The Approval Process for Home Modifications.

Whether you are looking for the simplest adaptation or a Complex Home Modification (CHM), the NDIS must carry out assessments and have enough evidence to determine whether the modifications are reasonable and necessary within the NDIS Home Modifications regulations. These are the steps the process takes:

Assessment

The assessment is a crucial part of the NDIS Home Modification Process. It involves a qualified professional, such as an occupational therapist, visiting the participant’s home to identify the modifications needed to improve accessibility and safety. The assessment will consider the participant’s disability and their specific needs. The assessor will typically look at entrances, exits, pathways, bathroom and kitchen facilities, and general living spaces. They may also ask questions to better understand the participant’s daily activities and routines. The assessment helps form the basis for the modification plan.

Plan Development and Approval

Based on the assessment, the NDIA may approve for the development a plan that outlines the specific modifications required, the cost, and who is approved to carry out the work. The plan’s design must meet the participant’s individual needs. These may include modifications such as installing grab rails, ramps, widening doorways, and other changes to improve accessibility and safety. The plan will also specify the work’s timeline and who will oversee modifications.

Afterwards, the NDIS must approve the plan for the home modifications and include the budget in your NDIS Plan. During plan approval, you must have enough evidence and research to explain why you need the home modification.

Funding

Participants will need to apply for NDIS funding to cover the cost of modifications. The amount of funding provided will depend on the participant’s specific needs, as determined by the assessment. The funding may cover the entire cost of modifications, or a portion of it, depending on the participant’s circumstances. The NDIS may also provide funding for ongoing maintenance and repairs.

Implementation

After the funding approval, a qualified professional can carry out the modifications. The modifications may include the installation of grab rails, and ramps, widening of doorways, bathroom modifications, and other changes to improve accessibility and safety. The modifications are usually implemented according to the plan developed during the planning phase.

Review

After completing the modifications, the NDIS will conduct a review to ensure the implementation is correct and meets the participant’s needs. The same or different professional conducting the assessment can conduct the review. You can repeat the process if you need additional modifications, starting with a new assessment. The review process helps meet the participant’s needs, and the modifications work as intended.

The NDIS Home Modification Guidelines.

The NDIS has guidelines to ensure that the home modifications funded through the scheme are appropriate and effective for the individual participant. The guidelines include the following:

• Participant-centred approach: The modifications should be centred to meet the individual needs of the participant, taking into account their disability, lifestyle, and support needs
• Safety: The modifications should ensure the participant’s safety, including reducing the risk of falls and accidents
• Accessibility: The modifications should aim to improve accessibility and mobility for the participant, allowing them to move around their home more easily and safely
• Cost-effectiveness: The modifications should be cost-effective, considering the participant’s budget and the long-term maintenance and repair costs
• Quality standards: The modifications should meet relevant quality and safety standards, such as those outlined by the Building Code of Australia
• Compliance with building regulations: Regardless of the modifications, it should comply with relevant building regulations, including local and state government regulations
• Informed consent: The participant should consent to the modifications, including understanding the costs, benefits, and potential risks.
• Continuity of care: The modifications should be part of a broader plan for the participant’s care and support, including ongoing maintenance and support services

Types Of NDIS Home Modifications.

The NDIS provides funding for various home modifications to improve accessibility and safety for participants with disabilities. There are three types of NDIS home modifications, which are classified based on their complexity and cost:

Minor home modifications

Minor home modifications (MHM) are home modifications that don’t change the structural parts of the home or cost no more than $20,000. We will need an assessment from a suitably qualified occupational therapist on what changes to your home you need.

There are 2 categories of minor home modification:

• Category A minor home modifications cost under $10,000
• Category B minor home modifications cost between $10,000 and $20,000, or they involve minor modifications to a bathroom floor.

These are funded using a set NDIS budget based on current market costs in MMM1 locations using the Modified Monash Model (MMM).

For example, widening an internal doorway that isn’t holding up other parts of the home is likely to be a category A minor home modification.

Complex home modifications

Complex home modifications (CHM) are changes that may involve a few areas in your home. For example, you might need to combine your bathroom and toilet to give you more room to use a hoist or shower chair.

An experienced and/or qualified home modification assessor (specially qualified occupational therapist) must assess your needs at home and certify the effectiveness of the modification to meet your goals and likely future needs, during planning and on completion of the works.

The NDIA will provide funding for a building construction practitioner to work with the participant and home modification assessor to help with planning the recommended scope of works. They can assist participants with the review and appointment of builders, or other suppliers in consultation with the participant.

The NDIA will provide funding for participants to engage a building works project manager for complex home modifications, particularly where it involves high risk or cost. The building works project manager must be independent of any builders who quote for the job.

The NDIA may also fund an independent building certifier, if required.

Related or incidental funding

In some circumstances, the NDIA may fund reasonable and necessary supports that are related or incidental to home modifications.

For example short term rent if you need to move out of your home during building works.

The NDIA will generally fund standard modifications and fittings.

You may opt to use your own money to contribute to a more expensive finish or fixture that achieves the same or equivalent outcome as the supports in your NDIS plan.

For example, a participant funded for a standard vanity unit may prefer a more expensive finish.

In this example the participant pays any additional cost to have the vanity upgraded to their preferred finish.

Contracts or service agreements for home modification services

Contracts or service agreements are particularly important when getting advice/specifications for a home modification and with the provider(s) you choose to do your home modifications. These agreements can help you if there are disputes or problems during (or after) the process.

When you engage a provider to develop drawings, plans or other documents for your planned home modifications, the provider is likely to ask you to sign a contract or terms and conditions (T&C) document for that work. The contract (or T&C) may include who owns the intellectual property rights (IPR) in the drawings, plans or documents. This may provide rights for you or other people you engage to use the drawings, plans or other documents (known as an intellectual property licence).

The ownership and restrictions on the use of the IPR in the drawings, plans or other documents may impact how you can use those documents, such as limiting your ability to provide these to someone else to use to build your modifications.