Spring 2011

HMMS LINK Newsletter

NSW HMMS State Council - Suite 2, Nesbitt House 164 Molesworth Street Lismore NSW 2480

P: 02 6622 8386 F: 02 6622 8693 or visit our website www.nswhmms.org

As a result of extensive consultation with the Australian community, the Productivity Commission has recently re-leased two reports, Caring for Older Australians and Dis-ability Care and Support, both of which recommend consid-erable long-term policy reform to the HACC and Disability sectors. The Australian Government has indicated a pro-cess of review and consultation will follow before any rec-ommendations contained in the Reports are implemented. Whilst both the current State and Federal Governments have offered their support and genuine intent to support the reform agenda, it must be noted that the implementation of such long-term policy reform will need substantial support over many terms of various Governments for the reforms to be truly effective and for lasting change to take place.With regard to the Productivity Commission's Final Report,

Caring for Older Australians, the NSW HMMS State Coun-cil welcomes Recommendation 12.1, p.288 in Chapter 12, which calls for the development of a co-ordinated and in-tegrated national policy approach to the provision of home maintenance and modification. A nationally consistent ap-proach and policy framework for home modification and maintenance services in Australia will undoubtedly create equity of access for those Australians requiring home modi-fications. Whilst, the NSW HMMS State Council does not wish to stifle innovation in the HMMS sector, State Council believes a consistent approach to policy will support ser-vice providers in making appropriate decisions and provide a fairer approach for clients accessing home modifications.

Regarding the Productivity Commission’s Report Dis-ability Care and Support, the NSW HMMS State Council fully supports the implementation of the National Disabil-ity Insurance Scheme and the National Injury Insurance Scheme. Both proposals will have far-reaching positive impacts for our clients with disabilities, their families and carers. Within the context of home modifications, peo-ple with disabilities will be able to have their homes modi-fied under the NDIS thus enabling their homes to be care bases within their chosen environment and communities.

Whilst the implementation of such large policy reform will take time and commitment from both levels of Govern-ment, the Department of Health and Ageing has been in preparation mode for the last 18 months creating the Home and Community Care Reform Branch. Tess Watson has been appointed the Director for both NSW and the ACT and

will be working with ADHC to ensure a smooth transition for the split to the HACC Program in NSW and the ACT. Tess Watson and DOHA representatives will be working with service providers over the coming months and beyond to ensure all contractual arrangements are in place for the handover to the Commonwealth for those people over the aged of 65 and for indigenous people over the age of 50.

My advice to all organisations during this time is to know your business and understand your strengths, weaknesses and outcomes in the community. Additionally do be vigilant in the collection and maintenance of your Minimum Data Set Records. DOHA and ADHC will base your new Contract on a funding split based on the MDS information provided by your organisation in the past. If the information provided by ADHC and DOHA in the new Contracts does not reflect your records or outputs, be sure to have your organisation's evidence ready to re-negotiate the Contract with ADHC and DOHA.

Change is inevitable and is the only way we as individu-als and organisations can grow and evolve. Even though change invokes fear for many, it can also bring with it great opportunities and increased strength. It is es-sential for the HMMS sector and the HACC Indus-try to innovate and be open to change to ensure their services are strengthened and to be in a po-sition in readiness for the changes that lie ahead.

a message from the executive officer, nsw hmms state council

COAG Reforms - HACC & Disability

Executive OfficerStacey Sheppard-Smith

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contents

6-13 14-19 33-35OccupationalTherapy ProgramNews & Updates

The revised TechManual & other QA Info with Keith

The latest ADHC & HACC Revisions& Announcments 40-41

Tools, snags and smiles astradies come together to be Talkin’ Trade 42-43

Meet the Read family and hearin their words what makes all the hard work worthwhile.

38-39 ATO, OH & S, Disabilty News & More...

Commonwealth Reforms and ADHC34-37

Productivity Commission Reports32-33

30-31 Livable Housing Australia & Community Care Consortium

NSW Statewide Level 3 Project

Also in this issue.....

28-29

Staff Profile featuring Danny Jacket44-45

In conjunction with the NSW HMMS State Council’s Occupational Therapist Refer-ence Groups a range of resources have been developed by State Council as part of the Occupational Therapy Program.

The following proformas and forms for home modifications are now available on the NSW HMMS State Councils website www.nswhmms.org for download as both hard and active copies:

Occupational TherapyprogramMargaret Nuess, Specialist Occupational Therapist

Resource Development

Prescribing Grabrails• Toilet• Shower recess• Bath

Prescribing a Hand Held Shower Hose• Shower recess• Bath

Minor Home Modification Proformas

Click Here for a direct link to the proformas

form and checklist for major home modifications• Occupational Therapy Report Form for Major Home Modifications

Click Here for a direct link direct to Form and Checklist

Use this form and checklist for referrals to the HMMS for major home modifications. The proformas and forms are available in two formats:1. Hard copies which can be printed, then completed on or after home assess-ments ready for faxing or scanning on return to your office. 2. Active PDF documents which can be completed on return to your office follow-ing home assessments with the ability to be stored/emailed electronically or printed in a hard copy version

• Occupational Therapists Check list for Major Home Modifications

Use the following link hints_for_accessing using proformas.pdf to view the document Helpful Hints for accessing and using the OT Report Form and OT Check-list for Major Home Modifications and the Minor Home Modification Proformas

NB: For more information on Minimum Documentation Require-ments for Referrals to the HMMS refer to the following Fact Sheets on the NSW HMMS State Councils website www.nswhmms.org :

• Fact Sheet 15 Documentation – Minor Home Modifications: Minimum requirements for Occupational Therapy referrals to the HMMS

• Fact Sheet 17 Documentation – Major Home Modifications: Minimum requirements for Occupational Therapy referrals to the HMMS

I encourage all OTs/HMMS to adopt the proformas and forms developed to create consistent OT practice and referral mechanisms to HMMS.

