What Services do HMMS Provide?

Home Modification and Maintenance Services (HMMS) provide affordable and cost effective modifications and  maintenance work for HACC eligible clients who live in their own home or in private rental accommodation.

Please note: Not all HMMS do maintenance work such as gardening and lawn mowing. Please contact your local HMMS to see if they provide this service click here

HMMS provide service to clients who are frail aged, people with disabilities of all ages and the carers for these two groups. These services allow people to live safely and independently in their own homes and reduce the need for admission to residential care facilities.

HMMS do not "renovate" but rather carry out modifications as prescribed by an Occupational Therapist. 

Please note: If renting, the landlord’s written permission is required to have work done on their property. Where applicable, Body Corporate permission will be required for any external work even if the property is privately owned.

Modifications

All modification work must be prescribed by an Occupational Therapist. Services provided are:

Minor
• supply and installation of grabrails, handrails and lever taps
• ramps, step wedges and steps and paths to suit individual needs
• widening doorways for wheelchair access

Major
• access modifications such as ramps
• bathroom and kitchen modifications
• safety modifications

Home Maintenance

For these services, referrals are accepted from the client or family members, friends, health professionals and other HACC service providers.

The maintenance program varies greatly from one HMMS to another as some services are funded to do maintenance work, like lawnmowing and gardening, and some are not. Your local HMMS will be able to advise you of the maintenance work they can do for you.

If renting, maintenance work will not be provided when it is the landlord's responsibility to repair the property, e.g. roofing and guttering maintenance.

Examples of Home Maintenance service:

Maintenance which relates specifically to safety and access requirements including:

• changing light bulbs
• ensuring areas are well lit to prevent falls
• repair of unsafe stairs
• repair of concrete paths to ensure ease of access to the house
• repairs to guttering above entrances to avoid slip hazards
• minor electrical and plumbing work to ensure a client's continued safety.

unsafe steps before HMMS work

steps after safety modifications

Gardening and Lawnmowing 

Gardening and Lawn Mowing services to ensure safe access to a client's home with a one-off yard clearance and rubbish removal. Please contact your local HMMS to see if they provide this service click here

garden before HMMS work	garden after HMMS work

Lawn Mowing Only

Please contact your local HMMS to see if they provide this service click here

Do all HMMS operate the same way?

There are currently 87 HMMS across New South Wales with guidelines provided through the Ageing, Disability and Home Care (ADHC). Each Service will seek the best outcome for its local community and therefore there will be variation in procedures from Service to Service. However, the outcome will be the same, that is, the improved safety and independence of the client.

The construction standard across New South Wales will be the same because all HMMS must comply with:

• the Building Codes of Australia;
• relevant standards such as the AS1428 Suite of Standards; and
• planning laws associated with each region.

The manner in which each Service meets these standards may vary according to weather and the physical features of the area, e.g. some areas have ice to consider when choosing material for a ramp. All modifications will also adhere to the Occupational Therapist's specifications and recommendations.