The Home and Community Care Program (HACC) is a joint initiative of Federal and State Government providing a range of services to assist people who are frail aged and younger people with a disability, and their carers, one of which is Home Modification Services (HMS).
In New South Wales, home modification is structured in three tiers, or levels, according to the complexity and cost of the specified modifications. There are approximately ninety Level One (Local) services, thirteen Level Two (Regional) and one Level Three (Statewide) strategically located throughout the State.
Kurri Kurri Community Centre was funded in 1987 for a service that covers the Cessnock, Maitland and Dungog Local Government area. In 1995 we piloted the first community based Regional high level scheme and subsequently, in 2001, we received funding for the Level Three, Statewide service. There is also a maintenance component to these services.
Aims and Objectives
We aim to maintain people in their own homes, rather than support admission to full time care. This is achieved by providing modifications that will assist people with disabilities to access their home and/or to promote facilities for toileting/bathing that are appropriate to the needs and safety of the clients and the carer/s.
What may be provided
Internal/external ramps
Bathroom modifications
Doorways widened
Kitchens modified
Railings and grab-rails
Lifts/stair-climbers
We may also assist with maintenance work in certain situations. This could involve minor plumbing or electrical requirements, window and door repairs (locks etc) or perhaps some yard cleaning or mowing. Subsidy for the purpose of maintenance is restricted to $2000 in total per dwelling. This may comprise a number of minor, low cost incidents, one or two major items.
Access to Service:
The home modification process starts with an Occupational Therapist, who is a health professional skilled in specifying requirements that are specific to the needs of a client. Initially the request will be processed by the local (Level One) service, then depending on its complexity, either provided by that service, or referred to Level Two or Level Three.
Close consultation and cooperation is maintained between the client, home modification service and the referring occupational therapist.
This may appear to be a rather complex process, however it does ensure that, through consultation, the needs of the clients are addressed efficiently and appropriately.
Financial Matters:
Government funding and actual service provision by a not for profit organisation ensures the cost of providingmodifications will be affordable for clients.
Clients are advised of the total cost and extent of the proposed modifications prior to any work being commenced and a contribution to the work agreed on.
The contribution requested from clients is based on their financial situations/ability to contribute and is negotiable. Interest free payments can be arranged.
All monies received in this way allow us to assist other clients who otherwise may not have received service due to lack of resources.
More Information??
If you would like to know if you are eligible to receive assistance or wish further information about home modifiation and maintenance please feel free to contact our service in one of the following ways:
Phone: 02 4937 4555 Kurri Kurri Community Centre; ask for home modification Fax: 02 4936 2835 direct to home modification office Email:
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