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:
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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: When it comes to getting the care you need at home, whether it's nursing, allied health, or general support there are three main ways to fund it.
Each option has different advantages, access times, and eligibility requirements.
Let’s walk through them clearly.
Support at Home is the new national aged care program replacing Home Care Packages from 1 November 2025. It’s designed to provide coordinated, flexible help for older people needing support to live safely and well at home.
If you prefer to skip the government system, you can pay for support directly out of pocket — no waiting, no paperwork.
CHSP is a government-funded program offering entry-level support for older adults who need just a little help to stay independent at home.
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.
