More than 180,000 Aussies use wheelchairs and so the need for wheelchair-accessible housing has never been more important. Australian authorities have made great strides in the 21st Century to make public spaces highly-accessible for wheelchair users and the same can be done for homes.
This is because the NDIS can directly fund home wheelchair accessibility through building specialised doors, grab bars, ramps and more to ensure home safety for your loved one. As such, if you have a loved one who uses a wheelchair, you will be happy to learn that the NDIS can fund some, if not all, of these home-accessibility essentials:
- Exteriors & entrances
Many Aussie homes have steps and narrow doorways that can make it difficult for people in wheelchairs to access. Obviously, this can be an upsetting challenge for both your loved one, yourself and/or their carer.
The best NDIS provider Mentone has is here to tell you that the service can help building specialised exterior and entrance solutions for your loved one. This naturally means building ramps that allow for easy access to the doorway as well as wide doorways that allow easy access to the home.
- Interior space
It is highly likely that your loved one will need extra space to easily-manoeuvre their wheelchair. Unfortunately, many older Aussie homes – especially those found in inner-city areas – have narrow corridors and small spaces. Therefore, if you are building or renovating a home that your loved one will be living in, it is important to consider the space of the corridors and rooms to allow them the space they need to move freely.
It’s important to speak with your NDIS provider regarding your package as your package may not necessarily cover these builds or modifications.
- Bathroom essentials
There are numerous essentials that your loved one will likely need to shower and use the bathroom in peace and with greater ease. These include, but are not limited to:
- Grab rails
- Roll-in showers
- Non-slip flooring
- Accessible sinks
- Wider doorways
Thankfully, it is highly likely that your package will cover most – if not all – of these essential modifications. This is because it is essential for your loved one to be able to freely make their way into the bathroom and use it without impediment and so your package will likely cover these essentials!
- Height considerations
If your loved one lives in a wheelchair – as opposed to using it part time – then you will likely have to install height-accessible home elements. Naturally, this includes height-accessible drawers, electricity sockets, light switches, storage solutions and more.
Once again, you only have to consult with your package provider to see if your funding can cover these essentials. As they are imperative to helping your loved one live safely and comfortably at home then it is highly likely that your funding will cover them.
- Escape routes
The final consideration you have to make regarding a safe and comfortable home for your loved one is the home’s escape routes. How easy will it be for them to escape the home if there is an unfortunate emergency? When building or renovating a home where a loved one with a wheelchair resides it is essential to consider the ease of which they can escape i.e. having a clear corridor to a wide doorway that leads out to a clear space out the front of the home.
These are five essentials for building or renovating a home with a loved one in a wheelchair. Simply contact your NDIS provider to find out which – if not all – of these essentials that your package can cover!
