Keeping our Older Citizens in their HomesA reasonable society looks after the needs of its ageing citizens. Part of that care should include the choice by older people to remain in their own homes for as long as is possible. ACRO has operated its Home Assist Secure Program since its inception by the Queensland Government almost two decades ago. This Program provides the trades assistance and advice necessary to ensure that older people can remain safely and securely within their homes. It is a popular program that works in tandem with Home and Community Care (HACC), a funding program of the Federal Government. This past year saw ACRO deal with its 10000th client - an impressive milestone given that many of these people are in their 80s and 90s.
ACRO Staff and tradespeople work with older citizens on a daily basis in helping to resolve fundamental maintenance issues. Many matters are dealt with in-house whilst others that require more specialised attention are referred to appropriate other tradespeople. Some subsides are available to eligible persons.
ACRO Home Assist Secure and Home and Community Care (HACC)
ACRO is funded jointly by State and Federal governments to provide services to the elderly and disabled through two discreet programs: Home Assist Secure (HAS) and Home and Community Care (HACC). The aim of these services is to assist older people and people with disabilities who wish to remain living in their homes to remain confident, mobile and independent. The primary focus of the program is health and safety and these programs enable ACRO to assist eligible clients in the following ways:
Information and referrals about home maintenance, minor modifications and home security. Program staff can also provide assistance in employing tradespeople if required.
Safety and Security assistance is available from staff trained by the Qld Police Service to conduct security assessments. Program staff can also install smoke alarms and assist in their maintenance
Subsidised Assistance towards the labour costs of minor home maintenance, repairs, minor modifications and security that relate to clients health and safety needs.
Staff can also provide assistance with falls prevention strategies and aids aimed at reducing the risk of falls such as fitting grab rails, chair raisers, ramps, non-slip aids etc. All such modifications require a referral from an Occupational Therapist.
Information and referrals about home maintenance, minor modifications and home security. Program staff can also provide assistance in employing tradespeople if required.
Safety and Security assistance is available from staff trained by the Qld Police Service to conduct security assessments. Program staff can also install smoke alarms and assist in their maintenance
Subsidised Assistance towards the labour costs of minor home maintenance, repairs, minor modifications and security that relate to clients health and safety needs.
Staff can also provide assistance with falls prevention strategies and aids aimed at reducing the risk of falls such as fitting grab rails, chair raisers, ramps, non-slip aids etc. All such modifications require a referral from an Occupational Therapist.