Home Modifications · Northern Melbourne
Occupational Therapy Home Modification Assessments
AnnOT assesses how a person uses their home and where the environment may be creating barriers to safety, access, independence or support delivery.
Recommendations are based on the person’s functional needs, the activities they need to complete and the features of the home. The scope can range from straightforward access changes to more complex modification assessment where appropriate.
Function + environment
What does a home modification assessment look at?
A home modification assessment considers the interaction between the person, the tasks they need to do, the support they receive and the physical environment. The aim is to identify practical changes that may improve access, safety and independence.
The assessment may involve observation of everyday activities, measurements, photographs with appropriate consent, discussion of risks, review of equipment and consultation with relevant people involved in the home or project.
Areas may include
- ✓ Entry and exit from the home
- ✓ Bathrooms, showers and toilets
- ✓ Transfers and circulation space
- ✓ Doorways, thresholds, ramps and steps
- ✓ Kitchen or other daily-use areas
- ✓ Carer access and safe support delivery
- ✓ Falls, fatigue and mobility risks
- ✓ Existing equipment and assistive technology
- ✓ The person’s long-term functional needs and goals
Minor and complex modifications
The evidence required depends on the type of modification
Minor home modifications
These are generally more straightforward changes that do not significantly alter the structure of the home. The OT still needs to link the recommendation to the person’s disability-related functional needs and provide appropriate supporting information.
Complex home modifications
Complex modifications can involve structural or technically significant work and typically require collaboration beyond the OT assessment. Depending on the project, a building construction practitioner, designer, builder, estimator or other professional may need to contribute design, construction and costing information.
For NDIS participants, NDIA evidence requirements vary by modification type and can change. AnnOT will discuss the appropriate assessment scope for the referral.
A practical process
From functional problem to recommendation
1. Clarify the problem
What activity is difficult, unsafe or inaccessible, and what outcome is being sought?
2. Assess in the home
Observe relevant tasks, movement, support needs and environmental constraints.
3. Explore options
Consider whether modification, equipment, technique changes or another support best addresses the need.
4. Document recommendations
Provide agreed clinical documentation and collaborate with other professionals when required.
Before a home modification referral
It helps to know whether the property is owned, rented or otherwise managed by another party, what changes are being considered, and whether any previous assessments, drawings or quotes already exist.
Useful documents may include
- • Relevant clinical reports
- • Previous OT or home modification assessments
- • Floor plans, measurements or photos where available
- • Existing quotes or builder information
- • Homeowner or landlord information if modifications require approval
- • NDIS plan information relevant to the request
Local community practice
Home modification assessments across Northern Melbourne
In-person appointments are available across selected northern, north-eastern and north-western Melbourne areas. Availability depends on the person's location, the service required and current travel capacity.
Nearby areas including Yan Yean, Yarrambat and Plenty may also be considered. Telehealth may be available more broadly where the service is suitable for online delivery.
Frequently asked questions