Four amazing ways NDIS home modifications can change people’s lives for the better

The absence of appropriate home adjustments could result in severe falls, impede emergency evacuation and even cause entrapment, resulting in severe outcomes.

However, the impact of inadequate housing modifications for those with high support needs extends beyond physical concerns. For many people, the lack of accessibility in housing can take a significant toll on their mental health and overall wellbeing.

A staggering 72% of people with high support needs, and 50% with low support needs, living in inaccessible housing reported worsened mental health and wellbeing, according to a study by the University of Melbourne in 2020.

However, there is a solution that can help transform lives for the better: NDIS home modifications.

Does the NDIS cover home modifications?

Yes!

The NDIS provides funding for a wide variety of life-changing improvements to the homes of people who live with disability. It covers a wide range of different modifications, allowing people with disability to tailor their homes to meet their unique needs and reduce or eliminate the barriers they face.

By making necessary adjustments to your home, the barriers that restrict your independence and freedom can be reduced or even eliminated. The right modifications can give you the ability to live freely in your home and perform everyday tasks like showering, cooking, and cleaning without support.

These modifications are tailored to meet your specific needs, giving you the ability to live freely in your own home regardless of your abilities. The right modifications can make something as simple as being able to move freely or leave your home possible with greater ease and confidence.

As NDIS approved builders in Melbourne, the team at Restore understands the power of home modifications. We collaborate with people with disability and Occupational Therapists to make life-changing improvements.

Four ways NDIS home modifications can change lives

Each person’s needs are different. What isn’t different is the way in which home modifications can make improvements across different aspects of your life, including to your daily living, social life and mental wellbeing.

With a systematic understanding of the NDIS and a close working relationship with occupational therapists, Restore Home Modifications customers can expect to see improvements across different aspects of their life, but in particular, their daily living, social life and mental wellbeing.

Here are 4 ways we can do that…

1) Improved daily living

With the right modifications, you can experience a remarkable improvement in your daily living and safety. And it isn’t just major modifications, either. Simple home access solutions, such as installing grab rails and ramps, can make a big difference by improving your mobility and reducing the risk of falls. Meanwhile NDIS smart home modifications such as voice controls allow you to control lighting, doors, cooling and more regardless of your physical abilities.

2) Enhanced social inclusion

Inaccessible housing can make partaking in activities challenging, often resulting in social exclusion and loneliness. For example, lack of sufficient home modifications can make it difficult for you to host gatherings. They can also discourage you from visiting others due to the challenges of leaving, or returning to, your home.

Having a home environment that accommodates your unique requirements enables you to actively engage with family and friends without feeling restricted or left out. It also makes entering and leaving their property effortless, giving you greater freedom to participate in the community.

3) Improved mental wellbeing

A sense of independence can play a large role in your mental wellbeing and self-confidence, providing you with a sense of comfort and empowerment. And a well-adapted home is a big part of this.

The right home environment can significantly reduce the challenges and obstacles around the house that you face daily, promoting a greater sense of control over your surroundings.

For example, being able to prepare your own food has a big impact on your independence and by extension, your mental health. Accessible kitchen modifications like lowered counters or more accessible fittings can enable you to take care of yourself, helping maintain your dignity and independence.

By incorporating accessible features such as ramps, widened doorways, grab bars and lowered counters, you can navigate their homes with ease, boosting their self-confidence and reducing feelings of frustration. Additionally, these modifications create a space that is tailored to your unique needs, fostering a greater sense of belonging and acceptance.

4) Making your home safer with home safety modifications

Accessibility isn’t just about comfort and convenience – it’s also about making your home safer and protecting your wellbeing. An inaccessible home can be dangerous if you live with disability. For example, you might:

• Become trapped in your bathroom or toilet if you fall
• Not be able to evacuate quickly in an emergency
• Face a significantly higher risk of tripping or falling

Without suitable home modifications, fixtures like staircases and doorways can pose a risk to your life in some circumstances. By modifying your home, you can mitigate or even remove potential hazards and risks such as these, making your home safer. For example, bathroom modifications like wall mounted shower seats provide a safer way to shower for those with decreased balance or mobility issues, reducing the risk of falling.

The NDIS home modifications process

Restore Home Maintenance follows a four-stage process for a seamless client experience. The first stage involves obtaining funding approval, either through NDIS or HCP. The second stage includes a site inspection to assess the proposed modifications and develop a comprehensive scope of works.

In the third stage, approved construction works are carried out with the assistance of a project manager. Finally, a final inspection is conducted, and a Completion Report is provided, along with a client satisfaction survey.

Helping you secure funding for home modifications

Our home modification services are designed to improve accessibility, safety and comfort. We know that funding home modification supports can be complex, which is why we offer NDIS funding application support – our team help you understand the types of supports you might qualify for and support you in the application process.

In addition to NDIS funded supports, we also offer support for other streams including the Transport Accident Commission, Home Care Packages, Work Cover and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.

Managing complex home modifications

Some NDIS home modifications such as handrail installation are simple. Others can be complicated and involve comprehensive changes to your house, multiple contractors, different building standards, and more.

In cases like this, Restore Home Modifications can work as NDIS registered building works project managers. Our home modification specialists can oversee every stage of your project from obtaining quotes to final signoff. We can manage your project, ensuring that it’s carried out on-time, on-budget, and that you receive the modifications you need.

Please note that building works project managers must be independent from the builders making the modifications.

What is the role of an Occupational Therapist in home modification, and how do we work with OTs to modify your home?

Restore Home Modifications’ team of NDIS approved builders in Melbourne works closely with Occupational Therapists (OT) – allied health experts who assess the needs of individuals and recommend the most suitable modifications to ensure their comfort and safety.

In addition to installing home modifications prescribed by your OT, we also work closely to streamline the process for you. When you’ve received pre-approval for NDIS or HCP funding, we will book a site visit to evaluate the proposed project and meet with your OT. We also welcome you to include key people in this meeting who are involved in your life and care.

Our NDIS approved builders in Victoria are also available to support your OT with your funding application and can help develop the most appropriate scope of works to unlock the best of what’s possible from your available funding.

Get in touch

Restore Home Modifications specialises in providing NDIS home modifications and collaborates closely with Occupational Therapists to support individuals to make life-changing improvements. We’re dedicated to supporting NDIS participants in achieving a happy, healthy life. We have a deep understanding of the NDIS framework and how to navigate the complexities of funding and approvals for high-quality home modifications.

If you or someone you know requires NDIS home modifications across Melbourne and Victoria to improve accessibility and independence, contact Restore Home Modifications. Our dedicated team is ready to support you every step of the way. You can reach us by phone at 1300 333 746, by email at info@restorehm.com.au or by filling out the contact form on our website.