Introducing the Support at Home program, which allows for separate funding of assistive technology and home modifications through the Assistive Technology and Home Modifications Scheme (AT-HM). It is crucial to familiarize yourself with the revised list of inclusions and exclusions under this scheme. This AT- HM scheme is designed to support older Australians, including those with a disability who are ineligible for the National Disability Insurance Scheme because of the age cut-off, to remain living independently at home.
The anticipated results of a new AT-HM program reveal a significant consensus among stakeholders regarding the critical aspects of:
- providing timely support with adequate funding,
- enhancing transparency concerning the inclusions and exclusions of supports, particularly regarding supplementary services such as trials and educational programs for AT-HM usage, and
- the advantages of implementing a loan program.
However, there exist divergent opinions among stakeholders regarding the authorization to prescribe AT-HM and the clarification of roles and responsibilities in its implementation. This includes considerations of accountability, communication, and the capacity and competency of the workforce.
Objectives
The objective of the new AT-HM scheme is to ensure that older Australians have timely access to safe assistive technology and home modifications to help them live independently at home.
Principles
Principles
During the co-design process, participants were asked to provide feedback on a set of principles derived from the World Health Organization and UNICEF. These principles were then updated based on the feedback received during the co-design process. The summarized principles are as follows:
- Accessibility – Products, services, facilities, systems, and information should be accessible, available in a timely manner, and provided equitably.
- Adaptability – AT-HM products and services should be adaptable to the needs of individuals and responsive to their changing needs and goals over time.
- Suitability – AT-HM should meet the needs of older Australians, empowering them to make choices and have control over their AT-HM following their assessed care needs.
- Value for money – The scheme should provide value for money to eligible Australians, as well as to the broader Australian community and government.
The provisions that the scheme may offer?
Proper support before and after accessing equipment can help ensure that Assistive Technology in Home Modification (AT-HM) is utilized effectively to prevent decline in older Australians. Stakeholders have suggested a range of complementary services, including:
- Preventative services
- Triage, aged care assessment, and prescription of AT-HM
- Referrals
- Trials and ordering
- Delivery and installation
- Ongoing support as needed
- Reviews and reassessments
For detailed information about each wrap-around support service, please refer to the
Department of Health’s website.
AT-HM risk classifications
The Department of Health and Aged Care has released a comprehensive list outlining the items covered by the AT-HM Scheme. These inclusions are categorized into three main groups:
- Low-risk: Everyday products that are affordable, uncomplicated, and do not necessitate a prescription or customization.
- Under advice: Low-risk items that could benefit from expert guidance to guarantee proper selection, installation, or other considerations.
- Prescribed: Items that mandate a prescription from a qualified healthcare professional.
Below are three funding tiers for assistive technology and three tiers for home modifications. Each tier will have a set time during which funding must be used; AT-HM funding will not accrue over time.
Much like the Support at Home service list, the AT-HM Scheme will indicate what products, equipment, and modifications are available. Final funding tiers will be made official before the program commences, but you can view the tables below to get an idea of the allocations.
|
Assistive Technology Funding Tier |
Funding Allocation Cap |
Time Allocated to Expend Funding |
|
Low |
$500 |
12 months |
|
Medium |
$2,000 |
12 months |
|
High |
$15,000* |
12 months |
*Higher amounts for AT may be approved with a prescription.
|
Home Modifications Funding Tier |
Funding Allocation Cap |
Time Allocated to Expend Funding |
|
Low |
$500 |
12 months |
|
Medium |
$2,000 |
12 months |
|
High |
$5,000 |
12 months |
What are conditional inclusions?
Conditional inclusions are items that require additional eligibility criteria before funding is available. For instance, older individuals with incontinence may qualify for the Continence Aids Payment Scheme (CAPS) to cover costs. Once CAPS funding is depleted, these items can then be purchased using the AT-HM Scheme.
What is excluded?
Items that cannot be funded through the AT-HM Scheme are classified as exclusions. Exclusions fall into two categories:
- Currently funded by others: Items that are already funded under other Support at Home streams (e.g., wound care products funded under Nursing Care) or through other government programs (e.g., primary health care or specialized schemes).
- Out of scope for participants: This category includes general household expenses, workplace items, children’s items, and products for public transport use.
For more information regarding this Scheme, please visit the Department of Health