How home modifications can help you
Published on 25 March 2024
As we age, many of us relish the familiarity of our homes and the comfort and safety they provide. However, a decline in our mobility or physical health can also make it harder for many older people to move around their home as easily as they once did. Perhaps the stairs that lead to their front door are becoming more difficult to use these days, or they are beginning to feel less stable when using their shower.
Small home modifications can help improve the accessibility of many houses, and therefore help older people to continue living independently in their own homes for longer.
What kinds of modifications can I have made to my home?
The term ‘home modifications’ refers to changes made to the interior or exterior of your home to improve its accessibility and ensure it remains a safe space for you.
There are many different modifications you can make to your home depending on your personal needs. Some examples of home modifications include things like:
- Installing a ramp at the front of your house, which is essential for people using walkers or wheelchairs
- Widening doors to allow for a wheelchair
- Installing grab rails in your bathroom, such as in the shower and/or bath or near the toilet
- Installing a shower seat to help you bathe more easily
- Removing shower screens and replacing with shower curtains for easier access
- Adding extra lighting in key areas of the house to help with visibility, including sensor lighting outside your front door
These small renovations or refurbishments can go a long way to making everyday actions and activities easier for you to continue doing on your own.
How can I get modifications made to my home?
Depending on your eligibility, you can have certain modifications made to your home through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme or as part of a Home Care Package. If you are already receiving services through one of these programs, contact your home care provider and ask them about the modifications you would like made to your home.
If you are a client with AccessCare, we have a dedicated team of in-house home maintenance officers who can tackle almost any home modification job, so be sure to give us a call today. We will organise for an Occupational Therapist to visit your home and complete an in-home functional assessment. We can then support you to complete a funding assessment to confirm if the modification can be included in the services you already receive from us.
Do note that if you rent your home, you will need to obtain consent for any modifications from your landlord before requesting ant home modifications.
More information
If you would like to find out more about how you can have modifications made to your home to improve your safety and mobility, we encourage you to reach out to our friendly team on 1300 819 200 for a confidential discussion.