Home modifications


Home modification is adapting the environment so that a person with disabilities can live as independently, safely and comfortably as possible. The modification can be simple or complex. Proper home modifications are essential for a person to return to their community after an spinal cord injury.

 

The Independent Living Centres Australia (ILCA) provides assistive technology solutions, home modifications and design ideas. Some of the centres also have displays of a modified kitchen, bathroom and related equipment and accessories.

Equipment for people with disabilities that isn't available 'off-the-shelf' or needs customisation, can be made or modified by volunteer engineers from Technical Aid to the Disabled.

 

Home and Community Care - Home Maintenance and Modifications program

The Home and Community Care's (HACC) Home Maintenance and Modifications program is a joint Australian, State and Territory Government initiative which assists people living in or returning to their private or rented home to make the modifications necessary to meet the needs of their disability.

State details

Resources to help with specific dimensions for your home

 

If the project involves designing a private home, Australian Standards AS 1428 parts 1 and 2 do not need to be complied with, but they are a good start for setting out dimensions and gradients etc to provide access to a particular person's needs. The standards are available from SAI Global or call 13 12 42.

Checklists can also be useful to make sure that as many accessible design features as possible are incorporated in your plans. Two examples of access checklists that we have found are: Development Control Plan: Design for Accessibility by the NSW Mid-western Regional Council and the Access Resource Kit by the Disability Services Commission of Western Australia.

 

Getting access to your home

There are a range of devices to enable everyone, regardless of their level of function, to independently access their front door and to allow others to enter.

The scenarios to consider are:

  • A person who has carers come into the house but who can’t open the door for them from inside.
  • A person who can’t use a key to unlock the door.
  • A person who can’t operate a door at all.

In all of these the main concerns are to be independent, to be safe, to maintain privacy and to keep the home and possessions secure. At the same time visitors must be able to enter — attendant carers, family and friends might need to let themselves in; others may need access occasionally or in an emergency.

Whatever the circumstances a secure and safe access option is available.

Independent Access

Automatic door openers can be fitted to swing and sliding doors. They can be triggered by any switch system, either fixed or on a remote control. Remote door control can be added as a function of an environmental control system. Security for people who do not hold a remote control can be provided by a numeric keypad, fingerprint scanner, keycard, proximity card or keytag.

For people who can open the door themselves but cannot use a key, the same security systems can be used. For those who have difficulty holding a key there is a range of large handles that can be fitted to one. There are commercial versions as well as a ‘finger hole’ style made by Technical Aid to the Disabled Ph: 02 9912 3400.

Letting Others In

If you have a numeric keypad lock you can tell visitors the code. Multiple codes can be created, so you can set one for an individual or a group of people. An example is a code given to a care agency to send staff to your home. If you have a tradesman coming you can set a code for that visit, and delete it after the job is done.

If you have a normal key lock for your home, but you need people to be able to get in when you can’t unlock the door, a keysafe is a simple and safe way to give them access. This can be a box fixed to a wall or a padlock style that can be put anywhere. A combination code opens a chamber that holds a key to your door. They can be found at low prices on Ebay.

There are many suppliers of the items mentioned here. Most are available from your local locksmith. Contact SCInfo or the Independent Living Centre for other contacts.

 

Features of a barrier free home

Since the 1950’s, most Australian homes were built for two parent families with two or more children. Bathrooms and kitchens are usually small with narrow doorways, making access difficult and expensive to adapt and people are often forced to relocate to meet their changing needs.

The ageing population and the changing structure of the Australian family, nature of work, education and entertainment means that 21st century housing should be able to adapt to the needs of people at every stage of life.

A home which has accessible and adaptable interior design and features allows for changes as required. This enables people to stay within the familiarity and comfort of their home and surrounding area.

Top 5 barrier free features

The main principles of barrier free design are:

  • Barrier free housing design is good design for everyone.
  • Continuation of existing community and family networks.
  • Suitability for people with any level of ability.

Consumer survey responses identify the top 5 barrier free housing features as:

  1. Bathroom/ toilet and bedroom on the entrance level.
  2. Living room located on the entrance level.
  3. At least 1 level entry into the house.
  4. Sealed pathway from parking area to a home entrance.
  5. Level or gently sloped approach to entrance.


For more information please contact SCInfo or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  or discuss in our Forum.

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