making home better
Sometimes it ’ s the little things that can make all the difference to your independence . Like being able to enter a room without doing a tenpoint turn , turning on the lights or taking a swim in the pool .
Twelve-year-old Melissa , from Queensland , says that simple modifications to her family home have “ completely changed ” her life .
“ I used to get really angry because I hate it when I can ’ t do things on my own . I wanted to prove to them ( my family ) that I can do stuff on my own .”
With the help of LifeTec , a social enterprise that specialises in assistive technology and their Homes for Life service - which helps clients plan , develop and build liveable homes - Melissa ’ s life has changed for the better .
Having recently moved into a new house , Melissa ’ s family initially enlisted a LifeTec occupational therapist to modify their bathroom to enable her to access it in her powerdrive wheelchair and shower commode , while maintaining the aesthetic of the home . However , through discussions about Melissa ’ s hopes and goals , many other potential modifications were identified .
“ For Melissa , her goal was to do things on her own , like any teenager does ,” says LifeTec occupational therapist Kati Bulgarelli .
“ I made several recommendations to Melissa ’ s environment to enable her to achieve her desired level of independence , including widening doorways to allow Melissa to be able to turn into rooms more easily ; constructing threshold ramps so Melissa could safely enter and exit the house ; changing light switches ; and automating a door from the garage , ensuring Melissa could leave the house without help .
“ We also recommended installation of a ceiling hoist in her bedroom , which enables Melissa to transfer between her equipment without putting any strain on her parents as she grows .”
Having discovered that Melissa loved spending time in the swimming pool , LifeTec also advocated for installation of a pool hoist – a move that ’ s been a big hit with Melissa and her family .
Looking ahead , they have also discussed the concept of environmental control and how this will enable Melissa to control every aspect of her home including the TV , DVD , airconditioning and telephone .
The commencement of the NDIS means there are now more opportunities for people to make their own decisions about where and how they want to live .
“ People want to be as independent as possible and a LifeTec occupational therapist can help you to explore all the possibilities available to you ,” says Kati .
“ The program is about helping people imagine their opportunities , helping people seek assistive technology solutions and live a better quality of life .”
To see more about Melissa ’ s story , go to tinyurl . com / melissastory .
34 accommodation , home modifications & improvements linkonline . com . au