A home can feel familiar and still hide nasty surprises: a slippery bathroom tile, a dim hallway, a single step at the front door that’s easy to miss. The good news is that home modifications for seniors are often eligible for funding in Australia, especially since the Support at Home reforms put a clearer spotlight on safety, access and practical supports.

Assistive Technology & Home Modifications (AT-HM) you can often fund: 10 practical changes

The AT-HM scheme uses tiered funding (published as low, medium and high, with set amounts and access periods). Not everyone will qualify, and not every item suits every home, but these are common, sensible starting points to discuss during assessment.

1. Grab rails in the shower and near the toilet

A straightforward job that can dramatically improve stability. Placement matters, so it’s worth following OT advice rather than “where it looks right”.

2. A handheld shower and a shower chair

Sitting to wash reduces slips and fatigue, especially if balance is unreliable in the morning or after a long day.

3. Non-slip flooring or anti-slip treatments in wet areas

Bathrooms and laundries are high-risk zones. Some homes do well with simple adhesive strips; others need a more durable surface.

4. A raised toilet seat or comfort-height toilet

This reduces strain on knees and hips and makes standing safer. It’s also a common post-hospital support.

5. Lever-style tap handles and door handles

If grip strength is fading, levers reduce strain and frustration. This is one of those “small change, daily benefit” upgrades.

6. Improved lighting, especially sensor lights at night

Motion-sensor lights in hallways and bathrooms cut down on fumbling for switches. Also check glare: a bright bulb can still be unhelpful if it dazzles.

7. Remove trip hazards: thresholds, loose mats, trailing cords

This is the heart of fall prevention home modifications. A tidy cable route and a mat with proper backing can be the difference between steady footing and a nasty tumble.

8. External ramps or threshold ramps at entries

Even a small lip at the front door can block a walker. A properly graded ramp also helps when someone’s confidence is low.

9. Handrails on both sides of stairs

One rail is better than none, but two rails give options if one arm is weaker. Add high-contrast stair edging if vision is an issue.

10. Widened doorways or easier access through key rooms

When mobility aids enter the picture, narrow passages become daily stress points. For NDIS participants, doorway widening can fall within minor home modifications categories depending on scope and structure.

A quick reality check: funding decisions depend on assessed need, safety benefit, and whether the change is the most reasonable way to meet that need. That’s why good documentation from an occupational therapist (and sometimes a builder’s quote) often smooths the process.

Where funding can come from in Australia

Many older Australians start with an assessment through My Aged Care. Depending on your needs, you may be approved for Support at Home services and, separately, the Assistive Technology and Home Modifications scheme (AT-HM), which provides upfront funding for eligible items and changes.

• If your needs are lighter-touch, the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) can fund entry-level services that support independent living at home.
• If you’re an eligible veteran, the Department of Veterans’ Affairs may fund aids and home changes through its Rehabilitation Appliances Program (RAP).
• And if you’re under 65 and eligible for the NDIS, home modifications can be funded when they relate to disability needs.

Making the changes stick: support after the installation

Even the best modifications only help when they’re used well. A steady routine matters: keeping walkways clear, using rails every time (not only when you “feel wobbly”), and getting the right fit for mobility aids.

This is where in-home care service support can be practical, not just hands-on. A carer can notice patterns you may miss, like a client avoiding the bathroom at night because the light is harsh, or rushing the stairs because the rail is on the “wrong” side. Small tweaks, done early, often prevent the bigger problems that lead to hospital stays.

Also Read: “Alexa, Open the Blinds”: How Assistive Tech is Changing Daily Life in 2026 SIL Homes

If you’d like support making your home in Sydney safer (and sorting out what funding may apply), Brightside Healthcare can talk you through your options and help you organise the right supports at home. Reach out via the Brightside Healthcare website to discuss in-home care services and home modifications that match your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1) What funding is available in Australia for home modifications for older people?

Many people start with My Aged Care. If you’re eligible for Support at Home, you may also be approved for the AT-HM scheme, which offers upfront funding for assistive technology and home modifications based on assessed needs and a funding tier. People with lighter needs may access help through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP).

2) What kinds of modifications are most commonly approved?

Approvals depend on your assessment, but common requests include bathroom grab rails, shower aids, non-slip surfaces, better lighting, ramps and rails. These tend to be practical, safety-focused changes that reduce falls and improve access.

3) Do I need an occupational therapist assessment?

Often, yes. An OT helps match the modification to your mobility, balance and layout. Their recommendations can also support funding requests because they describe why a particular change is needed, not just “nice to have”.

4) Can veterans get funding for home modifications?

Eligible veterans may receive aids, equipment and certain home modifications through the DVA Rehabilitation Appliances Program (RAP). The program includes items like lifts and mobility supports in some circumstances, subject to eligibility and clinical need.

5) What if I’m under 65 and living with disability?

If you’re eligible for the NDIS, it can fund home modifications that relate to disability needs. The NDIS distinguishes between categories of minor home modifications by cost and complexity, and approvals are tied to reasonable and necessary supports.