Autumn 2013

written and prepared by Christine Casey

Transition Costs Funding for HACC Service Providers

P 3

Aged Care Legislation introduced to Federal Parliament

New Charities National RegulatorP 9

Working Safely in theSun and Heat

P15

National Aged Care Alliance (NACA) Home Support

Advisory GroupP 3

ADHC Draft Service CharterP 2

The Department of Health and Ageing is holding briefing sessions regarding proposed changes to the Aged Care Act. These sessions follow on from the consultations held nationally in November and December 2012. The changes will lay the foundations for the Living Longer, Living Better aged care reform package.

During the sessions, participants will be provided with updated information and given the opportunity to ask questions regarding:

• the proposed changes to the Act and other related legislation;• worked examples of changes to residential and home care; and• how and when the proposed changes will be implemented.

Taking about three hours, the sessions are being run across Australia. However, they are only being held in capital cities. For those who would like to attend, you must email your RSVP as soon as possible to LLLBenquiries@health.gov.au with your name, the organisation you represent and the session you would like to attend. Sessions are limited to two representatives per organisation.

Sessions which may suit HMMS are as follows:

CanberraTuesday, 19 March 9.30am to 12.30pmHellenic Club1 Matilda StreetPhillip ACT

Sydney Wednesday, 20 March 8.30am to 11.00amSydney Mercure818-820 George StreetSydney NSW

Brisbane Wednesday, 27 March 1.00pm to 4.00pmVenue to be confirmed

If you are unable to attend or would like further information on the proposed legislative changes, detailed information and a short video will be available online at:www.livinglongerlivingbetter.gov.au/

Briefing Sessions on Changes to the Aged Care Act 1997

Page 1

Ageing, Disability and Home Care have recently released their draft Service Charter which outlines the standard of service that people can expect from them.

Information in the Charter includes:

• The role of ADHC in the community and their commitment to people accessing ADHC supports and services• The standard of service that people accessing supports and services can expect• The rights and responsibilities of people accessing supports and services• How people accessing supports and services can help ADHC to deliver the best possible service• The state and national standards that ADHC supports and services are required to comply with• How to provide feedback or make a complaint about a breach of the Charter or any other issue.

ADHC would like to hear from people accessing ADHC supports and services, their families, carers, guardians, advocates, NGOs and their staff via a feedback survey on the Draft Charter. The feedback provided will assist ADHC to inform the publication of the final Service Charter.

The survey should take approximately 5-10 minutes and it is hoped that as many HMMS as possible, and their staff, will take the time to complete the feedback survey. ADHC has asked that the survey be completed by 20 March.

To read the Draft Service Charter and to complete the survey, go to http://www.adhc.nsw.gov.au/about_us/adhc_service_charter

Page 2

Transition Costs Funding for HACC Service Providers

The Australian Government is currently undertaking a Transition Costs Funding Round for existing Commonwealth HACC service providers. Up to $55 million (exclusive of GST) in one-off funding is available to support existing service providers to undertake activities related to transition to the Commonwealth HACC Program. This includes activities to change business practices, modify and purchase software, police checks for volunteers and updating information and branding HACC resources.

HMMS are encouraged to apply for this funding by using the Department of Health and Ageing’s tender process. The closing date for applications from service providers located in New South Wales is 3.00pm on 3 April 2013.

For detailed information about this available funding and tender application details, please see http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/grantDoHA2211213

This page also gives Department of Health and Ageing contact details if you have any questions on the tender process.

Page 4

Policy Positions on Individualised Packages have been agreed by NSW HMMS State Council entitled:

• Individualised Packages and Home Modifications• Major Modifications and Individualised Packages

They are included in the Executive Officer’s Report and Strategic Plan 2012. To see the full report go to http://www.nswhmms.org.au/sites/default/files/2012_annual_report__strategic_plan.pdf

Individualised Packages and Home Modifications

A Client Centred Approach is the ethos driving both the disability and ageing spheres for the future. Whilst this concept is an integral component of future service delivery, home modification service providers have specialised in meeting clients’ individual needs over many years through both the Home and Community Care Program and disability programs in each jurisdiction across Australia. Modifying one’s home creates a safe and accessible environment to ensure the continuum of safe independent living within the home environment. Additionally, home modifications are vitally important as they create a safe care base for care givers and care workers in the home. Home modifications therefore offer a cost effective option for governments to continue to provide care in the home on a long term basis. As a result, the benefits of home modifications cannot be underestimated.

