A home modification assessment looks at how a person's home affects the activities they need or want to manage. An occupational therapist explores the practical difficulty, the environment and possible approaches, then provides recommendations within the agreed scope.
The first appointment is an opportunity to clarify the problem before committing to building work. You might be concerned about using a bathroom, moving through an entrance or reaching an essential part of the home. Describe what happens now and what you would like the assessment to help explain.
Before the appointment
Ask which information the OT needs in advance. A referral might include the visit address, relevant reports, current equipment and the purpose of the assessment. If someone else is arranging the visit, make sure the person receiving the assessment understands what is planned.
Explain whether the home is owned, rented or subject to shared-property arrangements. Tell the therapist if there are proposed renovations or drawings already available. This helps identify questions to discuss, without assuming any proposed work is suitable or approved.
Prepare a short list of activities to talk through. You do not need to choose a rail position, design a ramp or obtain every building quote before the clinical question is clear.
What may happen during the visit
The therapist may discuss your goals, observe agreed activities and look at the relevant spaces. Depending on the assessment, measurements or photographs may be useful; ask how these will be collected and used, and discuss consent.
A useful example explains the activity as well as the room. Rather than saying the bathroom is difficult, describe the point where you need assistance and how the task is currently managed. Include what is working and any equipment already used.
There is no requirement to demonstrate an unsafe movement. If an activity cannot be shown safely, explain the concern and ask how it can be assessed another way. Keep usual assistance available and follow existing safety advice.
Equipment, a different method or property changes
An assessment should consider the actual need before settling on a building solution. Discuss whether another way of doing the activity or a suitable equipment assessment is relevant, alongside any proposed property change.
Ask the OT to explain the reasoning behind a recommendation. It should be understandable how the suggestion relates to the difficulty you described. If the proposed change raises another concern, such as how a shared space would be used, bring that into the discussion.
Our home modifications service page outlines OT assessment enquiries. The minor and major modifications guide gives background for discussing the scope of work.
Reports, quotes and permissions
NDIS home modification evidence requirements differ for minor and complex work. A qualified OT completes the assessment, while a building construction practitioner may contribute the required building information for complex modifications. Assessment recommendations, building design and installation are different parts of the process.
The current NDIS assessment guidance also addresses property consent. Written approval from the owner or relevant body is needed where required. Discuss rental and shared ownership arrangements before work is commissioned.
Ask which quotes or supporting documents are needed for the particular request, and who will arrange them. A report is evidence for consideration; it does not itself approve funding or authorise a builder to begin work.
Agree what happens afterwards
Before the visit ends, check what the clinician will provide and what you need to do next. Ask who will receive the report, how factual corrections can be raised and which recommendations need further discussion.
The person making the enquiry should also understand the written assessment estimate. Clarify the visit, report, travel and any additional agreed work. If another appointment or trial becomes relevant, ask how its scope and cost will be confirmed.
Keep the report and agreed next steps together. If the property, equipment or person's needs change before work starts, tell the appropriate clinician and provider so the recommendation can be reviewed.
Common questions
Can I arrange building work before the assessment?
Discuss the clinical need, permissions and funding requirements first. Starting work before these are clear may leave important questions unresolved.
Can a tenant request an assessment?
You can enquire about an assessment. Property consent and any relevant funding requirements must still be addressed before modifications are undertaken.
Does every home modification assessment involve major renovations?
No. The assessment begins with the practical problem. The appropriate recommendation depends on the person's needs, environment and assessment findings.
Will Ergo carry out the building work?
This enquiry is for occupational therapy assessment and recommendations. Building services and installation need to be arranged with the relevant qualified providers.
Make a referral with your address, home arrangement and the activity you want the assessment to consider.