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Home design and modification
In the future, your personal needs could be different because of disability or changing circumstances – such as a temporary period of recovery from an accident or illness. You can have changes made to your home to make it easier for you to continue to live there independently as you get older.
These changes don’t have to cost a lot and can include:
- non-slip surfaces
- good, even lighting that is not directed at people using walkways
- grab-rails by the toilet, bath, shower
- space for a wheelchair to be able to move under the sink
- adjustable trays and shelves
- taps with lever handles
- locks that are keyed the same, enable unlocking and opening of the door with one hand, and can be easily opened in an emergency from the inside, and
- walkways with ramps.
The Master Builders Association has developed a guide, Housing for Life, which contains information about the building design requirements to help people live in their homes comfortably, safely and securely for as long as possible. It will help you if you are:
- thinking about alterations or modifications to your home
- deciding if you should stay in your current home or move to one that suits your needs better, or
- looking to build a new home.
Remember, always seek the advice of a professional before modifying your home or buying specialist equipment.
If moving is the most sensible option, your new home should be near shops, health services, public transport and, most importantly, close to family and friends. Essential points to keep in mind are the terrain (a hilly area can be tiring), traffic levels and footpath conditions. All occupants of the new home should feel safe in the area.
Read More: About Staying safe within your home
Home maintenance
Home maintenance schemes may be available through your local council to help you make changes or repairs to your home so it is safer and easier for you to live in and to care for someone else.
Your Commonwealth Carer Resource Centre can give you more information about home maintenance schemes, call 1800 242 636.
A major program which funds community services for older people and for people with disabilities is the Home and Community Care (HACC) Program. This program is jointly funded by the Australian, state and territory governments. Services are provided by different service organisations, including local government.
Home maintenance and modification are part of the services provided under the HACC program, which provides help with home repairs and maintenance (for example, changing light globes, fixing door locks, removing rubbish, roof repairs) as well as modifying your home with features like safety ramps, and support rails in the bathroom.
Your nearest Commonwealth Carelink Centre can give you information about the range of community care and other aged care services available in your local area. They can be contacted on 1800 052 222.
Read more: About Home and Community Care program
The Department of Veterans’ Affairs also offers several programs to help veterans and war widows and widowers:
- HomeFront is a falls and accident prevention program that offers an annual free home assessment to identify hazards in and around the home. Contact HomeFront on 1800 801 945.
- The Veterans’ Home Maintenance Helpline is a phone advice and referral service to assist with property maintenance advice and referral to tradespeople. Contact the Veterans’ Home Maintenance Helpline on 1800 801 945.
Common questions on this topic:
- Mum uses a walking frame now. Is there help that I can get to make changes at home so she can move around more easily?
- What sort of changes to the home can make life safer for older people?
See all common questions