The introduction of individualised funding via a packaged environment will allow clients the ability to have greater control and choice over who will complete their modification work, i.e. an established service provider or a commercial contractor of their choice. Before a policy decision is firmly made regarding the above scenarios, the Government must carefully consider the implications of such a policy shift for home modifications particularly with regard to consumer protection and the level of safeguards put in place to support people accessing services under this system.

Historically, home modifications for clients have been completed by funded service providers in each State and Territory. Service providers act as a conduit between the client and tradespeople/contractors to ensure completed work meets the client’s needs, i.e. that the work has been completed commensurate with the Occupational Therapist’s specifications, that a high quality of workmanship has been attained and that the most cost effective solution has been achieved with finite amounts of available government funding.

Contiunes over the page..

NSW HMMS State Council Policy Positions

Page 5

Comparatively, with the introduction of commercial contractors (without service provider supervision), clients/carers will be responsible for accessing their own builders/tradespeople to complete the work. Therefore, in essence, the client/carer will become their own project manager, managing the work from start to finish. This is of concern to the NSW HMMS State Council on two fronts: firstly, will the client be able to access adequately skilled, licensed, insured and reputable tradespeople? And secondly, the client may not have a high level of contractual, technical, legal compliance and building knowledge required when completing major modification work. Careful consideration of the client’s capacity to manage such works must be considered prior to funding being allocated for modification work.

The NSW HMMS State Council cannot stress enough the importance of appropriate safeguards to ensure consumer protection particularly with regard to the vulnerability and often stressful environment of the client group. There is a very real threat that clients may not choose a reputable builder and tradesperson with the result that the outcome will not be favourable for the client. Rectification work may be required which could double the cost of the work, which packages may not be able to support.

In such circumstances, the client/carer could be required to endure lengthy arbitration and mediation to resolve the dispute adding yet another level of stress to their lives. Either the existing contractor or new contractors would need to be engaged to rectify the works with the client undergoing a further level of disruption to complete the rectification works.

In the instance where a service provider is managing the package on behalf of a client, the same circumstances may apply whereby the service provider may not have the technical and legal knowledge to manage and supervise construction work. Therefore, the need for an independent building supervisor would be necessary to advocate and manage on behalf of the client and service provider. This may ultimately be the role of HMMS in the future under a packaged environment. Policy makers need to reflect on previous experiences of unregulated building schemes such as the bungled management of the Home Insulation Scheme and BER Scheme. Due to these schemes not being regulated and the lack of compliance, this resulted in excessive quotations and substantial rectification work. Thus an investment in quality assurance (i.e. monitoring work and outcomes) to ensure that appropriate safeguards and consumer protection are in place with regard to construction work must be of the highest priority for the Government.

With the above scenario in mind, the Government will need to carefully consider how home modifications fit into the future context of a packaged environment for both ageing and disability. If a mix of service providers and commercial contractors are the way of the future, the following points need to be considered:

• The formulation of a clear, nationally consistent policy for home modifications to create true equity• The policy should reinforce modifications based on the clinically justified need of the client and not renovation of the home• The creation of a national accreditation system for builders and tradespeople who wish to work for the frail aged and people with disabilities• The setting up of a national register of builders and tradespeople who have completed all necessary training and checks such as police checks, licence and insurance checks• The use of a competency-based training and accreditation system for Occupational Therapists

Continues over the page..

Page 6

• The implementation of a mandatory Quality Assurance System to inspect funded work thus ensuring high quality outcomes are achieved• An advisory service for clients which provides appropriate information and support to assist with increasing the client’s knowledge of modifying homes including contractual arrangements and construction to make appropriate decisions.

Major Modifications and Individualised Packages

The NSW HMMS State Council’s other major concern is the cost of modifications and the impact this will have on packages and whether a package will indeed be able to accommodate modifications, particularly major modifications in the future. As modifications are influenced by commercial inflationary costs such as specialised subtrades and material costs, their cost will never remain static but will indeed increase. For example, the average cost of major modifications (Level 3) in NSW in 2011 was $42,208.51. This is a large sum to outlay but often necessary for clients with complexcare needs.

