Barb
Your NDIS expert

Home modifications

Home modifications personalised changes made to a person's living space to make it safer, more accessible, and better suited to their specific needs, especially if they have a disability. These modifications can range from minor adjustments to major renovations. They are improvements or alterations made to a person's home to make it a more comfortable and functional living space. These changes are tailored to meet the unique needs of individuals with disabilities and can enhance their independence and quality of life. Applications for home modifications may need specialised quotes, assessments and home modification assessors depending on the participants needs and the amount needed for the modification.

Here is how home modifications can be used within the NDIS, and some examples;

  • Ramp Installation: Adding a ramp at the entrance of a home or between levels makes it easier for individuals who use wheelchairs or walkers to enter and exit the house independently.
  • Widening Doorways: Expanding doorways to accommodate mobility aids or wheelchairs ensures individuals can move freely within their home.
  • Bathroom Modifications: Installing grab bars, shower seats, or walk-in tubs in bathrooms promotes safety and accessibility during bathing.
  • Kitchen Adjustments: Lowering countertops, providing accessible storage, and installing pull-out shelves make the kitchen more user-friendly for individuals with mobility challenges.
  • Stair Lifts: Installing stair lifts or elevators allows individuals with mobility impairments to access different levels of their home without assistance.
  • Lighting and Sensory Enhancements: Adding better lighting and sensory-friendly features like calming colors and textures can create a more comfortable environment for individuals with sensory sensitivities.
  • Bedroom Modifications: Adjustable beds, bed rails, and ceiling hoists can be installed in bedrooms to assist with transfers and positioning.
  • Accessible Flooring: Replacing carpets with smooth and slip-resistant flooring or installing tactile strips can improve mobility and reduce the risk of falls.
  • Automatic Door Openers: Installing automatic door openers makes it easier for individuals with limited mobility to enter and exit rooms.
  • Safety Alarms and Alerts: Installing smoke alarms with visual and auditory alerts enhances safety for individuals who may have difficulty hearing or seeing.
  • Accessible Entryways: Creating level entryways with non-slip surfaces improves accessibility for everyone, especially those with mobility challenges.
  • Therapeutic Spaces: Designing therapy or sensory rooms within the home can be beneficial for individuals with specific therapy needs.

In summary, home modifications are like custom-tailored improvements that transform living spaces into safe, accessible, and comfortable homes for individuals with disabilities. The NDIS ensures that those who need home modifications can access them, enhancing independence, safety, and overall well-being for individuals with disabilities.

You're the best judge of whether this service fits your child's goals or not.