Aged Care Home Modifications

Create a Safer Home for Independent Living

Growing older should not mean giving up the comfort and security of your own home. For many seniors, ageing in place is a priority. However, as mobility changes and daily tasks become more challenging, the right home modifications can help maintain safety, confidence, and independence.

Through government-funded Home Care Packages and other programs, you may be eligible for modifications that reduce fall risks and improve accessibility.

Not sure where to start? CareAbout can help you understand your options and connect you with trusted home modification providers.

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What Are Home Modifications for Seniors?

Home modifications are changes that improve safety, accessibility, and mobility. These range from minor adjustments to major renovations designed to accommodate mobility aids or prevent injuries.

Even small updates like grab rails or improved lighting can help reduce falls and allow seniors to live independently for longer.

Common Home Modifications Include:

• Handrails and grab bars in bathrooms, hallways, and stairs
• Non-slip flooring and walk-in showers
• Widening doorways and hallways for wheelchair access
• Ramps and stairlifts for safer mobility
• Lowered cabinets and countertops for easier reach
• Improved lighting and easy-access switches
• No-step entries to eliminate tripping hazards
• Some safety-related outdoor maintenance, such as clearing pathways to prevent falls, may be available under My Aged Care. However, general gardening and landscaping are not considered home modifications.

Some safety-related outdoor maintenance, such as clearing pathways to prevent falls, may be available under My Aged Care. However, general gardening and landscaping are not considered home modifications.

If daily activities like bathing, cooking, or moving around your home have become difficult, the right modifications can help you maintain independence for longer.

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How Do Home Modifications Compare?

This table breaks down the different types of home modifications, their benefits, and potential funding options.

Modification Type	Purpose	Funding Available (Before July 2025)	Funding Available (From July 2025)
Grab rails & handrails	Improves stability and prevents falls	HCP, CHSP	AT-HM Scheme – Low to Medium Tier (Up to $500 or $2,000 based on assessment)
Non-slip flooring	Reduces slipping hazards in wet areas	HCP, CHSP, NDIS	AT-HM Scheme – Medium Tier (Up to $2,000)
Bathroom modifications (walk-in showers, raised toilets)	Enhances safety and accessibility	HCP, CHSP	AT-HM Scheme – High Tier (Up to $15,000 per lifetime)
Ramps & stairlifts	Increases accessibility for those with mobility aids	HCP, CHSP, NDIS	AT-HM Scheme – High Tier (Up to $15,000 per lifetime)
Door widening & hallway adjustments	Allows wheelchair and walker access	HCP, CHSP	AT-HM Scheme – High Tier (Up to $15,000 per lifetime)
Smart home technology (sensor lights, alarms, voice controls)	Adds convenience and improves safety	HCP (limited), Private funding	AT-HM Scheme – Limited Coverage (Only for safety-related devices like sensor lights, emergency call systems). General smart home automation is not covered.

From July 2025, home modifications will no longer be funded under CHSP, and all funding will transition to the AT-HM Scheme. Additionally, while NDIS will continue to provide funding for eligible participants under 65, it is not part of My Aged Care and does not apply to seniors who enroll in aged care services after this age.

Understanding which modifications suit your needs and how they can be funded will help you make the most of your available support.

How Do I Get Home Modifications Through My Aged Care?

The Australian Government provides subsidies for home modifications through My Aged Care. Depending on eligibility, modifications may be fully or partially covered under different programs.

Home Care Packages (HCP)

Home Care Packages provide government funding to help older Australians live independently. You can use your package to pay for approved modifications that improve safety and accessibility.

Eligibility is based on an assessment through My Aged Care, with four Home Care Package levels, ranging from basic (Level 1) to high-level care (Level 4).

Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP)

CHSP currently funds minor home modifications for eligible participants. However, from July 2025, CHSP will no longer cover home modifications. Instead, funding will transition to the AT-HM Scheme, which requires an eligibility assessment through My Aged Care.

National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)

If you are an NDIS participant under the age of 65 and have an eligible disability, home modifications may be funded through your NDIS plan. Seniors who are not NDIS participants should explore My Aged Care options instead, as NDIS is not available for those who enter the system after turning 65.

Can I Get a Government Loan for Home Modifications?

While My Aged Care funding covers many home modifications, some costs may not be fully subsidised. Users may be interested in government loan options to cover extra costs.

• Home Equity Access Scheme (HEAS) – This is a government-backed loan for Australian seniors who are eligible for the Age Pension. It allows them to access the equity in their home as a regular income stream, which could be used for home modifications. While HEAS allows seniors to access home equity as a regular income stream, it is not specifically designed for home modifications. Seniors should first check My Aged Care for available funding options before considering HEAS or other loan schemes.
• State-Based Seniors Home Loan Programs – Some state governments offer low-interest loans for seniors specifically to help them fund essential home upgrades, including safety and accessibility modifications.
• No-Interest Loan Scheme (NILS) – While not exclusive to seniors, NILS is designed for low-income Australians, including pensioners, who need small, no-interest loans for essential home modifications.
• Reverse Mortgage – Available to seniors aged 60+, this allows homeowners to borrow money against their home equity, which they repay when they sell their home or pass away.