These proformas and forms can also be utilised for referrals to other home modification service providers such as DVA and Housing NSW, depending on the local requirements of such organisations.

I hope you find the proformas and forms easy to use. If you have difficulty fol-lowing the above links to access the proformas and forms please contact:

Nicolie Scrivener email admin_training@nswhmms.org at the NSW HMMS State Council.

If you have any feedback regarding any of the proformas and/or forms please do not hesitate to contact:

Marg Neuss, Specialist Occupational Therapist at ot@nswhmms.org

The OT National Conference was held on the Gold Coast in June and was attended by over 700 Occupational Ther-apists from all over the country. The NSW HMMS State Council had an exhibition stall at the Conference displaying its minor home modifications pro formas and fact sheets.

The display was overwhelmingly positively received by those in attendance at the Conference. Many OTs from different States and Territo-ries were most interested in implementing the pro formas in their day to day practice.

N at i o n a l conferenceOT

Above: Stacey Sheppard-Smith, Executive Officer &Margaret Neuss, Specialist OT at the NSW HMMS State Council’s Exhibition Stand/OT National Conference.

Left: Margaret Nuess with Desley De Jonge, Queens-land University Lecturer in the OT program - her speciality being home modifications.

Under the Occupational Therapy Program, State Council has developed a video clip, “Overcoming Barriers” promoting the positive influence Occupational Therapy intervention has with regard to modifications in the home. This short video clip of only 47 seconds duration is a great tool to promote your services to HACC clients and the general community.

The clip was an entry in the video competition at the recent National OT Conference held on the Gold Coast in June 2011 and was a runner-up in the competition.

The clip is freely available on State Coun-cil’s website at :

overcoming barriers video clip

State Council is very proud to announce that its Specialist Occupational Therapist, Margaret Neuss, has been awarded the Elisabeth Duff Memorial Award for 2011 in recognition of her contribution to the Royal North Shore Hospital (RNSH) and Community Health Services Occupational Therapy Department, to Occupational Therapy professional practice and to treatment innovation.

After Margaret received the Award, she gave a two hour workshop on home modifications to those present at the Award ceremony. The Award was established by Ms Duff’s family to honour her memory after her death in 2003. Elisabeth Duff was an icon of the OT industry having been the Occupational Therapist in charge at the Royal North Shore Hospital, a long serving member of the NSW Association of Occupational Therapists (now OT Australia NSW) and the Australian Association of Occupational Therapists (now OT Australia Ltd).

Margaret nuess receives prestigious award

Above: Margaret receiving her Award from another OT icon, Ruth Grayson now retired but formerly of the NSW Association of Occupational Therapists

Five half-day training workshops will be offered later this year and in 2012.

The first Workshop will focus on changes to AS1428.1 and is aimed at Occupational Therapists and Builders/Tradespeople who complete home modifications.

The other four modules to be presented specifically to Occupational Thera-pists are as follows:

www.nswhmms.org.au/please-feel-free-view-our-dvds

• Prescribing minor home modifications• Prescribing ramps (1:14 gradient) & landings

A training program for 2012 will be released later in 2011.If you require further information about these Workshops, please contact Specialist Occupational Therapist, Margaret Neuss, at ot@nswhmms.org.

Ot training modules

• Complex access

• Kitchen modifictions

This is Part 4, the final part in a series of articles on the role of the Occupational Therapist when prescribing grabrails in the home envi-ronment. Part 1 in this series ex-plained that whilst prescrib-ing grabrails appears to be an easy task it is not, in practice, as simple as it may seem. There are many factors that need to be considered in order to meet the needs of an individual in their home environment. A comprehensive, holistic assessment of the client by an Occupational Therapist is essential to ensure that appropriate recommenda-tions are made based on individual functional need and to achieve the best outcome for the client and/or carer.

In Part 2 of this series 5 key principles underpin-ning the OT assessment process were discussed, including the application of these principles when prescribing home modifica-tions such as grabrails.

Part 3 discussed the key elements which consti-tute a comprehensive OT functional assessment of a client in relation to grabrail prescription.

The focus in Part 4 below is on determining grabrail placement and utilising AS 1428.1-2009 (Incorporating Amdt No.1) as a starting point to do this. So how do you determine grabrail placement in order to meet individual function-al need?

As every person and every environment is unique it can be a challenge for the Occupational Therapist to determine grab rail place-ment ( i.e. orientation, po-sition, height and length) which will most effectively meet individual functional need and maintain safety while undertaking a specific task of daily living.

