How to Access Aged Care
Practical guidance for Australia and the United States
Planning home modifications
Identify difficult tasks
Walk through a normal day with the person and note barriers at entrances, in the bathroom, in the kitchen and along frequently used routes. Focus on activities they want to manage more easily.
Arrange an appropriate professional assessment before selecting changes that affect safety, access or how someone moves around the home.
Before agreeing to work
- What assessment or permission is needed?
- Does the landlord, building manager or local authority need to approve it?
- Who will design, install and check the work?
- What is included in the written quote?
- Who handles maintenance, warranties and faults?
Check funding and installation
Confirm programme approval and any personal contribution before ordering work. Do not assume a change will be reimbursed later.
Ask for instructions and a review after installation. Keep assessment notes, approvals, quotes and receipts together.