Empowering Seniors: Safer Living Through Assistive Technology and Home Changes

From 1 July 2025, aged care is entering a new era. The Support at Home program will reshape how older Australians access services—placing greater emphasis on flexibility, personalisation, and living well at home. A key feature of this new system is how it supports essential equipment and modifications that keep people safe and comfortable in their familiar surroundings.

What’s New?

Currently, under the Home Care Package (HCP) Program, participants can accumulate savings over time and use these for large one-off items—such as mobility aids or home upgrades. But with Support at Home, this model changes.

New participants joining Support at Home will only be allowed to roll over a maximum of $1,000 or 10% of their quarterly support funds—whichever is higher. To ensure access to vital aids remains possible, a separate, upfront funding stream known as the Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) Scheme will be available.

For those transitioning from an HCP to Support at Home:

• If you still have unspent HCP funds and haven’t been reassessed, these can be used for eligible items on the AT-HM list. Providers must record the reason for the purchase and retain relevant documentation.
• If you’ve been reassessed and allocated an AT-HM tier, your unspent HCP funds must be used first before tapping into the AT-HM Scheme funding.
• If you don’t have any remaining HCP funds and need assistive supports, your provider can help organise a Support Plan Review, with your consent, through an aged care assessor.

What Does Assistive Technology Include?

Assistive Technology helps you live more independently and safely. Examples include:

• Mobility devices like walkers or scooters
• Reclining beds and over-toilet aids
• Kettle tippers and ergonomic kitchen tools
• Medication reminders and talking clocks
• Personal alert systems and communication tools

What Are Home Modifications?

Home Modifications involve changes to make your home easier to navigate and safer to live in. This could involve:

• Grab rails, ramps, or non-slip surfaces
• Walk-in showers and bathroom upgrades
• Widened accessways or lower benchtops
• Sensor lighting or kitchen layout changes

How the Funding Works

This funding isn’t drawn from your core care budget. It’s a standalone allocation based on an assessment of your specific needs and is provided in three levels:

Tier	Value	Validity
Low	$500	12 months
Medium	$2,000	12 months
High	$15,000+*	12 months+

* Higher-tier funding may require a formal prescription and can be extended where appropriate.

What’s the Process?

1. Assessment – Your needs are reviewed as part of your aged care assessment or support plan review.
2. Tier Allocation – You’ll be matched to a funding level that reflects your situation.
3. Prescription – More complex items and all home changes require input from a qualified professional, like an occupational therapist.
4. Delivery & Setup – Your provider arranges supply, installation, and if needed, training—covered by the AT-HM funds.

Your Sunshine Coast Team Is Here to Help

At Home Care Assistance Sunshine Coast, we guide you through every step—from selecting the right item to helping with paperwork and approvals. We work closely with assessors, health professionals, and our clients to make sure your home continues to be a safe and empowering place.

Contact our friendly team about your options under Support at Home and how we can help you make the most of your AT-HM funding.