Home Modifications Under the Support at Home Program
At Community Therapy, our Occupational Therapists are highly skilled in assessing and designing accessible home modifications to help older Australians live more safely, independently, and comfortably in their own homes.
Our team performs home modifications under the Support at Home program, managing projects from start to finish.
Our team is experienced in supporting a wide range of needs—from minor home modifications to more complex, major modifications—ensuring older adults can continue to thrive in their home.
What Does Community Therapy Do?
Our Occupational Therapists play a vital role in helping older adults continue living well at home.
We conduct thorough home environment assessments to identify potential risks and barriers. From there, we design practical and evidence-based modifications to support mobility, prevent falls, and promote independence.
Our team supports both minor and major modifications. Minor modifications may include threshold ramps, hand rails and grab rails, while major modifications might involve more complex alterations to areas like an accessible shower or bathroom or building a large ramp to make entering and exiting the home safe again.
Our approach is always individualised, collaborative, and focused on long-term outcomes for the clients that we are privileged to support.
What Are the Most Common Home Modifications?
Under the Support at Home program, the most commonly requested home modifications tend to be minor.
These small but meaningful changes can make a significant difference in everyday safety and accessibility. Examples include:
- Installing handrails to navigate front stairs
- Adding grab rails at entryways or within bathrooms
- Installing threshold ramps to reduce trip hazards at doorways and small steps, both inside and outside the home
These modifications are designed to reduce the risk of falls and improve confidence when moving through the home.
When Should I Organise a Home Modification Assessment?
The ideal time to engage an Occupational Therapist for a home environment assessment is as soon as an older adult receives their Support at Home package.
Early intervention means that any necessary modifications can be identified and implemented before issues arise, helping to prevent accidents and support ongoing independence.
You are welcome to contact Community Therapy at any time for guidance.
You can call us or chat to us on our website chat 9am – 5pm, Monday to Friday.
How Does The First Assessment Work?
If you’re coordinating the first assessment for someone under the Support at Home program, Community Therapy is here to help.
While it’s not mandatory to include a home visit by an Occupational Therapist at this stage, we strongly recommend it. A home assessment can provide valuable insights into safety, accessibility, and support needs right from the start.
Consumers, family members, or advocates are welcome to contact Community Therapy directly to organise a visit.
We collaborate with all approved Support at Home providers across the Central Coast, Lake Macquarie, Newcastle, Hunter Valley, Port Stephens, and the Mid North Coast—making the process as smooth and supportive as possible.
We are also an approved CHSP provider making it easy for clients and providers needing to navigate Support at Home and CHSP.
What Are the Guidelines for Modifications Under the Program?
The Support at Home program has set inclusions and exclusions for what can be funded under home modifications. One important consideration is the $15,000 lifetime cap on home modifications for each consumer.
However, in cases where additional funding is clinically necessary, our Occupational Therapists can provide professional documentation to support a request for extra assistance.
It’s also important to note that home modifications and assistive technology are funded from separate budgets under the program, allowing consumers to receive support in both areas without overlap.
Want to Get Started?
If you or a loved one has recently received a Support at Home package, or if you’re simply exploring options to make your home safer and more accessible, Community Therapy is here to help.
Our experienced Occupational Therapists are ready to conduct assessments, recommend tailored modifications, and walk you through the process from beginning to end.
We believe that everyone deserves to live safely, confidently, and comfortably in their own home—and we’re passionate about making that a reality.
