Australia is all set to make home stay more comfortable and easy for the elderly and people with disabilities after a DIY app was launched on 23rd of May 2017 by UNSW Researchers. This app known as DIYmodify App is first of its kind, aiming at home improvement process to be made easier for older Australians. The app will link the UNSW’s HMinfo Clearinghouse website which provides the most upto date information on home improvement methods.
DIYmodify App is funded by the Department of Family and Community Services. The app will help the consumers in making decisions related to purchasing five common household modifications including grab rails and handheld showers. The HMinfo Clearinghouse analysed data about what are the purchases that are generally made by people with disability and aged people in Australia by taking data from the largest national hardware chain. The five products that showed most purchases are included in the app for now. These are grabrails, handrails, hand-held showers, shower infills and small ramps.
UNSW Associate Professor Catherine Bridge, Director of the HMinfo Clearinghouse said, “Our aim is to keep people better informed, safer and able to stay in their homes for longer. When people complete their own home modifications, they can choose the products they want and have control over the process – the DIYmodify App is designed to assist them with this and shows that grab rails and ramps can be installed in a way that won’t make their home look like a hospital.”
NSW Minister for Disability Services Ray Williams launched the app and said, “I’m proud our government is supporting initiatives that allow people with disability to customise their homes exactly how they want them. It replicates the goals of the NDIS, empowering people with disability to live life their way.” This app is sure to help the people who want to live by themselves independently in their homes longer.
Stressing upon the necessity of the app, UNSW said that around 15,000 DIY home improvements and modifications are done by people in NSW alone who have some disability. Thus there is a requirement of making the work easy. The app aims at doing the same. The app assists you in selecting a product from the selection present based upon your requirements. There are clear instructions as well on how to install the fittings.
One can download the app here. The app is free and is available on both iPhone/iPad and Android devices.
