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Home Modifications

A child with special needs can have access to enjoy all household activities, with some minor/major home modifications. View our equipment pages for equipment options that enable easy access to multiple heights and info on environmental access & control.

Here are the most common home modification ideas:

For information specific to your child’s needs, discuss your options with your child’s OT.

Visit ILC site to download more information on home modifications, and to view available fittings

GENERAL FLOORING 

  • Track – recessing doorways – enables easy wheelchair, gait trainer access.
  • Consider using commercial vinyl or adding non-slip surface to existing tiling.
  • Note: Carpet tends to wear quickly with frequent wheelchair use, and the extra friction makes it mobility difficult for children in wheelchairs/walkers.

DOORWAYS & PASSAGEWAYS 

  • Wide (at least 850mm)
  • Allow enough turning room for wheelchair/walker
  • Consider lever handles
  • Consider automatic doors (operated by sensor or LED control

BATHROOM 

  • Hobless showers enable easy commode access
  • Floor gradient & drainage to accommodate hobless shower
  • Commercial Hand Rail in shower to provide support for child or carer
  • Shower with adjustable height shower rose on free cable
  • Basin height and stand alone enable easy wheelchair access
  • Hoist for safe transfer from wheelchair to bath
  • Quarter turn or flick mixer taps assist access
  • Non-slip flooring

TOILET 

  • Commercial grab rail if positioned close to wall
  • Solid brick behind toilet for drop down/swing away rail
  • Choose Care Pan to best accommodate toilet commode. Ie. Caroma Care Pan
  • Allow transfer, turning space (950mm beside and 1200mm in front)

KITCHEN 

The following allow your child to participate in household activities and chores. Contact Kitchen Choice in Osborne Park 9443 8603 for your options.

  • Height adjustable benches
  • Accessible oven height position
  • Height adjustable stove top
  • Custom design dishwashers
  • Quarter turn or flick mixer taps assist access
  • LED/Environment controlled devices

LAUNDRY 

  • Front loading washing machines
  • Non-slip flooring – commercial vinyl or non-slip tile

GARAGE (minimum space rec = 6mx3.8m) 

  • Consider beam height if have high roof car accommodating wheelchair
  • Consider width to allow for vehicle plus clearance for loading/unloading child
  • Track recess access door to house

LIGHTING 

Can get assistive technology and smart wiring (LED controlled with switch, joystick or other access).

MULTI-STORY HOUSES 

  • Lifts
  • Ceiling Tracks (operates like a ski chair lift)

Visit Home Lifts and Master Lifts for lift ideas.

For information specific to your child’s needs, discuss your options with your child’s OT.

Visit ILC site to download more information on home modifications, and to view available fittings

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