Humble Allied Health

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) may fund home modifications where they meet the scheme's funding criteria and help to address a participant's disability-related support needs.

The NDIS generally distinguishes between minor home modifications, and complex home modifications.

Minor home modifications generally involve straightforward changes that do not significantly alter the structure of the home.

Complex home modifications often involve structural changes, customised designs, or more extensive construction work. Examples may include major bathroom alterations or significant changes to property access.

Why is an OT assessment important for NDIS home modifications?

The NDIS requires evidence explaining why proposed home modifications are needed and how they will address a participant's disability-related needs.

A qualified Occupational Therapist acting as a home modification assessor can provide this information through an assessment report. Depending on the project, the process may also involve building construction practitioners, quotations, and further technical assessment. Funding decisions are then made by the NDIA.

Find out more: NDIS guide to home modifications

Home modifications through Support at Home

For older Australians, home modifications can play an important role in maintaining independence, reducing falls risks, and continuing to live safely in your own home.

The Australian Government's Support at Home program includes an Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) scheme, which provides separate funding for eligible equipment and home modifications based on assessed needs.

This may include modifications such as grab rails, handrails, ramps, doorway changes, and bathroom accessibility improvements.

Under the AT-HM scheme, home modifications must be prescribed by an Occupational Therapist working within their professional scope of practice.

Your OT can assess your functional needs, recommend suitable modifications, and prepare the necessary prescription or supporting documentation.

Your Support at Home provider is responsible for coordinating approved modifications and arranging installation by appropriately qualified people.

Eligibility, available funding, and the approval process depend on your aged care assessment and support plan.

Find out more: My Aged Care – Assistive Technology and Home Modifications

Get Started

Privately funded home modifications & ageing in place

You don't need to be an NDIS participant or receive government-funded aged care services to benefit from Occupational Therapy advice about your home.

Many people choose to privately fund home modifications to improve accessibility, prepare for changing needs, or make their homes easier to use as they get older.

This is sometimes called ageing in place — planning and adapting your home so you can continue living there as your circumstances change.

An OT can help identify potential accessibility issues before renovations begin, when changes may be easier and less costly to incorporate.

Good accessible design doesn't need to make a home feel clinical. Thoughtful planning can create spaces that are attractive, comfortable, and easier for everyone to use.

Get Started

How Humble Allied Health can help

Humble Allied Health provides Occupational Therapy home modification assessments and recommendations across Brisbane's southside and surrounding areas.

Our approach is practical, collaborative, and focused on understanding what matters to you.

We work alongside individuals, families, support coordinators, care partners, and building professionals to explore solutions that make homes safer, more accessible, and better suited to everyday life.

Whether you're considering a simple grab rail, planning a bathroom modification, or exploring more extensive accessibility improvements, we're happy to discuss how we can help.

Get Started

About the author

Gerhard — Occupational Therapist and Director, Humble Allied Health

Gerhard has over a decade of experience supporting people with disabilities and their families. His clinical interests include home modifications, assistive technology, and improving accessibility within homes and communities.

He holds a Master of Occupational Therapy Studies, a Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours), and a Diploma of Access Consulting.

Meet our team

This article provides general information about Occupational Therapy and home modifications. Individual recommendations depend on assessment findings, property conditions, applicable building requirements, and funding arrangements. Information about government funding may change over time.

Last reviewed: November 2026.

Phone: (07) 3159 3090
Email: hello@humblealliedhealth.com.au
Address: Level 1/1407 Logan Rd, Mt Gravatt
Post: PO Box 7, Mount Gravatt QLD 4122