Our complete guide to making your home more accessible

Estimated reading time
 6 min

Learn all about

• The costs involved in an accessible home renovation
• What you might be able to do yourself, and what to leave to the professionals
• Getting financial support for your accessibility upgrade

Home is where the heart is, so it has to be accessible for everyone living in it.

No matter what type of disability, illness or injury, you’re living with, making sure your home meets your needs is important. Making some well-planned modifications can help you live comfortably and independently, but where do you begin?

While it can feel overwhelming working out where to start and how to fund your home modifications, we’re here to take some of the guesswork out of upgrading your home as well as guide you through the different support available.

How can you make your home more accessible?

At the end of the day, the modifications you make to your home will come down to your unique needs. Below, we’ve broken down some common adjustments that will make your home more accessible:

• Motion sensor lights inside and outside the home remove the need for accessing light switches.
• Accessible doorbells and alarms that flash, make a noise or vibrate (or a combination) can help people with blindness or low vision when someone is at the door, or the alarm goes off.
• Door handle grippers throughout the home can make opening and closing doors easier – perfect for people with arthritis or limited hand function.
• High-contrast colours and tactile markings throughout the home can make it easier to navigate if you have blindness or low vision.
• Widening doorways and hallways will help with wheelchair, walker and scooter accessibility.
• Swapping stairs for a lift or adding slip-resistant mats and sturdy handrails to your stairs can help those who need support with their balance.
• Investing in smart appliances means you can switch your devices on and off with the sound of your voice. You can also install stovetops and ovens that automatically switch off after you’re done cooking.
• Installing grab rails and a toilet safety frame in your bathroom will make using this space easier and safer.
• Lowering anything you need easy access to can help if you’re a wheelchair user or if you live with limited mobility. This includes cupboards, wardrobes, kitchen benches and appliances.

Can you DIY home modifications?

If you only need to make a few adjustments or you want to gradually make your home more accessible as your needs change, there are plenty of things you can do yourself. For smaller jobs like changing to pull-down cabinets, or ripping up the carpet for smooth, sturdy flooring, you may not need to call in the pros. You (or a friend or family member) might even don the toolbelt and build ramps for your home’s entrances or steps – just make sure the ramps align with gradient guidelines.

For those larger jobs like installing a lift, knocking down walls or changing floorplans, it’s a smart idea to get the professionals involved. Making sure the tradies you hire have experience in accessible home modifications can also give you peace of mind.

How much do home modifications cost?

The cost of your home modifications will depend on the scope of the project, your specific needs, and the funding you’re eligible for.

If you’re part of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)

The NDIS provides support and services to Australians with disability including home modifications.

If you’re a NDIS participant, you can use your funding to pay for two types of home changes:

• Minor home modifications – adjustments to your home that aren’t structural and cost less than $20,000. For example, widening a hallway.
• Complex home modifications – changes that involve multiple areas of your home and cost more than $20,000. For example, you might need to install a permanent ramp.

Some home modifications might include what’s known as ‘assistive technology’. Assistive technology is the name given to equipment, technology and devices that help make your everyday life easier. It can range in cost from around $1,500 per item, to around $15,000 per item). You can use your NDIS funding to pay for this type of modification too.

Going through My Aged Care

My Aged Care is a service offered by the Australian Government. If you are an older person with disability or a health condition that limits your independence and mobility, you might be eligible for My Aged Care support. This includes minor home modifications, like installing easy-access taps, and providing advice on fixing areas of concern in the home.

Getting support from your bank

If you need further support to do your home modifications, or you don’t meet the eligibility criteria for the NDIS or My Aged Care, you can chat to your bank. To learn more about your financial options with ANZ, contact our team and we’ll help find the right option for you.