Accessing Assistive Technology & Home Modifications Under the Support at Home Program
Remaining safe, confident and independent at home often requires more than daily support — it also depends on having the right equipment and home setup.
Through Australia’s updated Support at Home Program, older adults can now receive dedicated funding for Assistive Technology (AT) and home modifications through the AT–HM scheme.
At Home Care Assistance Central Coast, we help you understand what’s available, arrange clinical assessments, coordinate approved works, and ensure your home remains supportive as your needs evolve.
What Is the AT–HM Funding Stream?
As part of the government’s aged-care reforms, the Assistive Technology & Home Modifications (AT–HM) scheme provides eligible older people with practical supports that improve mobility, reduce risks, and make daily life easier.
This funding helps you:
- Access essential equipment such as walking aids, shower stools, and personal safety devices
- Make functional home updates like handrails, ramps, or safer bathroom layouts
- Improve overall accessibility and comfort within your home
All recommendations are based on assessed clinical need, ensuring the support is personalised and appropriate.
Why AT & Home Modifications Are Important
Improving Home Safety
Many incidents — especially slips and falls — can be prevented by simple environmental changes. Railings, non-slip surfaces, lighting improvements and structural adjustments create a safer home and reduce avoidable hospital visits.
Supporting Everyday Independence
Items such as adjustable beds, raised toilet seats or mobility aids help maintain independence by reducing strain and supporting safer movement.
Protecting Long-Term Wellbeing
Adapting your home early can reduce future risks and support ongoing mobility, allowing you to remain living at home for as long as possible.
Tailored Recommendations
Clinical assessments ensure modifications or equipment match your home layout, lifestyle, health needs, and personal preferences.
How the Process Works
1. Identifying the Need
It often begins when you, a family member or a health professional notices a task becoming difficult — for example, navigating stairs, showering safely, or transferring between rooms.
2. Assessment & Approval
An Allied Health Professional must confirm that the item or modification is:
- What equipment or modification is necessary
- Whether it addresses your assessed needs
- How it will improve your safety, independence, or comfort
- If it offers value for money
Your assessment may be completed by an:
- Occupational Therapist
- Physiotherapist
- Registered Nurse
They’ll visit your home and help identify what will support you best.
3. Quotes Must Be Obtained
Depending on what you need:
- Simple, low-cost Assistive Technology usually requires one quote
- Higher-cost items or structural home modifications require multiple quotes
They’ll visit your home and help identify what will support you best.
4. Submission Through My Aged Care
Your assessor prepares a formal recommendation that outlines:
- What is needed
- Why it is needed
- Expected benefits
- Supporting quotes
- Any risks if it isn’t approved
This recommendation is then submitted through the My Aged Care portal where the Support at Home approval process is managed.
5. Review & Approval
Approval is not automatic. The My Aged Care team considers:
- Your assessed needs
- Whether the request aligns with the Assistive Technology & Home Modifications Framework
- Your Support at Home budget
- Value for money
My Aged Care will then contact you directly to book an assessment. Turnaround times can vary depending on your level of priority and assessor availability.
6. Installation or Equipment Purchase
Once approved:
- Assistive Technology is ordered
- Builders or tradespeople complete modifications
- Safety checks are performed if needed
Our team organises each step and liaises with your clinical assessor.
7. Training & Follow-Up
Your Allied Health Professional will show you how to use your new equipment safely and will follow up over time to make sure it continues to meet your needs.
8. Ongoing Review
Needs may change, so equipment can be upgraded, repaired, or replaced when required. Your Care Partner can assist with maintenance and future planning.
Types of AT & Modifications
Mobility Support
Walkers, canes, scooters, or wheelchairs assist safe movement.
Bathroom Adjustments
Shower chairs, grab rails, handheld shower heads, and non-slip improvements.
Improving Access Around the Home
Ramps, threshold adjustments, widened doorways, or handrails.
Bedroom Enhancements
Bed rails, adjustable beds, pressure-relief mattresses, and task lighting.
Daily Living Tools
Adaptive utensils, reachers, long-handled aids, and voice-activated devices.
How Home Care Assistance Central Coast Supports You
Clear Guidance
We help you understand what is funded through the Support at Home Program.
Allied Health Collaboration
We work closely with preferred qualified Allied Health Professionals to ensure safe and suitable recommendations.
Coordination & Trusted Local Suppliers
We organise quotes, schedules, installations and equipment orders, working with reliable trades and suppliers familiar with aged-care standards.
Ongoing Support
After installation, we remain available to ensure everything continues to meet your needs.
Before You Begin — Things to Keep in Mind
- Start early: some assessments have waiting periods
- Prioritise safety: urgent risks are addressed first
- Use qualified professionals: compliance and safety are essential
- Plan for maintenance: some devices require servicing
- Funding is based on need: not all preferences will be approved
Next Steps
Book a consultation with Home Care Assistance Central Coast to explore Assistive Technology and home modifications that support your safety, comfort, and independence.
Here to Support You, Always
We’re here with ongoing support, guidance, and quality in-home care to help you live safely, confidently, and independently.
Visit us: Suite 4 and 5, 160 The Entrance Road, Erina NSW 2250
Call our team: (02) 4306 7696
Explore more: www.homecareassistancecentralcoast.com.au
Join Our Team
Home Care Assistance Central Coast is currently hiring dedicated care professionals to support older Australians from Woy Woy to Lake Munmorah and everywhere in between.
If you’re caring, dependable, and passionate about making a real difference — we want to hear from you.
Email us at: support@hcasupport.com.au
Or apply directly via our Careers Page