Home modifications work best when every stage is clear: who assesses, who approves, who builds, and who checks. When that isn’t clear, jobs stall, quotes miss the mark, and the participant waits.
Here is the home modification process in six stages, with who is responsible for each.
Stage 1. Referral
The provider sends the participant’s details and goals to an OT. The clearer the goals, the better the assessment. See how to prepare a referral.
Stage 2. OT home assessment
An OT visits the participant at home. They assess how the person actually moves and manages daily tasks in their own space, then identify risks and options. See What is an OT Home Assessment under Support at Home?
Stage 3. The report and recommendations
The OT writes a report that sets out what is recommended and why. Each recommendation should link back to an assessed need. A report that scopes the work clearly gives builders something specific to quote from. See What should an OT home assessment report include?
Stage 4. Approval
The provider reviews the recommendations and takes them through its own approval process.
Stage 5. Quotes and installation
Once approved, the provider arranges installation with appropriately qualified trades. The OT’s recommendation is the brief; the tradesperson quotes and builds to it. If requested, Home Access Group can support coordination of installation.
Stage 6. Check the finished work
It’s good practice to confirm the finished work matches the recommendation and works optimally for the participant.
Where jobs go wrong
– The brief is unclear, so quotes vary widely.”
– The recommendation is a product name rather than a described need.
– Installation changes the design, and no one checks it against the assessment.
Frequently asked questions
Who pays for the modification?
Support at Home participants may be approved for AT-HM scheme funding through an aged care assessment. Funding tiers available are: Low – under $500, Medium – up to $2,000, High – up to $15,000.
Can the OT recommend a particular builder?
OT recommendations from Home Access Group are fully independent.
How long does the whole process take?
This depends on the funding tier, approval times and trade availability.
Refer a participant for an OT home assessment.
A safer home starts with understanding the person
Every home is different. Every person is different. That is why the right approach starts with the individual rather than a list of products. At Home Access Group, we help coordinate OT home assessments that consider the person’s needs, goals, functional abilities and home environment.
The mission is simple: Help people stay safe, independent and at home for longer. If you or someone you care for is finding everyday activities around the home more difficult, an OT home assessment may be a useful place to start.
Your home should work for you – not the other way around. Reach out and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
Still looking to learn more about OT home assessments and home modifications? Try our quick links below:
Information about Support at Home and the Assistive Technology and Home Modifications scheme can change. Providers should refer to current Australian Government guidance when making funding and service decisions.
