Modifying your home through the NDIS can be a little bit complicated. Modifying means changing the layout, structure and fittings. The layout and structure are complex and need to be carefully designed around the needs of the user by a professional. Usually, your occupational therapist will determine what you need in terms of functionality and then a professional bathroom renovation company like Tradepro can make the design work. This guide will help you to get started with a plan to gain funding. Broadly, modifications will fall into 3 categories:
- Adaptions – Simple fittings like grab rails, mounted shower chairs, cupboard inserts etc
- Minor – Things that will need to be done by a professional like door widening, ramps and steps etc
- Complex – These changes will normally involve multiple contractors and involve a huge change to the property and are higher in cost
Let’s discuss Minor NDIS Bathroom Modifications and Adaptions:
Whilst all areas of a home can benefit from some of the simple modifications, bathrooms and kitchens are obviously important rooms that not only get more use but increase the level of independence. Here is a list of NDIS modifications that will be especially handy in the bathroom:
Hand-Held Showers
These are simple and obvious, adapting a fixed shower to one that is hand held.
Adapted Toilet
There are many options here, like the positioning of the toilet, raising the seat height (with or without bars). Sometimes a transfer chair may be required, but knowing the toilet can be adapted in many ways is a good place to start.
Removing Shower Screens
Shower screens will restrict access and movement inside the shower (especially smaller ones). They can all be a hazard and may restrict the installation of rails and grab bars. Replacing them with a curtain can be a huge improvement.
Easy to Use Taps
Replacing your standard taps to a mixer with much simpler handles that provide more leverage will help immensely.
Non-slip Mats and Grab Rails for a Bath
Sometimes the whole bath may need to be replaced in order to accommodate the grab rails for access, this will depend on the bath and its positioning. Plus non-slip mats and rails will make not only the bath accessible but safer too.
Slip-Resistant Surfaces and Treatments
Wet surfaces (especially tiled areas) in a bathroom (or kitchen) are particularly hazardous so treating floors and other surfaces that are used for support with non-slip coatings or mats will help greatly.
Adjustment of the Bench Heights
Lowering bench height means easy access. This may involve new doors for the storage areas underneath.
Moving Light Switches and Power-Points for Easy Reach
These are more simple but crucial modifications that will make bathroom use safer and more practical.
Once you have a good idea of the simple fittings that would help, then you can start to apply for NDIS funding and once approved you can use a professional to install the best items knowing they will be fitted correctly.
