What OTs Need to Know in 2026

The landscape of bathroom access funding is shifting quickly. 

OTs across Australia are telling us the same thing:

NDIS approvals are tightening, SaH assessors are prioritising low-cost solutions, and traditional bathroom modifications are facing more scrutiny than ever before.

At the same time, demand for safer bathroom access is rising, especially among clients who can no longer wait months for decisions. This is creating a renewed focus on assistive technology (AT) — not just as an alternative to home modifications, but often the primary pathway to keeping a client safe and independent.

In this edition of Access Insights, we break down four topics that matter most to frontline therapists:

How to structure stronger justification for bathroom AT under NDIS,

How SaH assessors weigh AT against traditional home modifications,

Real examples from OT dry trials in everyday bathrooms, and

Why rental-then-purchase models are emerging as a practical solution for many clients.

Our aim is simple: to support you with clear, practical information that helps you navigate these changes and achieve better outcomes for your clients.

Let’s dive in.

1️⃣ How to structure justification for bathroom AT under NDIS

What actually works in justifications — what planners accept and what gets rejected.

Key points include:

• AT must be the least costly effective option
• You must demonstrate functional need clearly
• Planners need:
• Functional impairment
• Environmental barriers
• Task analysis
• Risk analysis (falls, carer injury)
• Cost comparison vs home modifications
• Emphasise that Showerbuddy solutions often remove the need for a $14k–$25k bathroom modification.

 

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2️⃣ How SaH assessors view AT vs Home Modifications

SaH has a heavy preference for AT before modifications.

Points to consider in your funding application:

• Assessors are asked to consider cost-efficiency
• Home mods often require:
• builder quotes
• approval delays
• council or private certifier inspection and approvals
• structural constraints
• Many SaH clients want immediate relief
• AT allows older adults to stay safe at home while avoiding long delays
• Showerbuddy sliding transfer chairs align perfectly with this philosophy

See how Showerbuddy could offer a solution for either this over bathtub shower or to slide over the shower step here … Slide over, seated, safe and comfortable with Showerbuddy

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3️⃣ Examples of OT dry trials of bathroom AT

Dry trials are one of the most effective ways for OTs and clients to understand whether a piece of Assistive Technology (AT) will genuinely solve a bathroom access problem. 

By bringing the equipment into the home—and testing positioning, transfers, reach, stability, and carer requirements—OTs can assess real-world suitability before any funding request or purchase is made. 

Dry trials reduce uncertainty, prevent costly mistakes, and give clients confidence that the recommended solution will fit their space, abilities, and long-term needs. 

Dry Trials: Real Cases Where AT Solved the Problem Immediately

Pat, on a self-managed plan, was concerned about falling in the bathroom. Shower Access one of Showerbuddy’s accredited installers based in Sydney, provided an in-home demonstration of different solutions to identify the safest and most suitable option for her. 

Other successful examples of in-home trials include:

• Rita, 82 — unsafe stepping into the shower → Showerbuddy trial in WA done by AC Mobility removed falls risk instantly
• Client with early dementia — complicated bathroom, simple Showerbuddy AT solution trialled in VIC by Coastcare Medical
• Wheelchair user — transfer strain reduced for spouse after a dry trial in SA by MediMart
• Middle-aged stroke survivor — avoided a $16,000 modification through AT trialled by Mobility Rentals and Sales in QLD

Mobility stores across Australia are reporting great success in solving clients mobility challenges in the bathroom using AT.

Showerbuddy can help. Reach out to us if you would like to explore home trial options or to set up a product training session for your team, our trainers will come to you, but book early!!

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4️⃣ The growing trend of equipment hire + purchase options

Why Hire-Then-Buy Is Becoming the New Normal

• OTs report faster approval if the client hires first
• NDIS planners like:
• low upfront cost
• flexibility
• trial-before-buy
• Many clients purchase after a rental period
• Shower Access and Rehab Hire in VIC, as well as many other mobility stores across Australia report seeing a marked uptick in 12-week hire + purchase top-up
• SaH is also beginning to favour “trial first” due to budget tightening

If you have a client wanting to trial and hire to buy equipment reach out to Showerbuddy

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Thank you for reading Access Insights.

My goal is to support therapists, and help clients stay safe at home — without the delays and confusion the system often creates. In researching this article and developing some images I also use AI.

Thank you for supporting Showerbuddy, the whole team is there to help you.

Barry Redican
CEO — Showerbuddy

Contact us for any assistance … admin@shower-buddy.com

Safe access. Smart design. Real independence.

#NDIS #SupportAtHome #OT #Showerbuddy #AssistiveTechnology #AgedCare #BathroomSafety