Accessing AT-HM Supports: A Guide to Prescribing, Delivery and the AT Loans Scheme

What is the AT-HM Scheme?

AT-HM means ‘Assistive Technology and Home Modifications scheme’. 

The AT-HM scheme's main goal is to support older Australians stay in their homes for longer by removing barriers to independence, and enhancing daily functioning. 

The scheme aims to do so by: 

• improving safety and accessibility within the home environment, 
• supporting independence and quality of life for older Australians, and 
• reducing the need for premature entry into residential aged care facilities. 

The three AT-HM funding tiers

The three AT-HM funding tiers are designed to match different levels of need. 

Low Level - $500 

This covers smaller items that make daily tasks easier. Examples include grab rails for the bathroom, non-slip mats for the shower, or a shower seat. 

Medium Level - $2,000 

This tier helps with equipment like walking frames, wheelchairs, or special toilet seats. It might also cover things like stair handrails or better lighting in hallways. 

High Level - $15,000 or more

For bigger changes like wheelchair ramps, bathroom modifications, or stairlifts. If a participant needs assistive technology that exceeds the  maximum $15,000, it is possible with a valid prescription from a health professional. 

What’s covered under the AT-HM Scheme?

The scheme covers a comprehensive range of items and modifications to address multiple aspects of daily living, from physical safety to cognitive support, including:

Assistive Technology

• walkers 
• pressure-cushions 
• communication aids
• digital calendars
• medication reminders 
• memory aids for dementia care
• pressure-relieving mattresses

Home Modifications 

• ramps 
• grab rails
• accessible showers
• automated lighting systems
• stairlifts

Who prescribes AT-HM supports?

AT-HM supports are prescribed by qualified health professionals who assess individual needs and determine appropriate interventions. 

The professional assessment process considers the person's current abilities, safety concerns, home environment, and goals for independent living. 

This comprehensive evaluation helps determine not only what equipment might be beneficial, but also ensures that prescribed items will help to match the right solutions to specific functional needs.

How AT-HM supports are delivered

The AT-HM scheme will provide eligible Support at Home participants with upfront funding for assistive technology and home modifications -a significant shift from previous models where older Australians needed to accumulate funds gradually. 

This funding approach removes one of the most significant barriers that previously prevented timely access to necessary equipment. Rather than waiting months or years to save sufficient funds, Support at Home participants can now access their prescribed supports when they need them.

The delivery system recognises that assistive technology and home modification needs often arise suddenly, perhaps following a hospitalisation or change in health. 

By providing immediate access to funding, the scheme can respond to these urgent situations more effectively, supporting people to return home safely and maintain their independence.

Understanding the AT Loans Scheme

The National Assistive Technology Loans Scheme (AT Loans Scheme) is being established as part of the AT-HM scheme, starting rollout from November 1, 2025

The loans approach addresses several practical challenges that people may face when accessing assistive technology. 

Some equipment may only be needed temporarily during recovery periods, whilst other items might require trial periods to ensure they meet individual needs before making permanent purchases. 

The loans model also provides access to expensive equipment that might otherwise be unaffordable, and allows for equipment upgrades as needs change over time.

Here’s an example of how you can use an AT loan: 

Jenny is recovering from hip surgery and might need a walking frame for six weeks, a shower chair for three months, and grab rails permanently installed. 

Rather than purchasing all these items outright, the loans scheme provides Jenny with temporary access to the walking frame and shower chair, whilst the permanent grab rails would be provided through the broader AT-HM funding. 

The AT Loans Scheme will be delivered in partnership with state and territory governments with staged implementation after 1 November 2025. The start dates will vary across different states and territories, allowing for tailored implementation that considers local infrastructure and resources.

How to access the AT-HM Scheme 

The pathway starts when someone applies for or receives Support at Home services. During the comprehensive assessment, the assessors will identify potential AT-HM needs. The process involves connecting with appropriate health professionals for formal prescriptions. 

These prescriptions then trigger access to the funding streams, whether through direct purchase funding or through the loans scheme for temporary or trial equipment.

The integrated approach means that participants don't need to navigate separate application processes for different types of support. Instead, their comprehensive assessment covers all aspects of their needs, streamlining access to the full range of available supports through a single entry point.

The bigger picture

Understanding the AT-HM scheme within the broader context of aged care reform highlights the importance of the scheme.. 

This programme represents a shift towards more responsive, individualised support that addresses barriers in people’s physical environment alongside their care services. By removing financial pressures and providing professional assessments, the scheme aims to support successful aging at home for more Australians, reducing pressure on the residential aged care system whilst improving quality of life for older adults and their families.