Assistive Technology and Home Modifications Under Support at Home: A Simple Guide for Older Australians

As we get older, everyday tasks can start to feel harder — getting in and out of the shower, moving safely around the house, or managing stairs.

The good news is that the Support at Home program includes extra help through the Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) scheme. This scheme provides separate funding for helpful equipment or changes to your home, so you can stay safe, comfortable and independent at home for longer.

What is the AT-HM scheme?

The AT-HM scheme gives Support at Home participants their own funding pool for assistive technology and/or home modifications. That means you don’t need to “save up” from your regular Support at Home budget to buy a walker or install grab rails — the AT-HM funding is separate from your ongoing services budget.

What is Assistive Technology?

Assistive Technology (AT) is equipment or products that help you do everyday activities more safely and easily. These are chosen based on your assessed needs.

• Mobility aids (walking frames, wheelchairs)
• Shower and bathroom aids (shower chairs, bath boards)
• Toileting supports (commodes, raised toilet seats)
• Other daily-living supports that help with safety or independence

What are Home Modifications?

Home Modifications (HM) are changes made to your home to reduce risk and improve accessibility.

• Grab rails in bathrooms
• Handrails along stairs or hallways
• Ramps for easier entry
• Small bathroom changes for safer showering
• Wider doorways or other access upgrades for mobility needs

Even small modifications can make a big difference to confidence around the home.

How do you get AT-HM funding?

You don’t have to apply separately. During your aged care assessment, the assessor will talk with you about your daily needs. If they decide that assistive technology or home modifications would help, you’ll be approved for the right AT-HM funding tier.

Your approval will appear in your:

• Notice of Decision
• Support plan

AT-HM funding is allocated through a separate priority system, so some people may receive AT-HM funding before their regular ongoing Support at Home funding. You can use the funding once you’ve chosen a provider, such as Just Better Care, and your provider notifies Services Australia.

Funding tiers: how much help is available?

Funding depends on your needs, and there are three tiers for each type of support.

Assistive Technology funding tiers

AT-HM funding can also cover any assessment, guidance, training or set-up support needed to help you use equipment safely (often called “wrap-around supports”).

How long do you have to use the funding?

Generally, AT-HM funds are available for 12 months after your service agreement begins. Some people — for example, those with progressive conditions or more complex modification needs — may be given extra time.

What can you purchase?

The government provides an AT-HM list that shows which items and modifications are covered and whether they need:

• No prescription (simple, low-risk items)
• Professional advice
• A formal prescription from a qualified health professional

The AT-HM list excludes products and equipment that are: 

• more appropriately funded by other government services
• a usual household or discretionary expense
• for use in a workplace
• for mass transit (e.g., public transport)
• for children. 

Your local Just Better Care office will help you interpret the list, choose suitable options, and organise quotes or prescriptions where required.

Do you need to pay anything?

Many AT-HM supports are classed as independence services, so some participants may contribute toward costs depending on income and asset assessments. However, clinical services like professional prescriptions and assessments are funded by the government and can’t be charged to you separately.

If you’re moving from a Home Care Package

If you transitioned from a Home Care Package (HCP) into Support at Home, you will need to use any unspent HCP funds first before accessing AT-HM scheme funding. After that, AT-HM funding can be added through a review if needed.

How can Just Better Care help?

Understanding what supports are available — and organising them — can feel like a lot. That’s where we come in.

Your local Just Better Care team can assist you with:

• Talking through your safety or mobility needs
• Confirming what funding you’re approved for
• Arranging assessments and prescriptions
• Sourcing equipment and trustworthy suppliers
• Coordinating home modifications
• Keeping everything on track so you can access supports smoothly

If you think assistive technology or home modifications could help you stay safe at home, contact your local Just Better Care office.  We’re here to guide you through the options and make the process simple.