As discussed in the previ-ous articles in this series, grabrail prescription re-quires a comprehensive functional assessment of the client to be undertaken in the home environment. Included in this assessment is why the client may need support to undertake a specific activity e.g. is there a medical condition which has resulted in the client falling while showering or negotiating the single step at their front door? The nature of the problem and why it is a problem must be determined before an ap-propriate solution can be identified - this applies as much to grab rail prescrip-tion as any other interven-tion provided by an occupa-tional Therapist.The key to determining grabrail placement is in simulation of the specific task with the client. For ex-ample, the length and low-est & highest fixing points for an angled grabrail to aid transferring on/off the toilet will be determined, at least in part, by observ-ing the client during the 4 phases of the sit to stand transfer, including where they position their feet

during each phase, their functional reach and bal-ance. So why you ask is the Australian Stand-ard AS 1428.1-2009 (Incorporating Amdt No.1) a useful start-ing point for grab rail prescription?

Although this standard relates to independent and multiple users of pub-lic buildings and facilities it provides a framework for Occupational Therapy practice. A thorough knowl-edge and understanding of the standard in relation to grab rails provides a frame of reference and baseline for prescription. For exam-ple, if following assessment of the client, an angled grab rail is determined to be most effective for a safe and functional transfer on/off the toilet, during simu-lation of this task with the client a grab rail can be positioned ( held on the wall) as per the dimensions recommended in the stand-ard for an angled grab rail.This position can then be

adjusted in any direction until the most appropriate position for a safe and ef-fective transfer for the client is achieved. This simulation of the task with the client is critical. If the occupa-tional therapist deviates from the standard, which is most often the case, this task simulation will provide clear clinical justification for doing so in order to meet individual functional need. From a legal perspective the requirements of AS 1428.1-2009 (Incorporat-ing Amdt No.1) will gener-ally be the starting point for determining if a grabrail prescribed for a client was appropriate/effective, how-ever, deviation form this standard is acceptable providing the Occupational Therapist can provide clear clinical justification for such deviation. In summing up this 4 part series on the art of pre-scribing grabrails .......

When it comes to grab rail prescription one size does not fit all! A comprehensive assessment of the client’s individual clinical and func-tional needs is the key to

success. The assessment process is the means to the end and a successful out-come for the client (and/or carer).

Margaret Neuss

Specialist OccupationalTharapist

The Art of Prescribing Grabrails - Part 4

The NSW HMMS State Council is pleased to announce the release of the 2nd edition of the Technical Manual for Builders and Trades people in the HMMS industry.

The Technical Manual is an HMMS industry specific technical manual designed to enhance service delivery to home modification clients and incorporates a summary of the Building Code of Australia and the new up-dates to the Australian Standard AS1428.1 – 2009 (Incorporating Amendment 1). It also provides a list of con-siderations and tips when completing modifications.

Technical Manual - 2nd Edition

Copies of the Technical Manual have been distributed to HMMS in NSW. To purchase copies of the revised Technical Manual, the cost is $330 for Members and $660 for non-members.

To obtain additional copies of the Technical Manual, please contact Nicolie Scrivener: admin_training@nswhmms.org

As there have been so many changes to AS1428.1 – 2009, the Technical Manual has been completely rewritten, revised and reprinted. Therefore, HMMS and other organisations in possession of the first edition are asked not to refer to it as it is no longer relevant.

Keith Stevenson, Specialist Technical Officer

To enhance the Quality Assurance Program in NSW and reduce claims on the Quality Assurance Rectification Fund, the NSW HMMS State Coun-cil, in conjunction with the Sydney Law Firm DLA Piper Australia, has developed an HMMS industry-specific Contract for all works funded under the HACC Program in NSW. The NSW HMMS State Council sees the Contract as a necessary strategy to reduce risk and liability to HMMS.

A substantial amount of time and funding has been allocated to the development of the HMMS indus-try-specific Contract over the last 18 months and it is now ready for implementation with subsequent training to HMMS in NSW being rolled out in July-September 2011.The Contract is one component of the new Quality Assurance process and has been designed to pro-vide a clear understanding of each party’s role and responsibility in the construction of government subsidised home modifications.

The new Quality Assurance System implemented by the NSW HMMS State Council has the follow-ing stages in place:

HMMS Industry Specific Contract

Industry-Specific Contract

This is a standardised HMMS legal three-way Contract created specifically for the HMMS industry and entered into between the Fund Holder/HMMS, Builder and Client.

Scope of Works for Major Works - Progressive Sign Off

In the construction industry, a Scope of Work is a detailed docu-ment outlining construction materials and techniques required to complete the modification. The Scope of Works is integral to the work to be done to ensure it meets OT specifications and provides a document for contractors to quote the requested modifications. For example, a list of all materials, construction and installation methods are included. A Scope of Works is prepared by the Builder employed by the HMMS to allow external Contractors to quote on the same job. The Scope of Works forms part of the Contract signed between the HMMS and the Contractor completing the work.

Progressive Sign Off Form

This is a progressive form completed by the Qualified Works Su-pervisor employed by the local HMMS at critical stages of the work to ensure all building work meets the Building Code and has an acceptable standard of finish. For example, inspections are carried out after strip-out, plumbing and electrical, waterproofing, tiling, installation of PC items and completion of the work. The form is physically signed and dated by the local Qualified Works Supervi-sor at the staged inspections and presented as one part of the final paperwork required for a post-modification inspection by the Con-tracted Building Inspector.

