For people with a disability, the bathroom can be one of the most challenging areas in the home to navigate. Slippery surfaces, tight spaces, and hard-to-reach fixtures can make everyday tasks like showering and using the toilet unsafe or difficult. Fortunately, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provides funding for bathroom modifications to improve accessibility, safety, and independence.
In this article, we’ll explore five common NDIS bathroom modifications that an Occupational Therapist can assist with, to help you live more comfortably in your home!
What Are NDIS Bathroom Modifications?
Funded by the NDIS for eligible participants, bathroom modifications involve changes to the bathroom layout, fixtures, and fittings to make the space safer and more functional for people with disabilities. These modifications can range from simple additions, like grab rails, to more complex structural changes, such as creating a level access (walk in) shower or widening doorways for wheelchair access.
If you or a loved one experiences difficulty using the bathroom, these modifications can significantly enhance independence, safety, and quality of life.
5 NDIS Bathroom Modifications to Improve Accessibility
1. Changing the shower to level access
Traditional showers with hobs and bathtubs can be difficult to use, especially if you have limited mobility. An Occupational Therapist (OT) can assess your needs and recommend changes such as:
- Walk in showers with no steps or barriers for wheelchair users.
- Non-slip flooring to minimise risk for slips and falls.
- Handheld and adjustable showerheads for better reach and control.
- Rails as needed to optimise safety
For example, our OTs at Optimal Living Therapy recently completed a complex home modification on a bathroom, where we changed the shower to be more open and easily accessible.
Before
After
2. Toilet modifications
Standard toilets are often too low or difficult to use for people with mobility challenges, increasing the risk of falls or strain. Depending on individual needs, an OT may recommend:
- Ambulant or care style toilet – to help with transfer and also commode use where relevant
- Raised toilet seats to make sitting and standing easier.
- Grab rails for safe and stable transfers
- Bidet seat attachments where required functionally
3. Accessible sinks and taps
Sinks and taps can sometimes be hard to reach and use. An OT can help determine the best adjustments, such as:
- Wall-mounted accessible vanities for wheelchair access.
- Lever or sensor taps for hands-free operation.
- Lowered mirrors that are easily visible from a seated position.
- Extended tap spouts to reduce strain when washing hands.
4. Improving the bathroom layout
If your bathroom feels cramped or difficult to navigate, particularly where you are an equipment/AT user, an OT can assess your space and recommend more complex changes such as:
- Widening doorways for better wheelchair or walker access.
- Extending footprint of the bathroom where required to ensure all essential amenities (shower, toilet and vanity) are in the one wet room
- Changing layout of amenities where needed to optimise access and independence
5. Smart technologies for easy use and convenience
It’s not just the bathroom layout that can support your daily living, but there is also modern technology that your OT may be able to recommend that can make the bathroom easier and safer to use. An OT may suggest:
- Voice-activated or motion-sensor lighting for hands-free use.
- Temperature-controlled water taps to prevent burns.
- Emergency alert systems that notify caregivers in case of a fall.
These modifications add extra peace of mind and support for both individuals and their families.
How to Get NDIS Funding for Bathroom Modifications
To access NDIS funding for bathroom modifications, you’ll usually need an Occupational Therapy assessment. An experienced Occupational Therapist, such as our team at Optimal Living Therapy will assess your home, recommend modifications, and help with the NDIS application process.
This list is just a few of the examples an OT may suggest. At Optimal Therapy, our experienced Occupational Therapists specialise in Complex Home Modifications and can guide you through every step of the process. We work with you to find solutions based on your needs and goals.
Get Started on Your Home Modification Today
If you or a loved one needs NDIS bathroom modifications, we’re here to help. By partnering our knowledge with architects, designers and builders we can help you to achieve optimal living in your home. Visit our Complex Home Modifications page or call us on (08) 6117 4266 for more information on how we can support your journey to greater independence.
