted out to you.

- If you agree to the quoted work and the client

contribution, you will be asked to sign a Client

Agreement Form.

- Some smaller items may be able to be done at the time

of our builder’s first home visit, e.g. grabrails, handrails,

showers, washers and some minor maintenance work.

- Work is usually invoiced 7 days after completion and

you then have a further 14 days to pay.

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CLIENT INCOME

INCOME BAND Annual Household Income

BAND 1 - Centrelink pension or benefit (full or part) Single or Couple As determined by

Centrelink

BAND 2 - No pension or benefit and low income earner Single Single plus 1 dependent Single plus 2 dependents Single plus 3 dependents Single plus 4 dependents Couple Couple plus 1 dependent Couple plus 2 dependents Couple plus 3 dependents Couple plus 4 dependents

Up to $ 50,000 Up to $ 65,000 Up to $ 80,000 Up to $ 95,000 Up to $110,000 Up to $ 80,000 Up to $ 95,000 Up to $110,000 Up to $125,000 Up to $140,000

BAND 3 - No pension or benefit and moderate income earner Single Single plus 1 dependent Single plus 2 dependents Single plus 3 dependents Single plus 4 dependents Couple Couple plus 1 dependent Couple plus 2 dependents Couple plus 3 dependents Couple plus 4 dependents

$ 50,001 - $ 70,000 $ 65,001 - $ 85,000 $ 80,001 - $100,000 $ 95,001 - $115,000 $110,001 - $130,000 $ 80,001 - $140,000 $ 95,001 - $155,000 $110,001 - $170,000 $125,001 - $185,000 $140,001 - $200,000

BAND 4 - No pension or benefit and high income earner Single Single plus 1 dependent Single plus 2 dependents Single plus 3 dependents Single plus 4 dependents Couple Couple plus 1 dependent Couple plus 2 dependents Couple plus 3 dependents Couple plus 4 dependents

More than $ 70 000 More than $ 85 000 More than $ 100 000 More than $ 115 000 More than $ 130 000 More than $ 140 000 More than $ 155 000 More than $ 170 000 More than $ 185 000 More than $ 200 000

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CLIENT FEES

CATEGORY A Modifications under $1000

CATEGORY B Modifications between $1001-$5000

CATEGORY C Modifications over $5000

Client fee: 65% of cost

Client fee: minimum of $ 650 up to a maximum of 50% of cost

Client fee: minimum of $ 2500 up to a

maximum of 30% of cost










Client fee:

minimum of $950 up to a maximum of 80% of cost



Minimum amount in CATEGORY B and C represents the maximum amount for the previous category (CAT A) i.e. a job costing $1000.00 would cost a Band 1 (CAT A) client $ 650.00 (i.e 65%) and a job costing $1001.00 would slip into the next matrix (CAT B) on the table and the cost to the Band 1 client $500.50 (i.e 50%) which is unfair. With the minimum amount specified the client will pay at least $650.00 until the cost of the job reaches $1300.00 and then it will increase after that.

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CLIENT CONTRIBUTION

What will it cost for an Occupational Therapy

Assessment?

- This is a fully funded service – no charge to eligible clients.

- Other clients may incur a fee for service.

What will it cost for a modification?

For eligible clients contributions are calculated on a sliding scale according to the client’s income band and the cost of the home modification – see fees table pages 9/10 (centre pages).

What will it cost for Yard and Home Maintenance?

Eligible clients are asked for a contribution that covers:

- Cost of materials used (bulk discount applies)

- 50% Subsidy applied for in-house service labour

- 50% Subsidy applied for external subcontract labour (if

required)

What will it cost for Lawn mowing?

- Total contractors service cost less GST, subsidy of 50% applied thereafter.

GST is not applied for eligible clients.

Clients who are experiencing financial hardship can contact

our Client Services Manager.

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DELIVERING SERIVICE

How long will I wait for service?

SCOPE Access is not funded to meet or provide

emergency services. All clients are placed on a needs-

prioritised waiting list. Waiting lists are also influenced by

available funding, staff resources and in some cases

weather/seasonal considerations. Extended delays may be

experienced in some services that attract high levels of client

referrals e.g. initial assessment.

How long will it take to get the work done?

All of the programs through SCOPE Access have waiting

lists. For the most part, smaller modification work (e.g. rails,

hand-held showers etc) and some minor maintenance work

(e.g. water-blasting of pathways and minor household

repairs) are able to be addressed within a short timeframe

from the date the referral is received by SCOPE Access.

