Equipment & home modification Recommendation
Assistive Technology (AT)
Having the right equipment can make everyday tasks more manageable. We offer recommendations on assistive technology, equipment, or environmental modifications that may help support your independence and participation in daily activities. This can include items such as wheelchairs, powered mobility devices (e.g., scooters), or low-cost tools like kettle tippers and easy-reach grabbers.
Our process for assessing assistive technology involves a thorough evaluation of your environment and how you perform tasks. This may include standardised assessments and equipment trials to help determine if a recommended device is suitable for your needs.
Minor Home Modifications
Minor home modifications are small changes designed to improve safety and accessibility within the home for people with disabilities. These adjustments may include installing grab rails in the bathroom, adding ramps at doorways, or repositioning light switches to make them more accessible. Unlike major renovations, minor modifications typically do not require structural changes or building permits.
Under the NDIS, minor home modifications are divided into two categories:
Category A: Modifications costing up to $10,000 that do not impact a bathroom floor. These can be recommended by any registered occupational therapist.
Category B: Modifications costing between $10,000 and $20,000 or involving changes to a bathroom floor. These require assessment and recommendations by a Home Modification Assessor, an occupational therapist with additional training.
Our occupational therapists can assess your home environment and provide guidance on potential modifications tailored to your needs and preferences.
Complex Home Modifications
Complex home modifications involve significant changes aimed at improving accessibility and safety for people with disabilities. These modifications may include widening doorways for wheelchair access, installing accessible bathrooms, or reconfiguring kitchen layouts to enhance functionality. Such renovations are designed to support greater independence and ease in daily activities.
Under the NDIS, modifications are classified as "complex" if they involve multiple areas of a home, structural components of a building, or exceed $20,000 in cost. Assessments for complex home modifications must be completed by an occupational therapist who has undertaken additional training as a "Home Modifications Assessor." This ensures that proposed modifications meet the necessary criteria for NDIS consideration and potential funding.
Our occupational therapists can evaluate your home environment and provide tailored recommendations for modifications based on your needs and circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions? Take a look at the FAQ or reach out anytime. If you’re feeling ready, you can start by contacting us today.
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Assistive technology refers to equipment or devices that support daily living, such as shower chairs, grab rails, or mobility aids. Home modifications are changes made to your home itself, such as ramps, bathroom modifications or doorway adjustments to improve accessibility.
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Occupational therapists may recommend equipment such as shower chairs, rails, pressure care equipment, wheelchairs, transfer aids, or communication devices, depending on individual needs and goals.
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Home modifications are designed to improve safety, accessibility and independence in the home. They may support tasks such as bathing, mobility, cooking, or accessing different areas of the home.
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Yes. An occupational therapy assessment is usually required to determine what equipment or home modifications are suitable, safe and appropriate for your needs and NDIS funding requirements.
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Yes. Equipment and home modifications may be funded under the NDIS when they are related to your Disability, support your goals, and meet reasonable and necessary criteria.
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Your occupational therapist will assess your daily activities, environment and support needs. This may include a home visit to understand what changes or equipment will improve safety and independence. Sometimes this may include a joint visit with a builder or home modifications provider.
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Timeframes vary depending on complexity. Simple equipment may be arranged quickly, while home modifications often require assessments, reports, quotes and NDIS approval before proceeding.
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Home modifications usually require permission from the property owner. This applies to private rentals, public housing and community housing.
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In most cases, yes. Your occupational therapist will recommend suitable options, and you can often choose equipment that best fits your needs, preferences and budget where appropriate.
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You can contact our team directly. We will discuss your needs, arrange an occupational therapy assessment if required, and guide you through the next steps including NDIS processes if applicable.
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