Occupational Therapist Specifications

These written and diagrammatical specifications are provided by the referring Occupational Therapist as a result of assessing a cli-ent’s clinical functional needs in their home environment. OT Spec-ifications describe what work needs to be completed and a Scope of Works provided by the Builder describes how to achieve the desired outcome as specified by an Occupational Therapist. This document also forms part of the written contract.

Occupational Therapist Evaluation and Sign Off

This is a report completed by the referring Occupational Therapist to ensure the major modification work has been completed in accordance with original OT specifications and meets the client’s clinical/functional needs.

Final Inspection

A post-modification Final Inspection is completed by a Contracted Building Inspector to complete final sign off of major work by an independent person. The Post modification final inspection ensures the work is of an acceptable standard and positive client outcomes are achieved. The post-modification final report is sent to all parties involved to keep for their records.

Certificates of Compliance

In the building industry, Certificates of Compliance are a legal re-quirement and must be kept on file. Similarly in the HMMS industry and to reflect commercial industry practices, Certificates of Compliance are a necessary part of HMMS client documenta-tion files.Compliance Certificates ensure Contractors who have completed certain components of work take ownership and re-sponsibility for their completed work and that it meets all relevant Standards, the Australian Building Codes and local government regulations.

Certificate of Completion

The Certificate of Completion is issued to the HMMS under the QA Program once the work has been inspected and deemed complete and compliant by a Contracted Building Inspector. The modifica-tion work is then registered under the Quality Assurance Rectifica-tion Program as being compliant and HMMS can claim against the QARP Program for rectification work at a later date if required.

Definition of Forms in the QA ProcessIndustry Specific Contract

FORUMPhil’swritten by Phil Zuber,

Technical & Training Officer

Most MIG welders available on the market today re-quire a 15 amp power supply.

This creates a problem when you are required to weld on site at a client’s house where only 10 Amp power points are available for use. A common but non-compliant approach has been used in the past to adapt the 15 Amp welder to the 10 Amp domestic power point via a manufactured adaptor lead (a Donkey). The use of these adap-tor leads is illegal and not within WorkCover policy.

Recently I had the opportunity to spend some time with the Blue Mountains HMMS team and assisted with com-missioning a new 10 Amp MIG welder designed to run off a 220–240 volt 10 Amp power supply. The unit came fitted with a 10 Amp 3 pin plug (the 10 Amp plug has a smaller earthing tongue compared to the 15 Amp plug which will not fit into a domestic 10 Amp power point).The Blue Mountains HMMS team chose to set their machine up for gasless operation giving them the

scope to weld outside and on site during strong windy conditions where gas welding would be affect-ed by the gas being blown away from the weld cre-ating a defective weld. A flux cored wire of .08 mm was installed and it was time to test its capability.

The unit has a good welding current range of 30 -165 Amps which is more than ample for the day-to-day activities of an HMMS. It is readily adapted to gas or gasless welding operation with a change in polarity required by changing the leads over with-in the welder. A well-placed graphic shows the cor-rect set up for your chosen welding operation.

The unit was set on a mid-range high power setting and on mid-range wire speed.

I was pleasantly surprised when I started to weld as there was a smoothness about the process with a nice run of weld being placed along a piece of galvanised handrail pipe. With a slight increase in amperage and wire speed (1 graduation on each individual dial) it was

producing a very good weld with nice penetration.

It would be fair to say my initial apprehension that a 10 Amp MIG welder would perform well was dispelled as this welding unit had performed equal to or if not better than the 15 Amp unit I normally use.

15 Amp and 10 Amp MIG Welders -

MIG Welding with a Dedicated 10

AMP Welding Unit

A special thank you to Ruth and the Blue Mountains HMMS team for the opportunity to test run their new welder and the amazing date scones for morning tea !

If you are interested in one of these welders the machine is a CIGWELD TRANSMIG 165 designed for light industrial

use.

South East Sydney HMMS has come up with a simple and effective way to store useful off cuts. The use of small off cuts can provide sub-stantial savings over the year if they are read-ily available and easy to choose from. The big issue is storage until they are needed.

The simple box developed by South East Sydney HMMS is made from off cuts of ply and is designed in a step formation to allow for different lengths of off cuts and to allow good vision of available cross sectional size.

Full marks to the South East Syd-ney HMMS team for reducing waste and costs with this simple storage box.

Don’t want to throw away that off cut - but don’t wantit lying around making a

hazard ?

Top Tip

www.cranecopper.com.au

Viega Press-Fit Joining System for Copper Tube

During a recent visit to ADSSI (Aged and Disability Support Ser-vices) at Tuggerah, Chris Clark ADSSI’s plumber brought to my no-tice a system he is using to join cop-per pipe. He immediately grabbed my attention when he mentioned that the new system did not need gas or heat to produce the joint.

The Viega System crimps spe-cial joint fittings onto the pipe to give water or gas tight joints.

I asked Chris a few questions on how he was finding the sys-tem and he advised the following:

‘The tool is very easy to use and requires minimal training. It is light and easy to carry es-pecially when working under floors or in roof spaces .There is a total reduction to the risk of being burnt, having a gas ex-plosion and the possibility of any manual handling injuries.’

