Home modifications are alterations or additions made to a home environment to help older adults get around their homes and stay in them longer.
But with St Vincent's home modifications, you get access to our team's clinical expertise, hospital connections and 160+ years not-for-profit heritage to make sure you're getting the most out of your care & funding.
What does a home assessment actually look like?1. Initial Consultation and Client Interview Initially, we'll do our best to get to know you. That means understanding your personal goals and needs (e.g., independence, safety, mobility), reviewing your medical history and current conditions that are impacting on your daily life and of course discussing your preferences regarding home safety and modifications.
2. Home Environment Assessment We'll do a comprehensive walk through of your home including:
We'll also assess any hazards and risks such as:
3. Functional and Mobility Assessment At this stage, we'll look at your ability to perform daily tasks including:
4. Recommendation of Home Modifications And finally, we'll now have tailored suggestions based on the assessment which might include:
|
Next, we’ll help you plan modifications according to your budget, the level of urgency and safety priorities.
We’ll then coordinate with contractors, occupational therapists, and other specialists as well make sure you’re getting the most out of any funding grants or subsidies that can make getting modifications as affordable as possible.
Once everything is booked in, we’ll oversee modifications, ensuring work meets safety standards and your preferences.
Then, we’ll show you how to use your new modifications properly. As well as any additional mobility aids.
We’ll even show any family members or carers too if it’s helpful and relevant to them.
And finally, when you’re all settled using your new home modifications, we’ll check in periodically to make sure they’re still working for you.
We may even make suggestions for changes and improvements depending on how your care needs change, and these will be reflected in a care plan.
A: Understanding how to fund home modifications can often feel confusing due to multiple options, eligibility criteria, and wait times.
To simplify things, we've outlined the three main funding pathways below, along with clear advantages, potential disadvantages, average wait times, and steps to access each one.
When it comes to paying for in-home nursing care, there are three main options:
Private funding enables you to pay directly for home modifications, allowing immediate implementation tailored exactly to your requirements.
Advantages
Immediate access (no wait times)
Complete flexibility to choose providers and modifications
Customised modifications tailored precisely to your needs
Potential Disadvantages
Can be expensive without government subsidies
All costs must be covered entirely out-of-pocket
Average Wait Time
Immediate (no wait time)
Steps to Access Private Funding:
Identify your required home modifications
Contact your preferred home modifications provider
Obtain a quote and arrange modifications directly
Pay out-of-pocket for immediate completion
Home Care Packages provide government-funded assistance to older Australians requiring significant home modifications to safely continue living at home.
Advantages
Government subsidies significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs
Comprehensive and coordinated support from planning through to completion
Ability to select your preferred modification provider
Potential Disadvantages
Longer wait times due to assessment and queue processes
Some modifications might not be fully covered, limited by government guidelines
Restrictions on types of modifications permitted (e.g., major structural changes often not approved)
Average Wait Time
3–12+ months, depending on assessed needs and package availability
Steps to Access Home Care Package Funding:
Contact My Aged Care to request an assessment
Complete an in-home assessment by the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT)
Receive your assessment outcome and assigned package level (Level 1–4)
Enter the national priority queue to await funding
Once funding is allocated, engage your preferred modifications provider
CHSP provides entry-level government-funded support for essential home modifications to assist older Australians with minimal to moderate needs.
Advantages
Faster access compared to Home Care Packages
Subsidised essential modifications (e.g., rails, ramps, simple bathroom adjustments)
Ideal for those needing minor adjustments to remain safely independent
Potential Disadvantages
Limited scope of eligible modifications
Generally only covers basic and minor modifications; major or extensive changes not permitted
Funding limitations may require out-of-pocket contributions
Average Wait Time
2–6 weeks from assessment to service commencement
Steps to Access CHSP Funding
Contact My Aged Care for initial screening
Undergo a brief home assessment to confirm eligibility
Receive approval and referrals to local CHSP home modification providers
Contact your referred provider to organise modifications
For personalised assistance or further guidance, please contact our team directly on 1800 778 767.
A: While it's impossible to provide exact numbers without an assessment, the below should give you a rough idea of what to expect when it comes to getting modifications for your home.
Remember: The below numbers are without government funding which, if you're eligible for, could potentially cover all home modifications costs.
Grab bars: $30–$300
Non-slip mats or strips: $15–$150
Raised toilet seats: $40–$225
Lever door handles: $30–$75 each
Improved lighting: $15–$150
Ramp installation: $1,200–$5,250
Widening doorways: $600–$2,250 per doorway
Walk-in shower conversions: $3,000–$7,500
Stair railings or handrails: $450–$2,250
Stairlift (basic straight): $3,000–$7,500
Stairlifts (premium or curved): $7,500–$22,500
Complete bathroom remodel: $12,000–$30,000+
Elevator or vertical lift installation: $22,500–$52,500+
Kitchen remodel for accessibility: $15,000–$37,500+
Basic safety improvements: $750–$4,500
Moderate renovations (single-room): $7,500–$22,500
In Australia, seniors can access government funding through the Home Care Packages (HCP) and the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) to assist with the cost of home modifications.
Home Care Packages (HCP) can fund more substantial home modifications, including bathroom renovations, ramps, stairlifts, and other safety enhancements.
Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) typically funds minor modifications aimed at improving safety and accessibility, such as grab rails, minor ramp installations, and improved lighting.
Eligibility for these programs depends on individual assessments conducted by government-appointed assessors through My Aged Care. For further details or to arrange an assessment, seniors or caregivers can contact My Aged Care directly.
You know where everything is.
You’ve built a lifetime of memories
You’ve spent a lot of time getting things just right
And the people, places and pets you love are right where you need them.
However, as time goes on, we change with it. And ageing can present some problems for us as we try to get around our house like we used to.
Reduced mobility – Difficulty accessing different areas of the home, including stairs and high surfaces.
Fall risks – Uneven flooring, poor lighting, and cluttered pathways pose significant dangers.
Accessibility barriers – Standard home layouts often lack necessary support for seniors using mobility aids.
Cognitive changes – Individuals with dementia may require modifications that enhance orientation and safety.
A: Home modifications for home care providers are typically installed by:
Qualified Tradespeople and Contractors
Occupational Therapists (OTs)
In most cases, home care providers partner with trusted professionals to ensure home modifications are completed safely, effectively, and in compliance with any relevant funding requirements or regulations.
