Social distancing requirements have not stopped our essential services which are proceeding as usual – with a little extra space. Distancing modifications make services such as shopping, linen and meals deliveries ‘contactless’ – for the protection of both client and delivering volunteer or SCS staff.
Speaking of modifications, our home modifications and maintenance (HMM) team is still out and about making people’s homes more accessible, comfortable and safe. Home mods (including installing grab-rails, ramps, and hand-held showers) and maintenance, as well as gardening work, all help people avoid falls which can send them to hospital.
“And when someone has been admitted to hospital, being able to get home modifications done quickly often makes the difference between staying in hospital or going home sooner because the home is safer,” says Cathy Commins, SCS’ Client Independence Manager.
While the work is being done during this pandemic time, the client simply moves to a different part of the home. Our tradies and our HMM Service Coordinators, Michelle Le Dain and Kathy Brodie, have been making clients so happy that the thank-you notes and compliments have been rolling in, often via a community nurse or therapist at Royal North Shore who referred the client to us.
One client wrote: Yesterday My Aged Care Service assessed our house, recommending certain grab rails in bathroom and back entrance. Last night a gentleman – Martin [from Sydney Community Services]– rang to make an appointment, he suggested this morning between 9 and 11.
He was not only punctual and extremely polite, but also fully equipped with rails for bathroom and grab rails for back entrance!!! I thought he would just be assessing the feasibility of the suggestions made by My Aged Care. Instead he set to, and everything is installed: he left both bathroom and entrance beautifully clean (notwithstanding having to drill into tiles and bricks). I cannot thank him and your service enough. Please convey my thanks to Martin, and to the whole team … for their speedy, efficient kindness and assistance to a not very practical couple, aged 96 and 87 (husband and wife). 
Another client wrote that they were very pleased with the great service Jim provided to our family, complimenting him: “Jim is a great professional and his work is impeccable.”
HMM Service Coordinator Kathy Brodie has been also wholeheartedly thanked: “I’m a sole carer to my disabled son with limited support and in times of great need of assistance, Kathy has responded in such a positive, professional and caring manner and is super-efficient! … Keep up the good work!”
And others of our team were similarly thanked! Our thanks to everyone who has taken the trouble to write a thank-you note or otherwise express appreciation.
Fees vary depending on your support program and eligibility. For more information on our Home Modifications and Maintenance Service which works across the Mosman, North Sydney, Lane Cove, Hunters Hill and Ryde areas, please see our HMM page online.
Or call 9427 6425