All-round it is a quicker and sim-pler method of joining copper pipe. The initial purchase and additional costs for fittings are quickly offset by the saving in time and labour costs. The only limitation found so far is that the system does not have fittings for 5/8th pipe work. More information is available at

Have you ever just needed an extra set of hands to hold a piece of pipe while you tack it into position?

On a recent visit to the Port Stephens Home Mods Service, I was shown an in-house manufactured de-vice that made it very easy to clamp two piec-es of pipe together for tacking prior to butt welding.

They were manufactured using a pair of flat jawed vice grips that had been fitted with split pipe sleeves allowing the sleeves to be clamped over the pipe sections needing to be welded.

The size of the pipe being welded can easily be accom-modated by matching the pipe with the required sized split sleeves. This would provide you with several pairs of vice grips that fit the common pipe sizes you regularly weld. The lower jaw had one continuous sleeve welded to the jaw to give maximum support and good alignment to the pipes during the tacking process. The upper jaws have two individual sleeves welded to the jaw with a 20mm gap between them. This gap allows 180 degree access to the joint around the pipes allowing you to place welded tacks. Once you have two sound tacks in place the vice grips can

be released and repositioned around the pipe to give you access to the remaining 180 degrees for further tacking. When the tacking process has been completed you can release the vice grips and remove them from the job.

Innovation in production methods

An added benefit gained from using these modified vice grips is that the handles remain well away from the welding area and as such remain cool removing the possibility of burning your hands on a hot handle.

If you have any simple innovative solutions that you have developed to assist you in the common production methods used as part of your daily activities and would like to share them with other HMMS, please provide a brief description and photos which will be shared via the HMMS Link Newsletter. Please send to Phil Zuber, Technical and Training Officer on tto@nswhmms.org

Alternatively, if on the other hand your HMMS is having problems with a process and would like to hear from other HMMS that may have a solution to your problem, please email Phil Zuber, Technical and Training Officer on tto@nswhmms.org who will consult with the HMMS Builders Brains Trust.

NSW STATEWIDE

Level 3 Project

New South Wales Statewide HMS has just seen its biggest year ever. The 2010-2011 financial year saw a total of 117 level 3 jobs funded for a total sum of $4,195,566.16. This level of funding was only made possible due to ADHC’s direct allocation to our pro-ject of non-recurrent funding totaling $2,400,000.00 at the start of the year along with the collec-tion of $371,000.00 in client contribu-tions.

Over the past 3 years Frail Aged versus Disabled statistics have remained fairly constant with 60 to 70 % of clients ac-cessing level 3 works being under the age of 65. Generally 30 to 40% are actually under the age of 40.

In order to meet the needs of the whole state, NSW Statewide HMS rely heavily on the home modification service network and I would like to take this op-portunity to thank all services throughout

the state that have and continue to pro-vide major modifica-tions on our behalf.

It is expected that this financial year will be no different with ADHC again provid-ing further additional funding to ensure that clients requiring major works can be assisted.

Level 3 hosted a Lev-el 2 Manager’s Work-shop in May this year where 11 of the 12 services were repre-sented. It was agreed at this meeting that

all Level 2 services should adopt the Level 3 policies and hence they should be renamed as “Major Modification Poli-cies”. The new Tech Manual due for dis-tribution shortly will include these policies for all services to ref-erence.

One of the biggest problems we have had over the year is requests for modi-fications over and above the most cost effective to satisfy the persons essential functional needs.

Whilst all applications are assessed indi-vidually requests for modifications outside of our policies require clear reasoning as to why they should be considered. I would ask that all Home Mod Services be-come familiar with these policies in or-der to stem inappro-priate client expecta-tions and referrals. I am happy to discuss any potential Level 3 application prior to referral in order to collectively achieve best client outcomes in the shortest

possible timeframe.

I would encourage any service to call either myself or Shar-ron on 4937 4555 should you have any ques-tions in regards to policies, referral pro-cess, panel meet-ings or contracting to NSW Statewide HMS.

Steve MalvernProject ManagerNSW Statewide Home Modification Service

The Statewide Team - Steve Malvern (Project Manager)

& Sharron Sargent (Administration)

A new non-for-profit organisation is to be established to encour-age Australians con-structing new homes to comply with design standards to make home more accessi-ble. Livable Housing Australia will promote greater understand-

ing of the value of uni-versal housing design within the community and promote Universal Housing Design prac-tices throughout the residential and prop-erty industry.

Leaders of the housing industry and disability sector have agreed to an aspirational target

that all new homes be built to reflect the new standards by 2020.

For more information see:

Livable housing australiaLivable Housing Australia

w w w. j a n m c l u c a s . f a h c -s ia .gov.au /mediare leas-e s / 2 0 11 / P a g e s / j m c _ m _livablehousing_11april2011.aspx

Following the announce-ment of the COAG re-forms to the HACC Pro-gram, the Community Care Consortium was formed to act as a sin-gle point of contact be-tween its NSW HACC service provider peak body membership and Commonwealth and NSW Governments. The or-ganisations forming the Community Care Consor-tium are the NSW HMMS State Council, NSW

Meals on Wheels Asso-ciation, NSW Community Transport Organisation, NSW Neighbour Aid and Social Support Associa-tion and NSW Community Options. State Council’s Executive Officer, Stacey Sheppard-Smith carries out the role of Secretary of the Consortium.

