The people we support – and the home you work in – might get the exciting news that they have an opportunity to move into a new home, or that their home is going to be renovated or improved.
Each build project will have different impacts and we will work closely with you, our staff, the people we support and their families/carers to ensure they feel safe, secure and happy with the changes that are being made.
We’ll make sure every person’s needs are acknowledged and met in the transition to better homes.
Some building projects will have little or no impact on the people we support and some will involve a bigger change.
Below is a very high-level outline of what each building works may involve for people we support. Staff will be supported with advice and tools to minimise the impact on the people we support and reduce any disruptions to services.
Take a look at the inside of our new builds
New Homes
Endeavour Foundation is building 70 new, fully accessible homes in regions across Queensland where a need has been identified.
Movement for people we support
Our new home building project will require one move for the people we support from their current home, into their new home.
About the design
The new homes will be built for a maximum of four people and one support worker per house. New homes will be in close proximity of existing homes where possible, and with close access to community and leisure facilities and other Endeavour Foundation services.
All homes are designed to meet the ‘fully accessible’ Special Disability Accommodation (SDA) design guidelines and incorporate environmentally friendly features with solar panels and solar hot water systems.
Safety is our priority, so each home will be fitted with assistive technology (such as help buttons), interconnected smoke alarms, fire sprinkler systems, and a 24-hour support staff on site if needed.
How long will it take?
Typically, a new build project includes land acquisition, planning approvals and construction which takes 12 months to complete. However, be mindful that sometimes there are factors outside of our control (such as bad weather, supply issues or COVID-19) which may mean construction is delayed. We have a plan in place that should mitigate most of these risks, but we need to be prepared for all potential challenges.
Will I have a say in the new home?
Yes, we will consult and communicate with you and the people we support every step of the way, so you can be confident you have all the information you need and are comfortable with the decision-making process. There will be opportunities for the people we support to have their say on how they would like their home to look, including choosing the communal furniture.
There will be opportunities for you and the people we support to visit the new home site prior to you moving in, so you can familiarise yourself with the home and surroundings.
What do the new home designs look like?
The following images give you an idea of what your new home will be like.
The homes are designed to look like any other contemporary home in the street, with three distinct design styles that can be adapted internally to suit the requirements of the people we support and externally to complement the streetscape and region.
Renovations
Movement for people we support
Renovations may require the people we support to temporarily move out of their current home and into another home for a short time.
This situation will require two moves for the people we support. First will be to their temporary home and their second move will be back to their newly renovated home.
What does a renovation involve?
A home renovation can involve upgrading bathrooms and kitchens, replacing the flooring and creating bigger bedrooms for the people we support.
These are major works which are likely to result in loud noises from building equipment, and the generation of dust and debris from the removal of walls and built-in cabinetry. It also involves many workers coming and going from the site.
How long will it take?
A renovation can take between 10 weeks to 24 weeks to complete. The timing relating to the home renovation will be confirmed with you, our staff, and the people we support closer to the date. However, be mindful that sometimes there are factors outside of our control (such as bad weather, supply issues or COVID-19) which may mean construction is delayed.
Will the people we support have to relocate?
Generally, a home renovation will require the people we support to relocate for a period of time, as the safety of them and our staff is our main priority.
We will talk with you, the people we support and their families/carers about it in advance of any change to ensure everyone is comfortable with the planned relocation and it suits the requirements of the people we support.
Once a relocation to another temporary home is agreed to, the property team will work with Service Delivery to support the move and requirements for packing and storage of any furniture.
How is the temporary home chosen?
The temporary accommodation will be sourced and arranged by Endeavour Foundation.
When identifying options for a temporary home, the Property Team will work with the people we support and their families/carers to determine their specific needs and requirements.
We will then look at all options available including short term rental houses, holiday houses, or vacancies in other Endeavour Foundation properties, where appropriate.
If the people we support prefer, we can also discuss other options including exploring respite care or moving back to their family home for the duration of the work, if this is appropriate.
We will aim to locate the temporary home as close as possible to their current home, so the people we support can remain within their local communities and maintain their routine.
People we support and staff will be invited to attend site visits to inspect the temporary home if required, to ensure it suits the needs of everyone.
Minor renovations
Impact to the people we support
Minor renovation projects allow for work to be undertaken without the need to move out of the home. Generally, works will be undertaken while people are away from the home during the day.
What does a minor renovation involve?
Endeavour Foundation has a scheduled program of maintenance and improvement on all its homes.
Minor renovations works may include painting, tiling, garden landscaping, fixture replacement, floor replacement and some movement of internal walls to improve circulation, accessibility and spacing within the home.
How long will it take?
A minor renovation project will usually take between one week and five weeks to complete. This will be confirmed with you, our staff, the people we support and their families/carers closer to the date.
However, be mindful that sometimes there are factors outside of our control (such as bad weather, supply issues or COVID-19) which may mean improvements are delayed.
Will I have to relocate?
No. Generally, minor renovation works will not require relocation. This will be confirmed with staff and the people we support in advance prior to starting works.
We will ensure that the people we support’s belongings are safe, clean and undisturbed while the improvement works are being carried out.
The builders use low fume, quick dry paints which will ensure very little disruption to the home.