Homes that are designed to met the changing needs of occupants over their lifetime.
The topic of livable housing is relevant for everyone regardless of ability, age or location. Consider, for example, how you might use your home in the event you broke your leg and required a wheelchair, or how your elderly parent will access your home if they need a walking aid or lost their vision. The market for livable, adaptable, accessible homes is going to boom exponentially due to the increasing ageing population, longer life expectancies and better disability funding Australia wide.
The cost to the homeowner of including key livable housing design features (in this case the silver level) is 22 times more efficient than retrofitting when an unplanned need arises.
The Master Builders and Housing Industry Association (HIA) estimates, including base level Livable housing features would add approximately $3,600 to $4,700 to the cost of a new house. In comparison, major modifications such as those to a bathroom, kitchen or the installation of ramps cost on average, $10,600 and can take up to 100 days for completion.
Considering the Livable Housing guidelines before you begin building a new home ensure your new home can be accessed by everyone, regardless of their abilities.
Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) is housing that has been specially designed for people who are unable to live in mainstream housing due to their extreme functional impairment or very high support needs.
For accomodation to be suitable for SDA participants, it must comply with certain standards and characteristics that meet participants’ needs and the nature of their disability.
There are 5 broad categories of SDA design, each of which is assessed against a relevant Livable Housing Australia design standard. To have a home certified for SDA, talk to us about having the home certified to one of the standards. Read more below.
Livable and easily adaptable housing design involves the inclusion of key easy living features that makes home easier and safer to use for all home users, including people with disabilities, ageing Australians, families with young children and people with temporary injuries.
The key features of a ‘Livable’ home are:
Livable housing is not only intended for ageing Australians building a home for their futures, or a person with a disability building a home they can access, Livable housing is about creating a house that looks no different to standard house, but has key features built in that ensure it is or can be made accessible for any person, at any stage of their life regardless of changing health conditions.
Livable Housing Australia (LHA) – a national organization that promotes and monitors the certifications of Livable Houses, report that international research shows that it’s 22 times more efficient to design for adaptability up front, so why not plan for the unexpected.
”We see only possibilities and support people to act without limitations - by challenging the speed of progress and shedding light on the possibilities for change.
Lauren HartOptimal Living Therapy
View our FAQ’s for information on how to refer and eligibility
ABN: 94625005012
AHPRA: OCC0001786259
LHA: 20023
OT Australia: 946355
NDIS: 4050042094
consultations@optimaltherapy.com.au
(08) 6117 4266
A: 3/38 Mccoy Street, Myaree 6154
P: PO Box 7125, Applecross North WA 6153