The Consortium believes a collective approach is necessary to represent the voice of their mem-bers and to assist service providers through the transitional process of the COAG reforms. Before

the Commonwealth Gov-ernment takes over full operational responsibility for the HACC Program in July 2012, the Consorti-um believes it is important to gain a nationally con-sistent policy/approach to create equity of access to the aged care system for all Australians. The Consortium has al-ready met with the Minis-ter for Mental Health and Ageing, the Hon Mark Butler MP, and is current-ly making arrangements to meet with Senators and House of Repre-

sentative members repre-senting the Liberal Party, the Australian Greens and the Independents to discuss the impact the proposed reforms to the HACC Program will have on service providers and local communities and to ensure the best outcomes for HACC clients.

Community Care Consortium

Community Care consortium

On 8 August, the Minister for Mental Health and Age-ing, Mark Butler, released the Productivity Commis-sion’s final report Caring for Older Australians. A con-sultation process will take place for two months after the release of the report. The Minister plans to travel Australia during this time to discuss and listen to differ-ent points of view on the proposed reforms. He said the Government will be guided by four overarching principles

Upon release of the Report the Prime Minister made it clear that the Government would ensure that there is a proper process of review, discussion and analysis of its recommendations. She said that it would not just be a process within government but one which would also engage the community.

The full Report is available at: www.pc.gov.au A six page summary prepared by Aged and Community Services Australia is available at www.agedcare.org.au/what-we-do/productivity-commission/acsa-summary-of-pc-final-report/view

While Australia’s social security and health care systems provide an entitlement to services based on need, there is currently no equivalent entitlement to disability care and support services. The Australian Government is committed to finding the best solutions to improve care and support services for people with disability and re-quested the Productivity Commission to undertake an inquiry into a National Disability Long-term Care and Support Scheme.The main thrust of the Productivity Commission’s report focuses on the establishment of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) which will ensure people with a significant and on-going disability would receive long-term care and support. The report also recommends the implementation of a National Injury Insurance Scheme (NIIS) which would be a federated model of separate, state-based no-fault schemes providing lifetime care and support arrangements for people suffering catastrophic injury.

The Commission’s Inquiry Report was released on 10 August and can be seen at www.pc.gov.au/projects/inquiry/disability-support/report

An Executive Summary of the Report is also available on this page.

Following the release of the Productivity Commission’s Disability Care and Support Inquiry Report, the Austral-ian Government announced that it will start work immedi-ately with states and territories on measures to build the foundations for a National Disability Insurance Scheme.

For the Australian Government’s press release on their decision to implement the NDIS, see:www.pm.gov.au/press-office/productivity-commis-sions-final-report-disability-care-and-support

Disability Care and Support Inquiry Report

Productivity Commission Reports

Final Report on Aged Care

The Aged Care Com-plaints Scheme is avail-able to anyone who has a complaint or concern about an Australian Government-subsidised aged care service. A new website has recent-ly been launched to pro-vide information about the complaints process, address topics of interest and keep aged care pro-viders, consumers and stakeholders up to date on the implementation of reforms to the Scheme. It will also be an impor-tant way for consumers and the industry to pro-vide feedback. For fur-ther information, see:

http://www.health.gov/internet/main/publishing.nsf/content/ageing-complaints-index.htm

Aged Care Complaints Scheme

The Commissioner holds a statutory appointment and is independent of the Aged Care Complaints Scheme.

The Office is essentially an office of review and deals with concerns in an impartial and independent way. People who have complaints about Govern-

ment-funded aged care services and are unhappy with the outcome of an Aged Care Complaints Scheme investigation can complain to the Aged Care Commissioner.

For detailed information about the services pro-vided by the Aged Care

Commissioner go to their website: w w w. a g e d c a r e c o m -m i s s i o n e r . n e t . a u

The website also aims to assist people who have queries about the op-erations of the Aged Care Complaints Investigation Scheme.

Office of the Aged Care Commissioner

Commonwealth Reforms

The Commonwealth Minister for Health and Ageing, Mark Butler, and the NSW Minister for Ageing and Disability Services, Andrew Con-stance, have recently announced a boost in HACC funding bringing the annual investment in HACC services in NSW to around $625m. This increase includes an extra $1.43 million to be invested in home modification for both minor and ma-jor works. To read the press release in full see

ADHC

www.health.gov.au/internet/min-isters/publ ishing.nsf /Content /F B F D B E D 5 1 A D 2 E 8 1 C C A 2 5 7 8D 4 0 0 7 C 5 B 8 7 /$ F i l e /M B 0 7 7 . pd f

Increase in HACC Funding

The new Minister, Andrew Constance, explains his Govern-ment’s person centred approach which places the person with a dis-ability at the centre of the decision-making process when it comes to the supports and services they use.