For disability, the Productivity Commission utilised available home modification data from the Lifetime Care and Support Authority to estimate calculations for the total cost of the NDIS. It is important to note that the major modification program established in NSW in 2001 (which caters specifically for clients with complex care needs) calculated the average cost for major modifications in 2011-2012 FYE to be $42,000, which is above the $10,000-$30,000 cost reported in the Productivity Commission Inquiry Report Disability and Care Support. From data collected by theNSW HMMS State Council, it believes the Productivity Commission may have underestimatedthe cost of home modifications for the NDIS.

Comparatively, the Federal Government may need to consider a different viewpoint with regard to major modifications and the ageing policy as the number of people receiving aged care services is expected to increase by approximately 250% over the next 40 years with some 3.5 million people (or 1 in 10 people) using aged care services by 2050.

As major modifications are costly and only finite quantities of funding will be available, the Federal Government may need to explore alternative options for funding major modifications. As Living Longer, Living Better promotes home-based care, major modifications will be a necessary component over the long term for this strategy to be effective.

An equitable user pays system has been flagged for the ageing policy to ensure sustainability. Therefore larger co-contributions or low interest loans for major modifications may need to be considered in the future context of ageing clients who require major modifications.

With the above in mind, one must ask if a care package can accommodate major modification costs or should funding for home modifications sit outside a packaged environment or should access be available to a capital pool of funds, held and managed by a lead agency in each jurisdiction of Australia for both ageing and disability programs. Clear policy pertaining to home modifications and the monitoring of works in a fully subsidised NDIS system and ageing system will need to be established to ensure the appropriate support and safeguards are established for the client and the on-going sustainability of the NDIS.

Page 7

Associate Membership for Occupational Therapists

In the lead-up to last year’s inaugural National Conference, State Council received an unprecedented number of enquiries from OTs about becoming members of State Council. As a result, State Council is now offering Associate Membership to Occupational Therapists for a period of 18 months from 1st February 2013 to 30th June 2014 at a cost of $165.

Associate Members will receive significant discounts on the cost of training workshops being offered by State Council to OTs. In 2013, these Workshops will cover Prescribing Ramps and Landings, Major Bathroom Modifications and Prescribing Minor Home Modifications. Membership will also offer access to resources and discounts to HMMS industry events independently developed by State Council.

Page 8

Aged Care Legislation introduced to Federal Parliament

On 13 March, the Government introduced five Bills to underpin their $3.7 billion Living Longer Living Better aged care reforms. The changes to the Aged Care Act 1997 are part of the Government’s 10 year plan to build a new aged care system to meet the challenges of Australia’s ageing population.

Key aspects of the reforms include:

• Consumer Directed Care packages to be rolled out nationwide • $880 million in new funding for home care which will increase the number of home support packages from 60,000 to 100,000• Tailored care packages for people with dementia receiving home care and new funding to boost dementia care• Increased funding to residential aged care with 30,000 new places over five years• $1.2 billion to deliver higher wages and better conditions for aged care workers• The provision of a single gateway for all aged care services for easier access and navigation

The following are the relevant links to the Bills:

Aged Care (Living Longer Living Better) Bill 2013 and Explanatory Memorandumhttp://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Bills_Legislation/Bills_Search_Results/Result?bId=r4980 Australian Aged Care Quality Agency (Transitional Provisions) Bill 2013http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Bills_Legislation/Bills_Search_Results/Result?bId=r4983 Australian Aged Care Quality Agency Bill 2013http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Bills_Legislation/Bills_Search_Results/Result?bId=r4981 Aged Care (Bond Security) Levy Amendment Bill 2013http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Bills_Legislation/Bills_Search_Results/Result?bId=r4979 Aged Care (Bond Security) Amendment Bill 2013http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Bills_Legislation/Bills_Search_Results/Result?bId=r4982

ACSA and the new Aged Care legislationAged Care Services Australia (ACSA) has advised that it is considering the new legislation and is seeking legal advice. The ACSA Chief Executive Officer, Adj Prof John Kelly, has advised that he anticipates that the ACSA Board will be able to shortly share its preliminary position on the new legislation with its members for comment and further consideration. It is expected that the Senate will refer the legislation to the Community Affairs Legislation Committee. ACSA plans to make a submission to this Committee and also appear at a Committee hearing to be held in mid-June. Page 9

Some HMMS may not be aware of the new independent national regulator of charities, the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) which began business on 3 December 2012. Its objectives are to maintain, protect and enhance public trust and confidence in the sector through increased accountability and transparency and to support and sustain a robust, vibrant, independent and innovative not-for-profit sector. It also aims to promote the reduction of unnecessary regulatory obligations on the sector.

