Home Modifications and the NDIS: Making Everyday Living Safer and More Accessible

For many people living with disability, injury, chronic health conditions or age-related changes, everyday tasks at home can become increasingly difficult.

Activities such as showering, using the toilet, preparing meals or moving safely around the home may present challenges that impact independence and quality of life.

Home modifications can play an important role in creating safer, more accessible environments that support people to participate in everyday activities.

What Are Home Modifications?

Home modifications are changes made to a person's home environment to improve accessibility, safety and independence.

Modifications can range from simple changes through to more complex structural alterations.

Examples include:

• Grab rails

• Handrails

• Lever tap replacements

• Step modifications

• Threshold ramps

• Bathroom modifications

• Accessible showers

• Widened doorways

• Kitchen modifications

• Ceiling hoists

The goal is to reduce barriers within the home and support safe participation in daily activities.

How Occupational Therapists Assist

Occupational therapists assess how a person interacts with their home environment and identify barriers affecting safety and independence.

During a home modification assessment, an occupational therapist may consider:

• Mobility and transfers

• Falls risk

• Personal care routines

• Equipment use

• Access throughout the home

• Carer requirements

• Future support needs

Recommendations are tailored to the individual's goals, functional abilities and living situation.

Benefits of Home Modifications

Appropriate home modifications may assist people to:

Improve Safety

Reducing environmental hazards can lower the risk of falls and injuries within the home.

Increase Independence

Modifications can enable individuals to complete tasks with greater confidence and reduced assistance.

Support Ageing in Place

Many older adults wish to remain in their homes for as long as possible. Home modifications can help make this achievable.

Reduce Carer Burden

Changes to the home environment may improve safety and efficiency for family members and support workers providing assistance.

Promote Participation

Accessible environments can support greater engagement in meaningful daily activities.

Home Modifications and the NDIS

NDIS participants may be eligible for funding for home modifications when they are considered reasonable and necessary.

The process often includes:

1. Occupational therapy assessment

2. Identification of functional barriers

3. Development of recommendations

4. Quotations from builders or suppliers

5. Submission of supporting documentation

6. NDIS review and approval process

An experienced occupational therapist can help guide participants through each stage.

Common Home Modification Recommendations

At South Coast Therapy & Support Group, common recommendations include:

• Grab rails and handrails

• Accessible bathroom upgrades

• Ramps and step modifications

• Doorway widening

• Transfer solutions

• Kitchen accessibility modifications

• External access improvements

Each recommendation is based on an individual's unique goals and circumstances.

How South Coast Therapy & Support Group Can Help

Our occupational therapists provide home modification assessments across the Shoalhaven and Illawarra regions. We work collaboratively with participants, families, support coordinators, builders and funding bodies to identify practical solutions that support safety, accessibility and independence.

If you would like to learn more about home modifications or arrange an assessment, our team is here to help.

Book an Assessment

To discuss home modifications or arrange an occupational therapy assessment:

Book Online: https://www.sctherapysupport.au/make-a-referral

Phone: (02) 4421 6013