"ARCHICENTRE LIMITED HOME RENOVATION SERVICE" PROGRAM
The Victorian Government, Department of Human Services (DHS)
Australia.
Program Description
"In Australia, according to an Australian Institute of Health and Welfare report, more than 66,800 elderly people are taken to hospital in a typical year after suffering a fall, with research showing women at far greater risk."
source: The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, Archicentre Limited: Safe and Sound Housing Profile of Victoria's Older Population.
The "Archicentre Limited Home Renovation Service" Program provides free home safety inspections for elderly Victorian homeowners or those who have a disability. During the inspection the home renovation service identifies what repair work or home modifications need to be done to make the home a safe place to live as homeowners are aging.
The "Archicentre Limited Home Renovation Service" Program provides advice in Health & Safety, Repair and Maintenance, and Energy and Water Wastage.
Low interest Home Renovation Loans may also be available to carry out necessary home repairs.
Applications for the "Archicentre Limited Home Renovation Service" Program are accepted from the aged or disabled or on their behalf by health care professionals, Occupational Therapists, relatives of an aged or disability pensioner, or a carer.
The "
Archicentre" has several useful tips for Older Persons on Fall Prevention:
-A flat, accessible site is ideal for older residents who gradually lose mobility or balance and risk injury attempting to negotiate uneven paving and steps.
-Weather protection between the garage and house will help reduce risks such as falling when carrying groceries in the rain over wet surfaces.
-Interior color schemes with good contrast helps people with diminishing eye sight identify doors, entranceways and changed surface conditions.
-Extra power points eliminate the tangle of loose extension leads that can cause unexpected falls.
-Impact-absorbent floor surfaces to reduce potential falls.
-Level entry showers
-Grab rails in showers and at front and rear steps
-Replacement of worn, torn or loose carpet
-Reflective or brightly colored strips on stairs
-Sensor lights to external areas
Examples of Home Safety for older persons may include: installing outdoor lights with movement sensors, door chains, peepholes, curtains or blinds drawn, a monitored alarm with direct dial to emergency.
Archicentre's has several tips for older person safety at home including "Fire Prevention and Smoke Alarm Tips," "Ways to Avoid Dangerous Electrical Situations."
Archicentre Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Australian Institute of Architects, a member-based, not-for-profit organisation. Archicentre is a national provider of design, advice and inspection services to Australian home buyers, builders, renovators, business owners, property investors, designers, draftspersons, governments and businesses.
source: archicentre.com.au, Archicentre Limited: Safe and Sound Housing Profile of Victoria's Older Population.
More Home Improvement Agencies in Australia
Commonwealth Home Modification Program - Australia. Home improvment program that makes home improvements for elderly, especially those who have difficulty doing everyday tasks, and are at risk of premature admission to long term residential care. New South Wales Home Modification and Maintenance Program - New South Wales, Australia. Home modification and maintenance services and home improvement agency that assists the aged or those with a disability to remain living at home and to live more independently in the community.
