NDIS Automatic Doors

Other than the garage roller door, most homes don’t usually feature automatic doors. Consequently, most people don’t realise that the benefits of automated doors are something that can be enjoyed throughout the entire home, not just in the garage.

This is especially unfortunate for people with disability.

People who live with disability face many barriers that prevent them from doing things others take for granted. One such example is opening and closing doors. While modifications such as accessible doorhandles can help, some participants may require more extensive modifications.

Fortunately, these participants may be eligible for NDIS automatic doors both inside and outside the home. Automatic doors for disability access can eliminate one of the most common barriers around the home – little wonder they’re starting to become more common in NDIS home modification projects throughout Melbourne.

How do automatic door openers work?

NDIS automatic door installation is made possible by automatic door openers. These devices are fitted to the tops of doors and doorways and allow them to open and shut automatically. Once connected to a power source and a control mechanism, they can turn any compatible door into an automatic one.

In the majority of cases, automatic door openers can be installed on existing doors. With a wide range of models at our disposal including compact and low-profile options, automatic door openers can be fitted to a wide range of doors, including both swing and sliding doors. In some cases, compact models can even be fitted to cabinet doors!

What happens when automatic door openers can’t be retrofitted?

While our NDIS approved builders in Melbourne will do their best to keep the existing door and doorframe where possible, at the end of the day it’s all case-by-case. Not all doors can be retrofitted with automation.

There are many reasons why automatic door openers can be hard to retrofit to an existing door:

• Space can be an issue, especially in homes with low ceilings or tall doorways
• Existing doorframes may have to be reinforced first
• Traditional hinge doors are easier to work with than pivot doors
• Doorways might need to be widened first to improve accessibility

Ultimately, it all depends on your home. Our team will assess the property and work collaboratively with your OT to discuss the best possible system for your needs.

Will the NDIS fund automatic door installation?

The NDIS may fund automation modifications for doors both inside and outside the home. On top of front and back doors, it’s also possible to automate internal doors, patio doors, and side gates. In homes that don’t have automatic garage doors already, the NDIS may fund their installation.

As with any other NDIS home modification project, it all depends on the occupational therapy home modification assessment. If an OT determines that automatic door installation is the best way of achieving NDIS goals, the NDIS may approve funding as part of your home modification package.

Funding for NDIS digital door locks in addition to doors

Automating the door itself is just part of the equation. In many cases, the locking mechanism can also pose barriers to access. Even an automated door can still create barriers if the occupant’s abilities don’t allow them to lock or unlock it.

In addition to automating the doors themselves, the NDIS may also provide funding for additional door accessibility automations. For example, physical keys can be a barrier for people living with conditions that affect fine motor skills. In these cases, an OT may recommend a smart lock that replaces physical keys with a PIN, keycard, or fingerprint scan.

How is an automated door controlled?

Just as there are a wide variety of door automation options, there are also a wide variety of control options for NDIS automatic doors:

• Door sensors
• Remotes and wireless fobs
• Oversized buttons

Which one is most suitable will depend on the abilities of the resident. Some NDIS automatic door designs will incorporate multiple for added convenience and security.

Increasingly however, many automated door systems are making use of smart locks. NDIS smart door installation allows participants to control their automated door systems using a connected smartphone, tablet, or smart home hub. Depending on the device, this can even open up the possibility of voice control.

The benefits of automated doors for people with disability

NDIS Automatic doors support independence

For people with disability, automated doors are more than just a convenience. Many NDIS participants face obstacles every day within their own homes. In many cases, this can even include using doors.

Leaving doors open all the time isn’t feasible either for privacy or security reasons. In these cases, automated doors remove a potential barrier that occupants will need to deal with every single day, allowing people with disability to move around their own homes more freely.

This can be empowering to individuals who may struggle with doors. By removing the need to physically open and shut doors, NDIS automatic doors can be a powerful tool in returning mobility and independence.

NDIS Automatic doors can improve safety around the home

People with disability have a significantly higher risk of injuring themselves around the home. One example might be a participant suffering a fall while trying to open a door. Unexpected obstructions on the other side of a door can also create unexpected tripping hazards.

Both of these are issues that NDIS automatic door can prevent – in the first situation by removing the need to physical open a door, and in the second with sensors that automatically detect obstructions on the other side.

In addition to reducing accidents within the house, automatic doors can improve safety in other ways. Wandering can be a concern with neurological conditions such as dementia. In these cases, automatic doors can be configured to send alerts when opened, allowing relatives and care workers to remotely check for unusual activity and respond more quickly.

NDIS Automatic doors improve home security

In addition to reducing the risk of accidents, NDIS automated doors can also improve home security. NDIS digital door locks often come with smart doorbells which double as security cameras, providing extra peace of mind. Some models even feature facial recognition, automatically identifying regular visitors.

NDIS automatic doors can also improve safety for participants living with conditions that affect cognitive function or memory. People living with these conditions may forget to lock up when heading out or returning home. Thankfully, automated doors will lock on their own, keeping the home secure.

Smart and automated doors for NDIS participants

While important, automatic doors for disability access are just one part of the accessibility equation. Simply put, participants who struggle with doors are likely to face other barriers moving around their home. To help them achieve their goals, a wide range of different home modifications will be needed.

Fortunately, our multidisciplinary team has experience with all sorts of home modifications:

• Mobility ramp installation
• Doorframe widening
• Fall and hazard removal
• Handrail installation
• Stairlift installation

These are just some of the ways our NDIS approved builders in Melbourne can help people with disability continue living independently.

Unlike other home modification providers, our NDIS approved builders in Melbourne come from allied health backgrounds. We’ve been on both sides of the fence. The upshot? We bring a unique perspective that few other builders have, and can take an active role in the process supporting both participants and occupational therapists alike.

Learn how we can make your home more accessible today – call our team today on 1300 333 746, or by requesting a quote.