Assistive Technology

Supporting Independence, Safety, and Quality of Life at Home

As we age, everyday tasks can become more challenging. Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) are designed to help older Australians live safely, comfortably, and independently in their own homes for as long as possible.

Under the Support at Home program, eligible participants may access funding for assistive equipment and home modifications that support mobility, personal care, safety, and daily living.

At Mirae Aged Care Cabramatta, we assist clients and families through the entire AT-HM process — from identifying needs to coordinating assessments, applications, purchasing, and installation.


What Is Assistive Technology?

Assistive Technology refers to equipment or devices that help a person perform tasks they may otherwise find difficult due to ageing, illness, disability, or reduced mobility.

These supports are tailored to individual needs and aim to promote independence while reducing the risk of injury or hospitalisation.

Examples include:

The right equipment can make a significant difference — not only for the individual but also for family members and carers.


What Are Home Modifications?

Home Modifications involve structural changes to make the home safer and easier to navigate.

Common modifications may include:

These changes can help prevent falls, support mobility, and allow people to remain in familiar surroundings with dignity and confidence.


Who Can Access AT-HM Funding?

Funding for Assistive Technology and Home Modifications is available to eligible participants under the Support at Home program following appropriate assessment.

Typically, this involves:

Our team can help coordinate these steps and liaise with health professionals and suppliers on your behalf.


How Mirae Aged Care Cabramatta Can Help

Navigating AT-HM applications can feel complex, especially when urgent needs arise. Mirae Aged Care Cabramatta provides comprehensive support throughout the process.

We can assist with:

Our goal is to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible.


Why Assistive Technology Matters

Appropriate equipment and home modifications can:

✔ Reduce falls and injury risks
✔ Improve mobility and daily functioning
✔ Support personal care independence
✔ Reduce strain on family carers
✔ Enable people to remain at home longer
✔ Enhance overall wellbeing and confidence

Investing in the right supports today can prevent more serious health complications in the future.


Personalised, Culturally Sensitive Support

At Mirae Aged Care Cabramatta, we understand that every individual’s needs, preferences, and living situation are unique. We also provide culturally appropriate support for diverse communities, ensuring clear communication with clients and families.

If you or your loved one may benefit from Assistive Technology or Home Modifications, our team is here to help explore the available options.


Need Advice or Support?

If you would like more information about Assistive Technology and Home Modifications under the Support at Home program, please contact Mirae Aged Care Cabramatta.

We are here to support your independence, safety, and comfort — every step of the way.

Assistive Technology
HomeCaring Care worker pushing a client in a wheelchair through a living room

Approved Assistive Equipment Covered by Your Funding

What Can and Cannot Be Approved

Under government-funded programs such as Support at Home and NDIS, assistive equipment (Assistive Technology) is designed to support individuals with age-related needs or disability, helping them live safely, independently, and with greater comfort at home.

However, not all items are eligible for funding.


? What Is Assistive Equipment?

Assistive equipment refers to items that are specifically required due to ageing, disability, or functional limitations.

These items must:

  • Support safety, mobility, or independence
  • Be directly related to a person’s care needs
  • Be recommended through assessment (often by an Occupational Therapist)
  • Be considered reasonable and necessary

✅ Examples of Funded Assistive Equipment

Items that may be approved (subject to assessment) include:

  • Mobility aids (e.g. walkers, wheelchairs)
  • Shower chairs and bathroom safety equipment
  • Electric beds and pressure care mattresses
  • Transfer aids (e.g. hoists)
  • Home safety modifications (e.g. grab rails, ramps)

? These items are directly linked to ageing or disability needs


❌ What Is Not Usually Approved?

General household items are not typically funded, even if they are useful.

This is because they are:

  • Used by the general population
  • Not specifically related to ageing or disability
  • Not considered “reasonable and necessary” under funding rules

Examples include:

  • Standard furniture (e.g. regular beds, chairs, tables)
  • Kitchen appliances (e.g. kettle, microwave, air fryer)
  • General household goods (e.g. vacuum cleaner, TV)
  • Items purchased from general retail platforms without clinical justification

⚠️ Why These Rules Exist

Government funding is designed to support specific care needs, not everyday living expenses.

To be approved, equipment must clearly demonstrate that it:

  • Addresses a functional limitation
  • Reduces risk (e.g. falls, injury)
  • Improves independence or quality of life

? Assessment and Approval Process

Most assistive equipment requires:

  1. Assessment by a qualified professional (e.g. Occupational Therapist)
  2. Clinical justification for the item
  3. Approval before purchase
  4. Purchase from an appropriate or specialised supplier

? How Mirae Aged Care Can Help

At Mirae Aged Care Cabramatta, we support you through the entire process by:

  • Helping you understand what can be funded
  • Coordinating assessments (e.g. OT)
  • Assisting with quotes and approvals
  • Managing purchases and claims

? Making the Right Choice

Choosing the right assistive equipment can make a significant difference to safety, comfort, and independence.

Our team is here to guide you — ensuring every item is appropriate, approved, and truly beneficial for your needs.