The ACNC is responsible for registering organisations as charities. However, those charities already recognised as charities by the Australian Taxation Office have been automatically registered with the ACNC. Registered charities must notify the ACNC of changes to their details (such as their governing body or their rules) and also from 1 July 2013 must report basic non-financial information to the ACNC on an annual basis.

The ACNC helps charities understand and meet their obligations through information, guidance, advice and other support and maintains a free and searchable public register so that anyone can look up information about registered charities. It is also working with State and Territory Governments to develop a reporting framework for charities.

For detailed information about the ACNC, the obligations required of charities and to check if your organisation has been automatically registered, see www.acnc.gov.au/ACNC/Home/ACNC/Default.aspx

New Charities National Regulator

Page 10

Ability Links NSW (ALNSW) is a new initiative created to support the on-going reforms of the disability service system in New South Wales with the Government committed to the establishment of ALNSW by 1 July 2014.

ALNSW will be one of the first steps in moving to a person-centred disability system. It is planned that locally-based Co-ordinators will work with people with disability, their families and carers to help them plan their future, build on their strengths and skills and develop networks in their own communities to do what they want to do with their lives. Co-ordinators will also work with local communities to help them become more welcoming and inclusive to people with a disability.

There will be 111 ALNSW Co-ordinators across the Sydney metropolitan area, 35 in the Hunter region, 31 across northern NSW, 20 in the Southern Highlands and the Illawarra and a further 24 spread across western NSW. 27 ALNSW Co-ordinators will be Aboriginal-identified positions who will work with both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities.

The NSW Minister for Disability Services, Andrew Constance, has set up a taskforce to source the most appropriate organisations to provide this new type of service. The Taskforce has recommended that from two to six such organisations be established and that proposals should also be considered from high quality existing organisations not principally involved in the delivery of disability services. The process of procurement will commence with the Hunter region from 1 July 2013 followed by the rest of NSW from July 2014.

For more information about ALNSW, see http://www.adhc.nsw.gov.au/individuals/inclusion_and_participation/ability_links_nsw

page 11

NSW Industry Development Fund Access for service providers

Ageing, Disability and Home Care (ADHC) and National Disability Services (NDS) wish to advise that service providers funded under the NSW Community Care Supports Program can now access support via the Industry Development Fund (IDF). A number of programs and subsidies provided by the IDF can be accessed including:

Good Governance:

• Panel of Experts – subsidy for consultancy services relating to good governance; and • Professional Board Member development course.

Other supports:

• Quality Management subsidy and supports; • Emerging Leadership program; • Disability Safe; and • Aboriginal Resources and pathways.

More information on the supports offered through the IDF can be accessed by clicking on the above links. You can also contact Susan Geria from the Sector Development Team at NDS on (02) 9256 3137 or email susan.geria@nds.org.au

Page 12

New Working with Children Check for NSW

From 11 February 2013, a new Working with Children Check has been established. Under the new Check:

• Workers and volunteers will need to apply for their own check once every five years• Employers will verify a child-related worker's or volunteer's clearance number• The same Working With Children Check will apply to everyone – paid workers, self-employed people and volunteers• Everyone with a clearance will be continuously monitored for serious sex or violence offences.

There can only be two results for a new Working With Children Check – a clearance or a bar. People with a bar may not work or volunteer in child-related roles.

The new check will be free for volunteers and cost $80 for paid workers and self-employed people. A volunteer check cannot be used for paid work with children.

One-hour information sessions are being held across the State. For information on dates and venues, see http://kids.nsw.gov.au/kids/working/newcheck/informationsessions.cfm. Online information Webinairs are also available on certain dates.

For online applications, verifications and employer registration see https://check.kids.nsw.gov.au/ This website also has detailed information about the new Working with Children check.

Page 13

Productivity Commission Report on Government Services 2013

Published on 31 January, this Report is now available online. Of particular interest to HMMS will be Section F – Community Services.

To see the report go to http://www.pc.gov.au/gsp/rogs/2013

Article about Home Modifications in Accord magazine

Accord magazine is published quarterly by Spinal Cord Injuries Australia. As part of our campaign to highlight State Council’s concerns with regard to the new reforms to the ageing and disability sectors, an article entitled What Individualised Packaging means to Home Modifications has been published in the latest edition of Accord (Summer 2012 – page 16). To see this article written by our Executive Officer, Stacey Sheppard-Smith, go to http://scia.org.au/images/SCIA-media/publications/accord/Accord%202012%20Summer.pdf

Access to Building Code of Australia and Standards

A further reminder that full members of NSW HMMS State Council may gain access to the BCA and Standards via SAI Global’s website at http://bca.saiglobal.com/ However, to do so you will need to contact the State Council office on (02) 6622 8386 for the new user ID and password.

