As Australian governments race to build new homes to combat the national housing shortage, worries are emerging over the suitability of these constructions for the aging population. Among the major concerns is that many of the new homes may not adequately meet the needs of elderly individuals, adding pressure on the necessity for designs that are accessible for people living with disabilities. The push for mandatory design standards in new builds, specifically focused on enhancing accessibility for those with disabilities, is seen as a potential solution to this issue.
With most jurisdictions, except New South Wales and Western Australia, having endorsed the mandatory Livable Housing Design Standard as part of the National Construction Code, the aim is to ensure that all new homes meet specific accessibility requirements. These standards include features such as step-free entrances, wider doors, and corridors to accommodate wheelchairs and walking aids, and accessible showers. The cost estimates to implement these accessible design standards range from $2,900 to $4,400 per home, with the intention to provide people living with disability, especially those under 65, more opportunities to live independently in the community while also enabling aging individuals to stay at home for longer periods.
Former Disability Royal Commissioner Rhonda Galbally emphasized the importance for New South Wales and Western Australia to adopt these standards, pointing out that the lack of access to suitable housing leaves individuals with disabilities facing limited options, including undesirable choices like segregated housing or group homes. The advocacy for consistent accessibility standards nationwide stems from the belief that most people prefer to live in their own homes in the community. This standardization is being urged not only for its benefits to people with disabilities but also for the aging population, as projections indicate that by 2050, around a quarter of Australians will be over 65 years old.