Home Modifications Assessments

Home modifications are changes made to the physical environment of a home to improve safety, accessibility, and independence.

These modifications are designed to support individuals in completing everyday activities such as:

• Moving safely within the home
• Accessing bathrooms, kitchens, and living areas
• Completing personal care tasks
• Entering and exiting the home

Home modifications are always tailored to the individual and consider both current needs and future requirements.

Home modifications are generally categorised into minor and major disability home modifications.

Minor Home Modifications

Minor modifications are simpler changes that can be implemented relatively quickly and with minimal structural impact.

Examples include:

• Installation of grab rails
• Hand-held shower fittings
• Small access adjustments

These modifications are often lower cost and may require less complex approvals.

Major Home Modifications

Major modifications involve more complex structural changes to the home and require detailed assessment, planning, and coordination.

Examples include:

• Bathroom redesigns (e.g., accessible showers)
• Ramps and access pathways
• Widening doorways
• Kitchen modifications
• Structural accessibility changes

Major home modifications typically require detailed reports, design plans, quotes, and funding approval (if applicable).

Disability home modifications can support individuals with a wide range of needs, including:

• Individuals with mobility challenges
• Older adults wishing to remain safely at home
• People recovering from injury or surgery
• Individuals with neurological or chronic conditions (e.g., stroke, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis)
• People requiring increased safety and accessibility in their home

Our approach focuses on enabling individuals to live as independently and safely as possible in their own environment.

At Pelorus OT, we follow a structured and collaborative process to ensure that recommendations are practical, safe, and aligned with the individual’s needs.

1. Initial Consultation

We begin with a detailed discussion to understand:

• Current challenges within the home
• Functional abilities and daily routines
• Goals and preferences
• Existing supports and equipment

2. In-Home Assessment

Our Occupational Therapist conducts a comprehensive assessment within the home environment to identify:

• Barriers to safety and independence
• Accessibility challenges
• Environmental risks
• Opportunities for modification

3. Recommendations and Planning

We develop tailored recommendations based on assessment findings. This includes identifying appropriate modifications that support:

• Safety
• Accessibility
• Ease of movement
• Functional independence

4. Collaboration with Builders and Modification Providers

For major home modifications, the process involves collaboration with disability home modification providers, builders, and other professionals.

This may include:

• Site measurements
• Development of design plans and drawings
• Quotes for proposed modifications
• Technical planning and feasibility considerations

We work alongside these professionals to ensure that the proposed modifications align with the individual’s needs and our clinical recommendations.

5. Report and Justification

We prepare a detailed report outlining:

• Assessment findings
• Recommended modifications
• Functional justification
• (Where applicable) alignment with funding requirements such as NDIS

6. Implementation Support

We continue to support individuals through the implementation phase, including:

• Liaising with providers where required
• Reviewing plans or modifications
• Ensuring outcomes align with recommendations

Important Considerations

Similar to Assistive Technology Assessment and Prescription, disability home modifications, particularly major modifications, can be a detailed and time-intensive process involving multiple stages such as assessment, planning, approvals, and construction.

We encourage individuals and families to approach this process with patience. Taking the time to complete each step thoroughly helps ensure that the final outcome is safe, functional, and suited to long-term needs.

Where funding is involved (such as NDIS), decisions regarding approval of recommended modifications are made by the relevant funding body. While we provide detailed assessments and well-supported recommendations, final funding outcomes are determined by the funding agency.

At Pelorus OT, we take a person-centred and neuro-affirming approach to disability home modifications.

We focus on understanding the individual’s needs, preferences, and daily routines, and translating these into practical environmental solutions.

Our approach prioritises:

• Safety and accessibility
• Functional independence
• Long-term usability
• Collaboration with individuals and support networks

• AHPRA registered occupational therapists
• Structured and comprehensive assessment process
• Experience with both minor and major disability home modifications
• Strong understanding of funding pathways including NDIS
• Collaborative approach with builders and modification providers
• Services available across Melbourne and Adelaide