If funding is a concern, contact My Aged Care to explore financial support options.

What’s Changing in July 2025?

The Australian Government is introducing aged care reforms under the Support at Home (SaH) program, which will change how home modifications are funded. While Home Care Packages (HCP) and CHSP will continue, funding for home modifications will move to a separate Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) Scheme.

Key Changes:

• Home modifications will no longer be funded through Home Care Package (HCP) budgets
• Instead, they will be covered under the Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) Scheme.
• The AT-HM Scheme will introduce tiered funding levels: Low tier: Up to $500 (valid for 12 months). Medium tier: Up to $2,000 (valid for 12 months). High tier: Up to $15,000 per lifetime for complex modifications (may be extended for exceptional cases).
• Eligibility and funding levels will be assessed through My Aged Care, with an additional Occupational Therapist (OT) assessment required for high-tier modifications.
• Participants may need to contribute to the cost of modifications, depending on their funding level and financial situation.

If you are considering home modifications, plan ahead to understand how these changes may affect your funding.

How to Access Government-Funded Home Modifications

To access government-funded home modifications, you must first complete an aged care assessment through My Aged Care.

Step 1: Initial My Aged Care Assessment

A My Aged Care assessor will review your eligibility for aged care support, including home modifications.

Step 2: Occupational Therapist (OT) Assessment

If approved, an occupational therapist (OT) will assess your home and recommend modifications based on mobility, safety risks, and accessibility needs.

Step 3: Home Care Provider Coordination

Your Home Care Provider will coordinate approvals, funding, and licensed tradespeople to carry out the modifications.

How Can Family Members Help with Home Modifications?

Aged care home modifications impact the whole family, especially when adult children or caregivers assist in decision-making. Many family members want to help but don’t know how.

Here’s how family members can support the process:

1. Assist with My Aged Care applications – Help seniors navigate the application and assessment process.
2. Arrange for multiple quotes – Compare home modification providers to find the best price and service.
3. Ensure safety during renovations – Temporary adjustments may be needed while modifications are completed (e.g., alternative bathroom access).
4. Check funding eligibility together – Help understand co-contributions and plan for extra costs if needed.

Encouraging family involvement makes the process less stressful and ensures modifications align with actual needs.

Why Modify Your Home?

Many seniors only consider home modifications after experiencing a fall or injury, but acting early can prevent accidents and reduce care costs.

If you are experiencing reduced mobility, vision changes, or difficulty with daily tasks, upgrading your home now can help you stay independent for longer.

In addition to indoor modifications, maintaining a safe and accessible outdoor space can reduce trip hazards. My Aged Care may provide limited support for essential outdoor safety tasks, such as clearing pathways, but does not cover general gardening or landscaping.

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Addressing Specialised Needs in Home Modifications

Many seniors have unique home modification needs, whether due to cultural preferences, cognitive conditions, rental restrictions, or specific disabilities. Below are key considerations for different groups:

Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) Considerations

For those from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities, it can be helpful to work with providers who understand cultural needs and can offer modifications suited to specific living arrangements or traditions.

• If you need information in another language, My Aged Care provides translated resources and interpreter services.
• Some Home Care Providers specialise in supporting CALD communities and can match you with a culturally appropriate provider.

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Dementia-Friendly Home Modifications

For seniors living with dementia, home modifications should reduce confusion and improve safety. Key dementia-friendly modifications include:

• Clear signage with large, readable text to reduce confusion
• Contrasting colours on floors, walls, and furniture to improve navigation
• Sensor lighting for better visibility at night
• Automatic shut-off appliances to prevent safety hazards

If a loved one has dementia, an occupational therapist can assess their home environment and recommend specific modifications.

Home Modifications for Renters

If you live in a rental property, you can still apply for home modifications, but it is essential to get written permission from your landlord.

• Landlord responsibilities: Laws regarding home modifications in rental properties vary by state. Some landlords may be required to approve accessibility changes, while others may not. Check state tenancy laws or consult a legal expert before making modifications.
• Your rights: In some cases, landlords may be obligated to approve disability-related modifications.
• Reversible solutions: If permanent modifications are not approved, removable options such as portable ramps or suction grab bars can help.

If you’re unsure about your rights as a renter, seek legal advice or contact My Aged Care for guidance.

Home Modifications for People with Visual Impairments

Seniors with low vision or blindness require modifications that enhance safety and independence. Helpful adaptations include:

• High-contrast, tactile flooring to differentiate between rooms
• Voice-activated smart home technology for controlling lights and appliances
• Braille labels on important areas such as stovetops, thermostats, and remotes
• Handrails and well-lit pathways to improve navigation

An occupational therapist specialising in vision impairment can assess your home and recommend customised solutions.

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Need Help Finding a Home Modification Provider?

Navigating the aged care system can feel overwhelming, but CareAbout makes the process easy by matching you with trusted home modification providers.

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Do not wait until a fall or injury forces you to act. Modify your home now to live safely, independently, and confidently.

Find a provider with great home modification services!

Ensure your home modifications are handled by trusted experts who prioritise your safety and comfort.

With CareAbout, Home Care is just a click away!

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