Housing and vehicle modifications for the person you care for - A Guide for Carers
If the person you care for has a long-term disability or is under 65 years with chronic health conditions and high support needs, they may be able to get help from the Ministry of Health with housing and vehicle modifications. An assessment is required in the first instance by a suitably qualified Occupational Therapist (Equipment and Modification Services (EMS) assessor).
If the person you care for is recovering from an injury, ACC may be able to help with housing and vehicle modifications – see acc.co.nz/contact/ for contact details.
Housing modifications
Housing modifications might include:
- handrails to make it safer to use the steps into the house
- ramps and/or widening of doors to improve access into the house
- bathroom alterations so a person can use the bathroom/toilet safely
- fencing to protect someone who is at risk of injury because of their disability.
A person will not get funding for housing modifications costing less than $200, or soft furnishings, general maintenance or modifications to their home for work, social or financial reasons.
For housing modifications above a set financial limit, Work and Income will work out if a person needs to pay for part of these costs. A person will not have to contribute to the costs of housing modifications for children 15 years or younger.
Getting housing modifications through the Ministry of Health can take a long time. In most cases, a person can only get funding for modifications once, so they should think carefully about what they will need now and in the future. For example, they could think about moving to a house that will be easier to live in, getting equipment to help them (see Equipment and devices for the person you care for) or help at home (see Help at home) before planning expensive housing modifications.
Vehicle modifications
Getting Ministry of Health funding support for vehicle modifications will depend on the person’s situation.
There are a range of vehicle modifications that may be funded. These might include:
- for drivers – hand controls, seating, ramps, hoists and wheelchair carriers
- for passengers – special seating, safety restraints, ramps, hoists and wheelchair carriers.
In some situations, funding may be available to support the purchase of a vehicle.
How to get vehicle or housing modifications or equipment
An Equipment and Modification Services (EMS) Assessor (usually an Occupational Therapist) will assess the needs of the person you care for. If the person you care for qualifies for housing or vehicle modifications funded by the Ministry of Health, the assessor will forward an application to the appropriate funding agency.
Who can help you get equipment or housing or vehicle modifications?
Call the local hospital and ask for Community Health Services (most Equipment and Modification Services Assessors are usually based there) or talk to your doctor.
To find out more, visit the Equipment and modifications for disabled people page on the Ministry of Health website.
For more help
To find out more about equipment and services, or for advice on the assessment process:
- contact the local Disability Information or Resource Centre – call 0800 NZFDIC (0800 693 342), or visit nzfdic.org.nz/centres to find the one nearest you
- visit Enable New Zealand’s disability information website at firstport.co.nz or call 0800 362 253
- call the Ministry of Health on 0800 373 664 or email disability@health.govt.nz
