Your VIP Access Job and The Impact of Covid-19

Every business, every industry and every individual has been affected by Covid-19 in some way, shape or form.  When it comes to the building industry, whilst effects have been less so, they have certainly occurred.  The building industry is still operating, but with some variations and certainly with changed conditions and working methods.  So I’ve written here some questions you might be asking yourself – and the answers.  I have also provided some information about NDIS and what they are doing at present to help improve the situation that you may be experiencing. 

Is VIP still open for business? 

The short answer is yes – absolutely.  Whether you’re getting a bathroom renovated to be accessible, or building a whole new room, we are here, operating and continuing to work through our workload.  We are fortunately considered a critical service industry and are working to continue meeting client needs with bathroom renovations, home adjustments, ramps, rails and other office or home modifications which are required to help disabled people in their day to day lives.  

Is it safe for us to visit your home? 

Like anyone else in the building industry, we are considered a essential service and are able to keep operating.  However, we are doing things somewhat differently than we did before.  For a start, all our workers have had additional workplace health and safety training specific to Covid-19 and staying healthy.  Our training has also focused very strongly on ensuring the good health and wellness of our clients as well.  All staff are supplied with hand sanitizer as well as their usual PPE (personal protective equipment); we continue to ensure a safe workplace not only for our team but also for our clients.   

What are we doing to ensure the safety of you, your family and our staff?    

All VIP workers must report any health symptoms and if we have any doubt to their good health, we will ask them to stay at home.  We are additionally not sharing tools and also wiping all tools down frequently with disinfectant products.  All workers are requested to wash (or sanitize) their hands before entering a premise, before and after eating, after going to the bathroom and again upon exiting a premise.  

Naturally, we are practicing social distancing measures, so we limit the number of staff per vehicle AND we are limiting how many of our team are working on your site.  Again, staff have been trained in respect of coughing, sneezing and absolutely will not shake hands with anyone at this time.  We know handshaking is an Aussie way of life, but please don’t be offended, we are strictly not doing so at this time. 

What we ask of you to do  

Please stay well away from our workers.  We are requesting a minimum of the 1.5 metre spacing, although realistically we ask that you simply do not be in the same room as our workers.  We have always had rules around clients and homeowners being around a construction site, however now more than ever we are requesting you respect this space limit.  It is best that all clients, their families and children are kept well away from our construction sites.  We close off construction areas at any time for the safety of visitors and clients, though especially now it’s critical.    

We also ask that you alert the office on 3807 4309 or myself direct (Scott) on 0413 830 444 if you have any health issues, concerns or symptoms.  Please also alert us if you have returned from travel recently or been in contact with someone who has recently returned from overseas.  If you (or anyone in your household) have been in contact with someone who has tested positive to Convid-19 can you please be sure to let us know this?  This is very important in order for us to keep our workers and other clients safe.  We know we are working with older persons and those who may be at higher risk, so we ask you to help us to help everyone stay safe and well during these times. Before we start on your job a health check form will be required to be completed by yourself to confirm the above information.

What can I do if my bathroom renovation has been delayed?

Whether a delay, or while there is renovation being done on your bathroom, a ‘CarePort’ for hire can be provided which has a temporary shower and toilet.  This is a cubicle which doubles up as a shower and toilet with own hot water system.  They are relatively quick and easy to install giving you options whilst your bathroom is being renovated, or if you’re experiencing a delay due to the current Covid-19 situation.  There is a minimum 1 month for our hires but you can have it extended if you need it.  We deliver and install; all you have to do is contact us and have a booking.     

What NDIS is doing for you 

We thought it might be helpful to include a little information about what NDIS is doing for you, our clients and other NDIS users. 

Firstly, if you are scheduled for a plan review, you will be contacted by phone or email to undertake this review, rather than coming into an office.  Plans are also being created for 24 months and if a plan is due to expire after the initial 365 days, it won’t just end; instead it will be atomically extended by an additional 365 days.  

Next, NDIA has worked with a number of supermarket retailers to ensure that NDIS people needing support with home delivery services will receive priority.  Please be patient with the system; I’ve heard there have been some teething problems, however you would have heard on the news that the big stores are hiring more team in order to help everyone who is in need. 

NDIA is also ensuring that funds are available as needed.  They recognize that costs will increase and are organizing advance payments as well as a temporary 10 percent increase to the price limit of some of the Core and Capacity Building supports.  There will also be changes to cancellation rules and introducing some additional support systems.  

If you have any queries or need assistance, the NDIS Contact Centre still remains the best choice for contacting them.  Call the Contact Centre on phone:   1800 800 110.  They are open Monday to Friday from 8am until 8pm (local time).

AS VIP Access, we understand that these can be difficult times.  Be assured we are working hard to not only keep our clients and staff safe, but also to complete jobs in a timely manner.  We know you need your jobs completed and whilst we are taking extra time to keep everyone safe and maintain social distancing in the workplace, we are still here getting work done.  Our team are currently in good health and ready to get your accessible renovation completed as quickly as possible to help remove at least one challenge in your life.  

If you are looking for an accessible renovation, a minor modification, CarePort or wanting to get a quote, please give our office a call on 07 3807 4309. 

When you call, if you do have any questions or concerns, please talk to us.  We are happy to complete temperature checks or any other suitable screenings you may require.  You simply need only ask.  We want to ease any concerns you may have.  

May we also take this time to wish you, your families and caretakers well, particularly in these current times.