Home Modifications in Aboriginal Housing

Authors Bridge, C., Davy, L., Millikan, L., Walls, R.
Published 1st July 2012
Audience Consumers, Government/NGOs/Peaks, Industry, Librarians/Researchers/Students
ISBN 978-0-7334-30

Current housing provision for Aboriginal people is inappropriate due to its lack of cultural relevance, incompatibility with the geographic landscape, poor design and state of disrepair, and its inability to cater to the functional impairment of Aboriginal older people and people with disabilities. Inadequate housing supply, inappropriate home environments and a high incidence of disability and long-term health issues has led to compounded disadvantage, which means that many Aboriginal people with disabilities may face heightened difficulties. The complex relationship between inadequate housing supply, poor housing conditions, overcrowding, and health and disability needs to be explored further in order to design the most effective home environments in remote Aboriginal communities.

Table of Contents

• Acknowledgements
• Acknowledgement of Country
• Liability statement
• Reproduction of material
• Language use
• Contents
• Introduction
  • Background
  • Aims and methods
  • Structure of this report
• Home environments and health in Aboriginal communities
  • The home environment, home modifications, and wellbeing
  • The home environment, home modifications, and specific health conditions
    • Endocrine, nutritional and metabolic diseases
    • Diseases of the circulatory system
    • Otitis media and glue ear
    • Blindness and ocular impairments
    • Infestation and infection
    • Machado Joseph Disease
    • Cognitive impairments
• General considerations in designing effective home environments for Aboriginal clients
  • Culturally appropriate housing
    • Home-like environment
    • Importance of country
    • Outdoor living
    • Family and kin groups
  • Housing and healthy living practices
    • Sanitation
    • Hygiene and cleanliness
    • Pest and parasite management
  • Housing and the environment
    • Landscape fit
    • Building and construction materials
• Conclusion
• References