To either read or watch the Minister’s message go to:

A message from the NSW Minister forDisability Services

www.adhc.nsw.gov.a u / a b o u t / s t r a t e -gies/person_cen-t r e d _ a p p r o a c h

The first Fact Sheet provides information on the issues which have emerged from ADHC’s initial consultations about the implementation of the reforms. See http://www.adhc.nsw.gov.au/__data/as-sets/file/0009/233937/FactSheet2_Transi-tion_and_Planning_for_NSW.pdf

The second Fact Sheet provides an update to the transition arrangements. Seehttp://www.adhc.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/file/0020/237332/FactSheet3_COAG_Re-forms_Update_on_Transition_Arrange-ments.pdf

ADHC will continue to provide regular updates to service providers and stake-holders and maintain its information on its website at www.adhc.nsw.gov.au/sp/delivering_hacc_services

Under the National Health and Hospitals Network Agreement there will be a split of responsibilities for aged care for people at age 65 (age 50 for Indigenous Australians) with the Commonwealth Govern-ment assuming full re-

sponsibility for aged care services under the Home and Community Care (HACC) Program from 1 July 2012. The NSW Government is work-ing with the Australian and other state/territory governments in an effort to simplify, streamline and ensure better co-or-

dination of the home and community care system.

Two Fact Sheets have been produced by Age-ing, Disability and Home Care (ADHC) together with the Council of Aus-tralian Governments (COAG).

Reforms to the HACC Program

It’s Your Business

The It’s Your Business Manual is designed to support the development of governance knowledge and board management skills for non-government organisations and all HMMS should have re-ceived a copy in 2009. If you wish to download the manual in PDF go to

www.adhc.nsw.gov.au/sp/training_and_develop-ment/good_governance

Planning for the Future

The Planning Ahead Kits are a practical resource developed by Ageing, Disability and Home Care to help people plan their futures. The Kits can help a per-son make financial, health and lifestyle decisions if the capacity is lost to make their own deci-sions. They deal with issues such as wills, funeral funds, enduring guardianship, powers of attorney and advance care directives. Available in PDF, the Kits are also available in Arabic, Croatian and Italian.

The Taking Care of Business Kit has also been developed for Aboriginal people to help them plan for their future needs. The Kit can be obtained in booklet form which includes a DVD or can be downloaded in PDF.

For more information about both Kits, see

www.adhc.nsw.gov.au/ in-d i v i d u a l s / a g e i n g _ w e l l /p lann ing_ for_ the_ fu ture

The NSW HACC Development Officers Network

This Network is a forum for Regional HACC Development Officers to promote best practice in the de-velopment of a strong, cohesive community care system.

Development Offic-ers across NSW can be contacted directly for information about their projects and lo-cal HACC and related community care ser-vices for frail older people, people with disabilities and carers.

To contact your local Development Officer, see:

w w w . n s w h a c c d o s . o r g .a u / r e g i o n a l - c o n t a c t s

Disability News

Ramp Up is the ABC's new online destination for news, discussion, debate and hu-mour for everyone in Aus-tralia's disability communi-ties. Whether you live with a disability, are a friend or family member of someone with a disability, work in the sector or just want to get a better picture, this is a lively community space to obtain information and have your say. Go to:

Ramp Up

http://www.abc.net.au/rampup/

atoNew Flood Levy Tax

A temporary flood and cy-clone reconstruction levy (flood levy) has been in-troduced but only applies to the 2011-12 tax year. Employees, both residents and non-residents, who have a taxable income of more than $50,000 will have to pay the flood levy. Those employees affected by a natural disaster who believe they may be ex-empt from paying this new levy will need to complete an exemption declaration form No. NAT 73797. The flood levy is included in the new withholding tax tables available. For details and relevant links regarding the flood levy, see the ATO’s website page

w w w . a t o . g o v . a u / b u s i -

n e s s e s / P r i n t F r i e n d l y .

aspx?ms=businesses&doc=/

c o n t e n t / 0 0 2 7 6 9 4 0 . h t m

The Government has changed the fringe benefit treatment of cars so that the unintended incentive for people to drive their vehicles further than they need in order to obtain a larger tax concession has been eliminated. It believes this is a sensible reform from both a taxa-tion and environmental perspective. From 10 May 2011, this reform has replaced the former rates with a single

flat rate of 20% regardless of distance travelled for new contracts and will be phased in over a 4 year period for already exist-ing contracts made before May 2011. For detailed information on the new rules, see the Treasurer’s press release at:

Change to Car Fringe Benefit Rule

h t t p : / / m i n i s t e r s . t r e a s -u r y . g o v . a u / D i s p l a y D o c s .aspx?doc=pressreleases/2011/050.h t m & p a g e I D = 0 0 3 & m i n =w m s & Y e a r = & D o c T y p e = 0

New Work Health & Safety ActThere are currently nine different work health and safety laws across Aus-tralia and states and ter-ritories are now working towards uniform safety standards. The new NSW Work Health and Safety Act will be introduced in January 2012 and Work-Cover has advised it will:

• reduce compliance costs and red tape for employers

• maintain NSW’s strong work, health and safety frame-work

• keep businesses accountable

• make laws easier to understand while protecting workers.

For more information, see:w w w . w o r k c o v e r .nsw.gov.au/newleg-i s l a t i o n 2 0 1 2 / P a g -e s / d e f a u l t . a s p x

otherAged & CommunityServices

http://www.agedcare.org.au.

ACSA, the national peak body represent-ing more than 1,000 not-for-profit organi-sations, has exten-sively restructured and launched their new website which will en-able members to have access to more com-prehensive informa-tion.