More complex modifications, yard and maintenance work can

sometimes be part of more extensive waiting lists based on a

variety of factors such as limited funds for subsidisation of

work, seasonal weather and limited availability of staff,

contractors or building materials. Waiting lists for OT

Assessments tend to vary mostly on the number of referrals

received in a particular area.

Services are provided to meet clients' specific functional

needs and are based on factors that influence a client's risk

of premature institutionalisation. SCOPE Access OT

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Assessment and Modification/Yard and Home Maintenance

Schedule is prioritised in respect of a client's:

- Long-term ability to perform essential tasks safely in the

home environment; and

- Current available support e.g. carers or other services

that come to your home

ADVOCACY

What is an Advocate?

You have a right to use an advocate of your choice to communicate on your behalf with SCOPE Access. This may be a family member, carer, friend or advocacy service (SCOPE Access can help you contact a service if required).

Appointing an Advocate

If you wish to appoint an advocate please let us know, alternatively you can request an Authority to Act as an Advocate form from us.

INTERPRETERS

If an interpreter is required this can also be arranged by us.

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COMPLAINTS AND FEEDBACK

What if you are not happy with the service?

The Manager, Client Services would like to know if you have

any concerns about the service or work performed. If you do

not feel comfortable with SCOPE Access staff member(s)

who provided the service or if you are unhappy with any

aspect of the work please contact the Manager, Client

Services on 1300 765 887.

SCOPE Access has a documented Grievance Policy which

you may access at any time by contacting the office. SCOPE

Access encourages you to let us know your concerns either

verbally or in writing as it assists us to maintain quality

service provision. If you are not happy with the outcome of

your discussions with the Manager Client Services, please

put your concerns in writing and send it to:

The Board of Directors – SCOPE Access - PO Box 926,

Dapto, NSW 2530.

Alternatively, you can contact: Complaints Resolution &

Referral Service - Locked Bag 2705 - Strawberry Hills 2012 -

Email: [email protected] - FAX 02 9318 1372

Or phone (Free call) – 1800 880 052 – or TTY (free call)

1800 301 130 - this is a free and confidential service which

can assist you in working through any complaints or

concerns about the service you are receiving.

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RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITY

Consumers’ key rights within all services offered by Scope

Access are the right to:

- Be respected for their individual human worth and

dignity;

- Be treated with courtesy;

- Be assessed for access to services without

discrimination;

- Be informed and consulted about available services

and other relevant matters;

- Be part of decisions made about their care;

- Choose from available alternatives;

- Pursue any complaint about service provision without

retribution;

- Involve an advocate of their choice;

- Receive good quality services;

- Privacy and confidentiality and access to all personal

information kept about the client.

Clients of our services also have the following

responsibilities:

- To respect the human worth and dignity of the service

provider staff and other consumers;

- To treat service provider staff and other consumers with

courtesy;

- For the results of any decisions they make;

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- To play their part in helping the service provider to

provide them with services; and

- To provide a safe work environment for staff and help

them to provide consumers with services safely.

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INFORMATION – ADVICE – DISPLAY

Provision of specialist home modification information or

educational components, advice and support can be sought

through the SCOPE Access OT or Builder/Supervisor.

Our head office based in the Illawarra region, has a materials

display centre, open-plan bathroom display and is currently

working on access, flooring, hoists, stair climber, lifts and

kitchen displays. All are welcome to visit these displays

however it is recommended to book an appointment so that

the OT or a member of the Building team can be available to

answer any questions that may arise. General phone support

or onsite assistance can also be booked for eligible clients.

Clients are always welcome to ask us about any other types

of home or yard services. If we are unable to assist, or if the

client does not qualify for our service, we may be able to

offer advice or referral to other services or suitable

tradespeople.

SCOPE Access can also assist you to contact other funded service providers if you require assistance from a program not currently provided by our organisation.

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Notes

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Phone: 1300 765 887

Cost of a local call

Home and Yard Modifications & Maintenance

Occupational Therapy Home Assessments

Central Office & Information/Display Centre – 3 Hamilton Street (PO Box 926), Dapto, NSW 2530

Phone: 4262 4900 Fax: 4260 9494

South Coast & Rural Referral Office – Shop 5, 65 Princes Highway, Milton, NSW 2538

Phone: 4454 5739 Fax: 4454 5742

Outreach Builder and OT staff in Eurobodalla, Cooma-Monaro Region, Goulburn & Bungendore

Accessible Living Environments

ASSESS : DESIGN : BUILD

SCOPE Access 2013 client information booklet electronic copy pdf

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