Enhancing Independence: Assistive Technology and Home Modifications Under Support at Home
From 1 July 2025, the new Support at Home program will transform the way aged care services are delivered—offering more tailored, flexible support for older Australians. One of the key changes is the way funding works for larger purchases, like assistive technology and home modifications. These supports can make a world of difference, helping people remain safe, comfortable, and independent in their own homes.
What’s Changing?
Under the current Home Care Package (HCP) Program, participants can accumulate unspent funds over time, which are often used for more significant purchases—like assistive equipment or home modifications. However, with the transition to the Support at Home (SaH) Program from 1 July 2025, the way these funds are managed will change.
For those new to the SaH Program, the ability to roll over funds will be limited to $1,000 or 10% of the quarterly care budget (whichever is greater). To ensure older Australians still have access to essential aids and equipment, the Government will introduce a separate Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) Scheme, designed specifically to fund these items based on individual need.
For those transitioning from a Home Care Package to Support at Home:
- If a participant has unspent HCP funds and has not yet undergone a reassessment, these funds can be used to purchase items from the AT-HM list. The provider must document and justify the purchase, keeping all evidence to support it.
- If a participant has been reassessed and allocated an AT-HM funding tier, any remaining HCP unspent funds must be used first before the Government-funded AT-HM allocation can be accessed.
- If no HCP unspent funds are available and AT-HM support is needed, providers may—with the participant’s consent—refer them for a Support Plan Review by an Aged Care Assessor to access an appropriate AT-HM funding tier.
What Is Assistive Technology?
Assistive Technology (AT) includes devices, equipment, and tools that help people perform everyday tasks more easily and safely. These might include:
- Walking frames, wheelchairs, and mobility scooters
- Shower chairs and non-slip bathroom aids
- Adjustable beds or recliners
- Kitchen aids like adaptive cutlery and kettle tippers
- Communication devices
- Memory aids (e.g. talking clocks, medication reminders)
- Personal emergency alarms
What Are Home Modifications?
Home Modifications (HM) are changes made to a person’s home to make it safer and easier to navigate. These could include:
- Grab rails and handrails
- Non-slip flooring or ramps
- Widened doorways for wheelchair access
- Level-access showers and bathroom upgrades
- Improved lighting or motion sensors
- Modifications to kitchen or laundry layouts
How Will Funding Work?
Rather than using your regular care budget, funding for Assistive Technology and Home Modifications will be drawn from a dedicated AT-HM allocation based on your assessed needs. This funding is upfront and separate, meaning you don’t have to save up over time.
There are three tiers of AT-HM funding:
| Tier | Amount | Duration |
| Low | $500 | 12 months |
| Medium | $2,000 | 12 months |
| High | $15,000 (or more with prescription) | 12 months (extensions available) |
In some cases, funding can be extended or combined across years depending on a participant’s condition or equipment needs.
How to Apply
- Get Assessed: During your aged care assessment or support plan review, your needs will be reviewed by an Aged Care Assessor.
- Funding Tier Approved: If eligible, a funding tier will be allocated to you based on your assessed needs.
- Prescription Required: For high-cost or complex equipment and all home modifications, a prescription or recommendation is needed from a qualified health professional (e.g. an occupational therapist).
- Coordination & Installation: Your provider will coordinate supply, delivery, installation, and training (where needed). Coordination costs are included in the AT-HM budget.
At Home Care Assistance, we work closely with assessors and therapists to make this process smooth, and ensure your supports are appropriate and tailored to your goals.
Supporting You Every Step of the Way
We understand how important it is to feel safe and confident at home. That’s why we integrate Assistive Technology and Home Modifications into our care planning, helping you make informed decisions and get the most out of your funding.
Whether it’s helping you choose the right equipment, coordinating installation, or supporting you through the application process, we’re here for you.
Contact our team to learn more about more about Support at Home and how we can help you access the right supports through the AT-HM Scheme and remain independent at home.