Single Voice for Aged Care Providers

The national peak body for not-for-profit aged care providers, Aged and Community Services Australia (ACSA) has an-nounced plans to pur-sue a merger with the not-for-profit peak, Aged Care Associa-tion Australia (ACAA). Members will vote on the proposed merger in November.

www.agedcare.org.au/news/2011-news/s i n g l e - v o i c e - f o r -aged-care-providers

For more information see:

OH & S

The NSW HMMS State Council held a Talkin Trade Day at Able Fix on the 18/08/11 for Builders and Tradespeople in the HMMS Industry in NSW. The Talkin Trade Day was a great success and State Council has re-ceived a tremendous amount of positive feedback from those who attend-ed. Keith Stevenson, Specialist Technical Officer, Quality Assurance Pro-gram, hopes to hold an event such as this annually as a way of providing training and exchanging information on new products and techniques.

The day would not have been possible without the support of Ablefix and the NSW Statewide HMS Level 3. On behalf of the NSW HMMS State Coun-cil and the Builders and Tradespeople who attended the Talkin Trade Day on the 18/08/11, State Council would like to extend our sincere thanks and gratitude to both the NSW Statewide Level 3 and Ablefix. The success of the day was only possible due to the dedication and commitment of both organi-sations and for this State Council is both incredibly grateful and thankful.

It has been a few necessary years in the making, as our triplets grew and we learnt what their, and indeed, our particular needs were, but we are finally the proud recipients of what feels like a brand new home! And such a useful home!

Right from the start we have encountered a professional service, detailed, practical and personal. We have been kept informed at each step, and as much as possible given choices in what would best suit our needs. We have been met with sensitivity and in-tegrity. We have greatly appreciated the out-standing service we have received, from the respect granted our family and our home, to the thoroughness of the planning for the modification, not to mention the highly pro-fessional job on completion.

Working with the Cowra Home Modification and Maintenance Service and Sarah Cole, OT, has not been an effort. It has been one of the easiest services to engage with, es-pecially so, considering what we have been privileged to gain from the outcome! And we are very happy with the outcome!

All of a sudden our house is a place where our children can reach the taps, let alone turn the taps on themselves. This means they are now able to wash their own hands, as well as get into mischief. Our home is a place where all of a sudden one of our children is able to completely independently use the toilet all by herself, unbeknownst to anyone.

All of a sudden the children can get outside by themselves, and get back inside com-pletely independently.

All of a sudden we have practical spaces everywhere which we can use effortlessly. This is almost a first for us.

All of these things mean that the load involved in caring for our family, has been sig-nificantly lightened, and year after year will continue to be easier, because of the modifi-cations wrought in our house.

I’ve been particularly impressed with how this service, in our case, went above and beyond the call of duty, so to speak, and used initiative to include a couple of thought-ful extras, even when the job did not require them to.

Overall, it has been a good path to a great outcome, and we are enjoying it very much.

Jemimah Read, Canowindra

Cowra Home Modification & Maintenance Service andSarah Cole, Occupational Therapist, Canowindra Community Health Service

The Read Family: Our Experience

Staff ProfileDanny Jacket

Cowra HMMS

1.How long have you been with HMMS? Six Years

2.You can invite two people past or present to dinner who would you invite? Albert Einstein and David Attenborough

3.Family consists of? Wife Sue (married 32 years) and three kids – son 27 Brinn, daughter 24 Emily, son 20 Lachlan

4.Favorite holiday destination? South Coast of NSW anywhere around Moruya, Depot Beach, Pretty Beach, Batemans Bay or south of there.

5.Favorite food? Any seafood

6.Book reading at present? Development and Service Operations of the Focke Wulf 190. (FW190 is a German fighter aircraft from WW2)

7.Favorite movie? Any good, funny animation

8.Best piece of advice you have been given? “it is” something you can-not change, accept that “it is” and get on with it.

9.Last $5 what would you buy? Afternoon tea – (not enough for a good seafood noshup) so have a cup of tea with a good friend

10.Favorite type of music to listen to? Rock & Roll and Blues.

11.Play an instrument? No

12.Skill or talent you do not have that you wish you do? Play a musical instrument.

13.Play a sport/ follow which sport/ team you follow? Soccer – any team.

14.If you could fill someone’s shoes for the day who’s would you like to fill? A classic fighter (by classic I mean any WW1 or WW11 aircraft) display pilot.

15.Most influential people in your life? Grandfather and Father, also the WWII veterans I have met through the Squadron Associations, some remark-able stories and many of them are still active as volunteers in their communi-ties (aged 87 – 93 years old)

16.Your moral in life is…? “Why not”

17.Type of car you drive? A 1996 Commodore Station Wagon

18.Dumbest decision you have made is when I…? Take life too seriously and forget to laugh.

19.Tea or coffee or hot chocolate? Tea20. Best thing about working in the HMMS industry? The people I work with.

21.What do you do to relax? Fishing, oil painting & anything to do with aircraft and flying.

22.Best thing about living inCanowindra?Country people, country lifestyle,clean air and some of the best cloudscapes, sunsets and night skies you’ll see.

Enhancing people’s lives by assisting them to remain living at home

NSW HMMS State Council - Suite 2, Nesbitt House 164 Molesworth Street Lismore NSW 2480

P: 02 6622 8386 F: 02 6622 8693 or visit our website www.nswhmms.org