Is assistive technology covered by Home Care Package funding?

Yes, assistive technology can be covered by your Home Care Package funding. Assistive technology encompasses a wide range of devices and equipment that help you perform daily activities that might otherwise be difficult.

Currently

Your Home Care Package can fund various assistive technologies directly supporting your care needs and independence. These might include mobility aids like walking frames or wheelchairs that help you move around safely. Personal alarms or emergency call systems are commonly funded items that provide peace of mind, knowing you can quickly call for help if needed. 

Specialised equipment like magnifiers or amplified telephones might be covered for those with vision or hearing impairments. Even seemingly simple items like shower chairs, toilet risers, or specialised eating utensils can significantly improve your daily comfort and independence.

When considering assistive technology through your current package, the key question is whether the item addresses an assessed need and helps you maintain or improve your independence at home. Your care manager can help you determine if a specific piece of technology meets these criteria and fits within your package budget.

Looking ahead

The introduction of the Support at Home Program on 1 November 2025 will bring significant changes to how assistive technology is funded and accessed. Instead of drawing from your core service budget, assistive technology will be funded through a dedicated Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) Scheme. This means you won't have to choose between ongoing services and the equipment you need – both will have their own funding streams.

The new scheme will operate with tiered funding levels:

• Low (under $500)
• Medium (up to $2,000)
• High (up to $15,000)

There will also be potential for higher funding in special circumstances, particularly for assistive technology that requires a professional prescription. These funds will generally need to be used within 12 months.

This change recognises that assistive technology often involves one-off or occasional purchases rather than ongoing costs, and separating these from your regular service budget makes a lot of sense. It should streamline accessing the necessary equipment while ensuring your day-to-day services aren't compromised.

If you're considering assistive technology now, it's worth discussing with your provider whether to proceed under the current system or whether waiting for the new scheme might be more beneficial in your specific case. They can help you weigh factors like urgency of need, current package budget constraints, and the potential benefits of the new scheme.