Simple Installations Can Improve Accessibility 

When most people hear 'home modification,' they imagine a major overhaul — new stairs, lifts, handrails everywhere, or widened doorways. And sometimes, such projects are necessary.  

However, home modifications can be simple and non-disruptive while improving safety and accessibility for residents. Think non-slip coatings for bathroom floors, anti-slip tape for stairs, and shower mats for walk-in showers. 

This article explores the benefits of home modifications to NDIS participants and outlines 5 noninvasive changes to make to your home in 2026. 

Key Takeaways 

• You do not always need complex modifications to improve safety
• Minor home modifications are less invasive and usually approved faster for NDIS funding
• Installations like shower mats, anti-slip tape, and non-slip coatings reduce the risk of slips and falls
• Small changes keep homes comfortable and familiar while improving the quality of life 

Minor vs Major NDIS Home Modification 

NDIS home modifications generally fall into two categories: minor and complex home modifications. 

Minor home modifications are non-structural changes that improve safety and accessibility without altering your home's layout. They are usually quicker to install, less disruptive, and get funding approval faster. Examples include non-slip coating applications, grab rails, and other low-impact safety upgrades. 

Major home modifications, on the other hand, involve structural changes to your property. They can include widening doorways, installing ramps or lifts, or revamping bathrooms and kitchens. While these modifications may be necessary in some cases, they are more expensive, have longer approval processes, and may require ongoing maintenance. 

Further Reading: Slip-Resistant Home Modifications for NDIS Participants | A Stellmann Guide 

Benefits of NDIS Home Modifications 

Source 

Regardless of scope, NDIS home modifications do more than improve a home's layout. They help participants live safer, more independent, and social lives with greater confidence. The benefits include: 

1. Increased Independence and Mobility 

Home modifications help participants move around their homes more confidently. Features such as ramps, wider doorways, and non-slip surfaces reduce reliance on others and support everyday activities. 

2. Improved Safety 

Slips, trips, and falls are one of the most common causes of injury at home, and people with limited mobility are most at risk. Modifications such as grab rails, grip mats, and non-slip coatings reduce these risks. 

3. Support for Caregivers 

Caregiving can be tough, but safer homes mean less physical strain on carers and support workers. 

When participants can move independently, caregivers can focus on support rather than constant supervision. 

4. Increased Social Inclusion 

People living with disabilities face barriers to social inclusion that can make them feel excluded from social gatherings.  

Wider doorways, non-slip tape on stairs, and other accessibility modifications make it easier for participants to host visitors or participate in social life, reducing isolation. 

5. Better Quality of Life 

When a home feels safer and easier to navigate, stress levels drop. Participants gain confidence, dignity, and peace of mind, all of which contribute to their mental and overall well-being. 

5 Non-Invasive Home Modifications for NDIS participants

Source 

These simple but effective installations help NDIS participants navigate their homes more safely: 

1. Shower Mats for the elderly 

Research shows that falls are the leading cause of injury-related hospitalisations among older Australians. Wet, slippery bathroom floors are a common cause of falls. 

Shower mats are thin, portable coverings placed directly on the floor of a shower or bathtub. They increase friction between the surface and the feet, which significantly contributes to senior bathroom safety. 

2. Stair Nose Coating and Non-Slip Tape for Stairs 

Non-slip tape is an adhesive strip with a gritty, textured surface that provides extra traction on smooth wood, tile, metal, or concrete surfaces. You can install one directly on stair treads without cutting or drilling. 

However, these strips come in designs that may not match your home's aesthetic. They also have a shorter lifespan in high-traffic areas and may peel, lift, or wear unevenly over time. 

Slip resistant coatings for stair nosing address both of these issues. Stellmann's Stair Nosing Coating comes in black and other high visibility colours; it is also durable and suitable for busy homes. 

Applied easily with a roller, stair nosing coating is UV-resistant, dries quickly — and unlike tapes — does not leave glue residue on stair surfaces.

3. Non-Slip Tape for Showers 

Where shower mats are ideal, non-slip tape is a close second for walk-in showers. 

These waterproof adhesive strips or tapes sit flush with the shower floor, making them unnoticeable and easy to clean. While they may lose stickiness and wear out faster than shower mats, they still provide reliable grip and reduce slip risks in wet areas. 

4. Grip Mat for Bathtubs 

Falls in bathtubs are especially dangerous. They can lead to head and neck injuries, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, and even broken bones. 

Grip mats are designed to adhere securely to wet surfaces and provide consistent traction thanks to their textured surfaces. They can also be washed and reused. 

5. Non-Slip Coatings for Bathroom Floors 

According to SafeWork Australia, polished and wet surfaces are a leading cause of falls and fall-related injuries. If you want a long-term solution for bathroom safety, non-slip coatings are a strong option.  

Anti-slip coatings are liquid, textured treatments applied directly to existing flooring to increase grip. They come in different formulations, suitable for specific floor types such as ceramic, porcelain, granite, and marble.  

Cheaper products can be harsh and difficult to apply, but premium non-slip coatings are designed to be safer, eco-friendly, and more comfortable to walk on. 

 
Stellmann offers premium non-slip coating solutions designed to deliver P3, P4, and P5 slip ratings in wet areas. Their coatings offer up to 4 years of slip resistance, even in high-traffic areas, making them ideal for NDIS bathroom modifications. 

Further Reading: How to Make Bathrooms Safe for Elderly Parents 

FAQs 

Q1: Are Minor Home Modifications Approved Under the NDIS? 

Answer: 

Yes. Minor home modifications for NDIS participants are nonstructural changes that improve safety and accessibility. Installations such as non-slip coatings for bathrooms and anti-slip tape for stairs are usually more cost-effective and easier to justify as necessary for NDIS funding approval. 

Q2: Shower Mats Vs Non-slip Coatings? 

Answer: 

A shower mat for elderly folks is portable, affordable, and ideal for temporary use. Alternatively, non-slip coatings are a more compliant and durable solution for high-risk floor surfaces. The ideal choice depends on a resident's mobility needs, bathroom layout, and budget. 

Q3: How Long Does Anti-slip Tape for Stairs Last? 

Answer: 

Most anti-slip tape for stairs lasts up to 3 years in indoor applications, but high-quality tapes may last longer in low-traffic areas. Anti-slip tapes for stairs in high-traffic or outdoor areas may need to be replaced sooner once they start peeling or lose their grip.  

Conclusion 

NDIS homes do not need a full renovation to improve safety and accessibility for participants. 

Simple, non-invasive installations can significantly reduce fall risks, support independence, and improve quality of life. 

Explore quick, cost-effective solutions, such as shower mats, grip mats, and non-slip coatings, to make your home safer. 

Learn more about how Stellmann's range of non-slip solutions supports NDIS participants and caregivers to create safer spaces.