Five ways disability home automation is reshaping the lives of people living with disability
The rapid advancement of technology is reshaping the way we interact with our homes and living spaces. Beyond making life more convenient, these home modification innovations can also play a crucial role in supporting independence, particularly for people with diverse needs.
Disability home automation is a new and rapidly growing type of home modification that’s transforming the lives of people who live with disability. In this blog, we’ll explore five key an NDIS smart home can make life easier, safer, and more accessible.
What is home automation?
NDIS home modifications can include a wide range of different supports. In addition to physical modifications and additions such as mobility ramps and toilet safety rail installation, our NDIS registered builders are increasingly taking on projects that include disability home automation features.
Home automation, like the name suggests, uses technology to control, manage, and even completely automate many household systems and functions. By removing the need for participants to perform many household tasks themselves, NDIS home automation can foster independence and enhance the quality of life for individuals with diverse needs.
NDIS funding for disability home automation
Many participants may assume that smart technology is not covered under the NDIS. Fortunately, this is not the case – depending on your needs, the NDIS may provide funding for a range of smart home automation solutions.
As with all NDIS home modifications, any smart home modification needs to meet the NDIS funding criteria:
- It must relate to your specific disability needs
- It must provide good value for money and provide better outcomes compared to alternative supports
- It must offer long-term benefits for your independence, quality of life, or safety
Additionally, the NDIS will only provide funding for smart home modifications for areas of your home which you use regularly. However, if your occupational therapist assesses that smart technology is the best way forward though, funding for smart home modifications may be included in your NDIS plan.
What types of disability home automation modifications will the NDIS fund?
A wide variety of even basic tasks can be automated using home automation technology and modifications. Of course, NDIS home automation isn’t just about convenience; it’s about fostering independence and enhancing the quality of life for individuals with diverse needs.
As such, there’s a wide range of different home automation modifications that the NDIS will fund for depending on the participant and their needs. Some examples include:
- Internet-enabled devices and smart home hubs
- Automated doors and locks
- Automatic lighting and climate control systems
- Voice-activated appliances and fittings
- Automated curtains and window coverings
- Self-opening cabinets and shelves
- Emergency monitoring and call systems
- And more
Each of these modifications can help people with disability maintain full independence and reduce their reliance on others, allowing them to live safely and comfortably on their own. For example, people with mobility impairments can use voice commands or smart switches to control lights and appliances, without having to get up and move around.
While disability home automation has always existed, smart home technology has made building an accessible home environment easier than ever before. Today there’s a wider range of NDIS smart home modification options, many of which are easier to install and more compact than older systems. Most will even allow smartphone and even voice controls which further increases accessibility.
5 ways an NDIS smart home can support independent living
1. Smart home modifications remove physical barriers
Home automation empowers independence by helping remove physical barriers from the home. Automated door openers, adjustable countertops and voice-activated controls can help people who live with physical disabilities or mobility challenges, allowing them to effortlessly navigate their homes and perform everyday activities.
Home automation for people with disability needs to be tailored the individual. Instead of a one-size-fits-all arrangement, custom solutions need to be set up to address an individual’s specific needs based on an understanding of the barriers they face around the home.
At Restore Home Modifications, we combine a wide range of off-the-shelf shelf products with custom-made systems to create an inclusive environment for NDIS participants no matter their needs.
2. Security and peace of mind
In addition to accessibility, NDIS home modifications also focus on making homes safer for people with disability. Smart home technology can help with this with ongoing health and wellbeing monitoring. These disability home automation solutions can be connected to emergency call systems to swiftly alert authorities or designated contacts, improving safety and offering peace of mind to people living with disability.
An NDIS smart home can also improve home security. In addition to providing funding for intercoms and CCTV systems, NDIS participants can also enjoy the security benefits of automation. For example, smart locks can automatically lock the doors at night, protecting participants from mistakes and also allowing participants whose conditions might not allow them to lock up every night to enjoy a safe and secured home.
3. An NDIS smart home allows for efficient home management
Accessibility isn’t just about reducing physical barriers – it’s also about promoting independence and reducing reliance on others. NDIS smart home automation can simplify daily tasks and household management, reducing the need for external assistance.
Smart thermostats, lighting controls, and automated appliances can be seamlessly controlled through voice commands or mobile applications. This level of control not only fosters a sense of independence but also enables individuals to manage their homes efficiently, without the need support.
In addition to improving comfort and convenience for people with disability, smart home controls can also support people with disability in other ways…
4. How NDIS home automation can help with hypersensitivity
Many disabilities and conditions can make people who live with them more sensitive to environmental stimuli. Light levels, noise, air quality, and other factors can often cause significant discomfort, and may need to be regulated in order to maintain a comfortable living environment.
Smart home technology can help people who live with sensory hypersensitivity by allowing them to automatically regulate stimuli and reduce potential environmental triggers in the home. For example, sensors can be set up to automatically dim lightbulbs and close curtains, keeping light levels bearable throughout the day for people with hypersensitivity to light.
5. Adaptive environments for changing needs
The adaptability of home automation systems is a key factor in promoting independence. Our NDIS builders in Melbourne can install motorised furniture, adjustable lighting, and smart storage solutions that allow residents to customise their living spaces according to evolving needs.
Whether accommodating changing mobility requirements or simply adjusting the home environment for different activities, these adaptive features empower individuals to maintain control over their surroundings and increase their independence.
Automate your home with Restore’s NDIS-approved builders in Melbourne
Today’s smart home solutions improve many people’s lives, supporting greater independence around your home. We offer a range of NDIS renovations and modifications to help you with the home automation adjustments you need to live independently.
Of course, as with any other home modification, it’s important that the design and installation process is entrusted to a team that:
- Understands the importance of accessibility
- Works hard to make the complex simple
- Has extensive experience with NDIS home automation
At Restore Home Modifications, we’ve got lived experience with disability. We’ve been in your shoes, and understand first-hand the important role home modifications play in maintaining your independence.
If you or someone you know requires NDIS home modifications in Melbourne or Victoria, 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.