Home Modification Assessments | What Happens on the Day
What actually happens during a home modification assessment? A walkthrough of the process, who's involved, and what to expect on the day.
Owen Clark
11/9/20262 min read
Home Modification Assessments: What Happens on the Day
If you've never been through one before, a home modification assessment can feel like an unknown quantity. Here's a practical walkthrough of what's generally involved, so you know what to expect.
Before the Visit
Ahead of the assessment, it's helpful to have a general sense of the specific challenges you're facing in the home whether that's difficulty accessing the shower, navigating doorways or managing steps at the entry. You don't need a fully formed solution in mind; the assessment process is designed to work that out. If you have existing reports (such as a Functional Capacity Assessment) or a diagnosis relevant to your functional needs, having these on hand can help streamline the process.
During the Assessment
A typical home modification assessment involves:
A discussion of current difficulties — understanding which tasks and areas of the home are causing problems, and how these affect daily life.
A walk-through of the relevant areas — this might include the bathroom, entryways, bedroom, or kitchen, depending on the concerns raised. The OT will observe how tasks are currently being managed, including any current equipment or workarounds in use.
Measurements and photographs — key spaces, doorways, and thresholds are measured and photographed to support later planning and reporting.
Discussion of options — where appropriate, the OT may talk through possible modification approaches on the day, though final recommendations are usually confirmed after the visit once all information has been considered.
Who Else Might Be Involved
For more complex or major modifications, a builder or access consultant is often involved either during the same visit or a follow-up site visit. Their input helps confirm what's structurally possible and provides the basis for accurate costing.
After the Visit
Following the assessment, a formal report is prepared, outlining the recommended modifications, the clinical rationale linking each recommendation to functional need, and reference to relevant design standards such as AS 1428.1 where applicable. This report, along with builder quotes, forms the basis of the funding request.
How Long Does the Process Take?
Timeframes vary depending on the complexity of the modifications required, whether a rental property is involved, and the funding scheme's assessment timelines. Minor modifications can sometimes progress relatively quickly, while major structural changes typically take longer due to the need for detailed planning, quoting and approval.
Getting Ready for Your Assessment
There's no need to over-prepare. The main thing is to be ready to talk openly about the day-to-day challenges you're facing in your home, so the assessment can focus on what matters most to you.
Onward Health conducts home modification assessments across the Sunshine Coast and surrounding catchment. Get in touch to arrange a visit or discuss a referral.