Page 14

Working Safely in the Sun and Heat

Even though it is the beginning of Autumn, there will still be times when HMMS workers will be exposed to high temperatures as well as UV radiation when working in the sun as well as in the shade or undercover due to reflection from surrounding surfaces. It is important for those working in such conditions that they understand the need to reduce their exposure to UV radiation and prevent heat stress and fatigue. WorkCover recommends that employers take the following action:

• Provide and maintain equipment and shelter to protect workers from the sun• Provide sun safety information, instruction, training and supervision• Rotate tasks to lessen exposure to the sun as well as mental and physical fatigue and schedule work at cooler times of the day• Use rest periods in addition to scheduled meal breaks• Provide water and encourage workers to stay hydrated• Provide personal protective equipment such as clothing with UPF 50+ rating, loose shirts with long sleeves, collars and long pants, broad spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30+) and sunglasses which meet Australian Standard for UV protection.

Fatigue and heat stress can affect a worker’s health, reducing their performance and productivity, and increasing the chance of a workplace injury through reduced ability to concentrate, recognise risks and communicate effectively. Added to this, Australia has one of the highest incidences of skin cancer in the world and it is extraordinary that many still believe that someone who is tanned is actually healthier. Remember, heat stress and skin cancer can kill.

Further information on fatigue management and working safely in the sun is available from WorkCover at www.workcover.nsw.gov.au

Page 15

New Clearinghouse Website

The Home Modification Information Clearinghouse has just brought their new website on line.

The website has been designed in a more user-friendly way and is easier to navigate and access information. It contains a service directory with links to HMMS in New South Wales.

It is at http://www.homemods.info/

Page 16

The NSW Home Modifications and Maintenance Services State Council ot

trai

ning

#

Training workshops for Occupational Therapists 2013

PO Box 45, Lismore NSW 2480 E: info@nswhmms.org | www.nswhmms.org

Proudly representing Home Modification and Maintenance Services across NSW © copyright 2013

Prescribing Ramps and LandingsTathra, Far South Coast

note date changed to

Wednesday 15th May

Kurri Kurri, Hunter

Thursday 4 April

Lidcombe, Sydney (West)

Tuesday 9 April

Hornsby, Sydney (North)

Friday 19 April

Bathurst, Central West

Thursday 2 May

Port Macquarie, Mid North Coast

Tuesday 7 May

Wollongong, Illawarra

Friday 10 May

Dubbo, Orana Far West

Thursday 16 May

Queanbeyan, Southern Highlands

Thursday 23 May

Wagga Wagga, Riverina

Friday 31 May

Ballina, Far North Coast

Expression of interest to Nicolie Scrivener email admin_training@nswhmms.org

Major Bathroom ModificationsLidcombe, Sydney (West)

Friday 2 August

Hornsby, Sydney (North)

Friday 9 August

Queanbeyan, Southern Highlands

Thursday 22 August

Ballina, Far North Coast

Wednesday 11 September

Wagga Wagga, Riverina

Friday 20 September

Tathra, Southern Highlands

Friday 11 October

Wollongong, Illawarra

Friday 18 October

Kurri Kurri, Hunter

Thursday 24 October

Bathurst, Central West

Thursday 7 November

Port Macquarie, Mid North Coast

Thursday 14 November

Dubbo, Orana Far West

Thursday 21 November

Prescribing Minor Home ModificationsKurri Kurri, Hunter

Thursday 27 June

Carnarvon, Sydney (West)

Friday 19 July

Hornsby, Sydney (North)

Friday 16 August

Proudly represent ing Home Modi f icat ion and Maintenance Serv ices across NSW

For an overview of the Conference please go to Training and Events at www.nswhmms.org

The New South Wales Home Modification and Maintenance Services State Council is the peak

organisation proudly representing HMMS across New South Wales.

PO Box 45, Lismore, NSW, 2480Phone: (02) 6622 8386

Fax: (02) 6622 8693

email: info@nswhmms.org www.nswhmms.org

© copyright 2012 NSW HMMS State Council Inc.

follow us on Facebook