Assistive Technology Funding Tiers

Funding levels

Classification Definition Description Examples
Classification 1 (simple, low-risk AT solutions) low in cost and come with a low level of risk level of risk the individual identifies and buys these items themselves from everyday suppliers, such as the local pharmacy. These items need very little set up and assistance to use essentially includes daily living solutions and daily adaptive equipment Non-slip bathmats, adapted grip equipment, continence pads, bedding protectors, large print labels and doorbells
Classification 2 (standard AT solutions) Standard products can be purchased off the shelf from an Assistive Technology supplier You can test these products before deciding on a final choice. Depending on your individual circumstance, you may require an assessment. Only minor adjustments are needed to the item before use Bath seats, ramps and handrails, simple bathing and toileting devices, chair raisers, slide sheets and transfer equipment and orthotics
Classification 3 (specialised AT solutions) While similar to standard assisted technology, this level of AT often needs to be modified to suit your specific needs An assessment is required, as an experienced professional is required to help identify and set up these items Home modifications such as the adaptation of a bathroom area, desktop electronic magnification, power wheelchairs, products to help you do things your disability stops your body from doing,pressure mattresses, equipment that moves and lifts you, environmental control units, non-standard beds
Classification 4 (Complex AT solutions) This equipment is not available on the shelf and is usually custom-made to suit the individual It can be configured specifically for one person’s requirements rather than being a system that will suit the needs of multiple people. Ongoing specialist support (including specialised training) is required to identify, buy and use these items Home modifications that are considered to be complex, cochlear implants, myoelectric prosthetics and implant speech processes

Frequently Asked Questions

NDIS Assistive Technology (AT) refers to equipment, devices, or systems that help people with disability perform everyday tasks more safely and independently.

These supports are funded under the NDIS when they are considered reasonable and necessary, and directly related to your disability and support needs.

? Examples of Assistive Technology

Assistive technology may include:

  • Mobility aids (e.g. wheelchairs, walkers)
  • Shower chairs and bathroom safety equipment
  • Communication devices
  • Pressure care mattresses or specialised bedding
  • Transfer equipment (e.g. hoists)

⚠️ Important to Know

  • Items must be directly related to your disability
  • Funding depends on your NDIS plan and approval
  • Some equipment requires a professional assessment (e.g. Occupational Therapist)
  • General household items are usually not funded

Not all items are funded as NDIS Assistive Technology. To be approved, equipment must be reasonable and necessary, directly related to your disability, and support your functional needs.

Items that do not meet these criteria are generally not funded.


❌ Common Items Not Included

The following are usually not covered under NDIS Assistive Technology:

  • General household items used by everyone (e.g. standard furniture, TVs, appliances)
  • Everyday living expenses (e.g. rent, groceries, utility bills)
  • Items not related to your disability
  • Products without clinical justification or assessment (when required)
  • Equipment purchased from non-approved or general retail sources without evidence
  • Luxury, recreational, or non-essential items

⚠️ Why These Items Are Not Funded

NDIS funding is intended to support disability-related needs, not general day-to-day living costs.

To be approved, assistive technology must:

  • Help you complete tasks you cannot do independently
  • Reduce risk or improve safety
  • Increase your independence or participation
  • Be recommended where required by a qualified professional

To access funding for NDIS Assistive Technology (AT), the equipment must be included in your NDIS plan and considered reasonable and necessary to support your disability and daily living needs.


? Steps to Access Funding

1. Check Your NDIS Plan
Your plan must include funding for assistive technology (usually under Capital Supports or Core Supports, depending on the item).


2. Identify Your Needs
Work with your support team to determine what equipment will help improve your safety, independence, or daily functioning.


3. Assessment (If Required)
For more complex equipment, you may need an assessment from a qualified professional, such as an:

  • Occupational Therapist (OT)
  • Physiotherapist
  • Rehabilitation specialist

They will provide recommendations and a supporting report.


4. Obtain Quotes
You may need one or more quotes for the equipment, especially for higher-cost or customised items.


5. Submit for Approval (If Needed)
Some items require approval from the NDIS before purchase, particularly mid to high-cost assistive technology.


6. Purchase and Claim
Once approved, the equipment can be purchased through your plan funding, either:

  • Directly by your provider, or
  • Reimbursed if self-managed

⚠️ Important to Know

  • The item must be directly related to your disability
  • It must provide functional benefit or increased independence
  • Not all items are automatically approved
  • Higher-cost equipment requires stronger clinical evidence

Support at Home (SAH) Assistive Technology refers to equipment, devices, or home modifications that help older people live safely, independently, and comfortably in their own homes.

These supports are funded under the Support at Home Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) Scheme, based on your assessed needs.


? What Does It Include?

Assistive Technology under SAH may include:

  • Mobility aids (e.g. walkers, wheelchairs)
  • Bathroom safety equipment (e.g. shower chairs, grab rails)
  • Electric beds and pressure care mattresses
  • Transfer equipment (e.g. hoists)
  • Minor or major home modifications (e.g. ramps, bathroom changes)

⚠️ Important to Know

  • Items must be related to ageing or functional limitations
  • Equipment must be approved before purchase
  • Some items require an Occupational Therapist (OT) assessment
  • Funding is provided through different tiers based on cost and complexity
  • General household items are usually not funded

To access funding for Assistive Technology under the Support at Home program, the equipment must be approved through the AT-HM Scheme and be directly related to your care needs, safety, and independence at home.


? Steps to Access Funding

1. Assessment of Your Needs
Your care needs are assessed through My Aged Care to determine what supports, including equipment, may be required.


2. Identify Suitable Equipment
Your care provider or care manager will work with you to identify equipment that supports your mobility, safety, or daily living.


3. Clinical Assessment (If Required)
For more complex equipment, an assessment by a qualified professional (such as an Occupational Therapist) is required to provide recommendations.


4. Determine Funding Tier (AT-HM)
Your request will be considered under one of the Assistive Technology funding tiers, based on:

  • Cost of the equipment
  • Complexity of your needs
  • Level of clinical justification

5. Approval Before Purchase
Equipment must be approved before it is purchased. Items bought without approval may not be reimbursed.


6. Purchase and Claim
Once approved, the equipment can be purchased through your provider and claimed under your SAH funding.


⚠️ Important to Know

  • Equipment must be related to ageing or functional limitations
  • General household items are not funded
  • Items must be clinically justified where required
  • Funding is separate from your regular service budget

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