How Assistive Technology supports independence at home under the Support at Home program?

At Just Better Care, we know the right support is never just about services alone. It is also about making the home environment work better for the person living there. From simple mobility aids to personal alarms and safety improvements, assistive technology can help people continue doing more of the things that matter to them, in the place they know best.

What is assistive technology under Support at Home?

Assistive technology includes equipment, devices and tools that help people manage everyday tasks more safely and independently. Under the Support at Home program, this may include items that improve mobility, reduce fall risk, support personal care, make the bathroom or entryways easier to navigate, or help someone feel more secure living alone.

The Support at Home program caters for this with a dedicated short-term pathway for assistive technology and home modifications (AT-HM). 

This means eligible older Australians may be able to access assessed supports without relying only on their ongoing service budget. 

You can read more in our article on assistive technology and home modifications under Support at Home and on our Support at Home short-term programmes page.

Why the right equipment can make a meaningful difference?

Often, it is the smaller practical changes that have the biggest impact. A shower chair can make personal care feel safer. A walker can build confidence moving from room to room. Grab rails can reduce hesitation in bathrooms and entryways. A personal alarm can provide reassurance to both the individual and their family.

These supports do more than improve safety. They can help preserve routines, reduce frustration and make it easier for people to keep participating in everyday life at home and in the community. That focus on independence and prevention aligns closely with the goals of Support at Home.

A more proactive approach to staying well at home

One of the strongest benefits of assistive technology is that it can be introduced early, before daily tasks become overwhelming or unsafe. Rather than waiting for a fall, hospital stay or major decline, the right support can help reduce risk and maintain independence sooner.

This preventative approach matters because many people do not need large changes all at once. They may only need one or two practical adjustments to continue living well at home. When introduced at the right time, assistive technology can help people keep their confidence, remain active and avoid unnecessary disruption to their lives.

Support should always be tailored to the individual

There is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to assistive technology. The best outcomes come from understanding the person’s goals, routines, home environment and preferences. What works well for one person may not be suitable for another, even if their support needs seem similar on paper.

That is why personalised planning remains so important. Assistive technology works best when it is part of a broader conversation about how someone wants to live, what they want to keep doing, and what practical barriers are getting in the way. Read more about our approach to personalised home care and care planning and how care management under Support at Home helps keep services aligned with changing needs.

Reassurance for families and carers

Assistive technology can also make a real difference for families. Knowing that a loved one has equipment in place to support mobility, personal care or emergency response can ease worry and help families feel more confident about ongoing care arrangements.

Importantly, assistive technology does not replace human care. It works alongside professional support and family involvement to make life at home safer and more manageable. For many households, it becomes part of a balanced approach that supports independence while maintaining connection and peace of mind.

Making the most of the AT-HM short-term pathway

The Assistive Technology and Home Modifications short-term pathway under Support at Home is designed to help eligible participants access practical supports that improve safety, access and independence. For some people, this may mean equipment that helps with everyday living. For others, it may involve home modifications that make key areas of the home easier to use.

Understanding how this pathway works can make it easier to plan ahead and ask the right questions during assessment and care planning. If you are exploring next steps, visit our Support at Home short-term programmes page and learn more about the dedicated assistive technology and home modifications pathway.

Helping older Australians live well, for longer

At its heart, assistive technology is about enabling everyday life. It can help people move more safely, feel more confident, maintain routines and continue living in familiar surroundings for longer. Under the Support at Home program, these practical supports are becoming an even more important part of a well-rounded in-home care plan.

With the right guidance, equipment and care in place, older Australians can continue to make choices about how they live each day while staying connected to home, community and the people around them.