Neighbour Aid

ECHO Neighbourhood Centre provides social support through our Neighbour Aid program for older people, people with disabilities and/or dementia, and their carers living or working in the Waverley local government area and surrounds.

The staff provide information, support and referral through individual care planning. We also provide social support and group activities for people from cultural and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds, information sessions and workshops.We employ a dedicated Russian Social Support Worker on Thursdays and Fridays.

Our mission statement is reflected in what we do and promotes the well being of people who may be disadvantaged by age, disability, income, culture, language or social isolation. At ECHO we support you to be part of the community through self-awareness, encouraging independence and building friendships.

The Neighbour Aid staff are supported by a group of dedicated volunteers to provide the services of Neighbour Aid. Our volunteers come from all walks of life and all ages, with one common thread, they give their time and energy freely to make a difference in someone else’s life.

After an initial assessment with staff to determine if you are eligible for the service, you will be given a care plan which may include one or some of the services we provide including:

• Home visits for companionship
• Small tasks in the home
• Light shopping
• Banking
• Going for a walk
• Letter writing or filling in forms
• Transport and escort to appointments
• Small gardening jobs (excluding lawn mowing)
• Referrals and information
• Advocacy support
• Groups and activities (see our Groups Brochure)
  

Eligibility

To participate in our program you need to be frail aged, a person with a disability or dementia, or their carer. You will need to live in the Waverley local government area or nearby suburbs.

If you are not eligible for ECHO’s Neighbour Aid Program and its services, or you need services that we do not provide, we can help you to access other services and information in the area by referral.

Client Rights

• The client has a right to be treated in a professional, courteous, respectful and caring manner.
• The client has a right to receive adequate information about ECHO Neighbourhood Centre and the Neighbour Aid Service. This information will be provided in a timely and appropriate manner.
• The client, or with their permission, their nominated advocate (representative), has access to all information about themselves held by Neighbour Aid.
• In cases where a client has a legal guardian or advocate appointed to act on their behalf, the rights of the guardian or advocate are to be acknowledged and respected to the extent stipulated in the guardianship or advocacy arrangements.
• The client, and with their permission, their carer are to be involved in decisions about their assessment and care plan. They are to be made aware of all the options available and the donations policy.
• Clients are to be made aware of the standard of service which they can expect. Services are to be provided in a safe manner which respects the dignity and independence of the client, is responsive to the social, cultural and physical needs of the client and is responsive to the needs of their advocate.
• Client access to services will be decided only on the basis of need and the capacity of the service to meet that need (assuming that the client meets the eligibility criteria). Clients have the right to refuse a service and refusal should not prejudice their future access to services.
• Clients have the right to complain about the service they are receiving without fear of retribution. Complaints by clients are to be dealt with fairly and promptly. The client may involve an advocate of their choice to represent his/her interests.
• Clients' views are to be taken into account in the planning and evaluation of the service.
• Clients' rights to privacy and confidentiality will be respected and protected.

Client Responsibilities

Neighbour Aid believes that it is empowering for clients to have responsibility for their wellbeing and independence as far as this is possible. Promotion of a positive partnership between clients and the program is enhanced if clients are aware of their following responsibilities:

• Clients are to notify staff at Neighbour Aid as early as possible if they will not be home when a staff member or volunteer is due to visit.
• Clients should show consideration and respect to other clients and staff/volunteers at Neighbour Aid.
• Clients are to take responsibility for any decisions that they make.
• Clients should assist Neighbour Aid to provide them with appropriate services. They can do this by providing complete and accurate information to Neighbour Aid staff and volunteers and by abiding by their responsibilities. Clients are encouraged to ask questions and discuss the Neighbour Aid program and the services it provides.
• Clients have a responsibility to maintain confidentiality regarding information about other clients or participants in groups conducted by Neighbour Aid.

The Neighbour Aid Program helps you in a friendly, low-key way...just like a neighbour does