Support At Home News: Assistive Technology

Improve Your Safety and Independence at Home

As you age, moving around your home is not as easy as it used to be. We can help you identify minor, or in some instances, complex adjustments to improve your safety and independence at home.

Under the new Support at Home AT-HM scheme, accessing these vital supports is now simpler than ever. Your assessor can directly approve you for the equipment and modifications you need, without having to use your quarterly care budget.

How These Changes Impact Your Care

For New Participants Starting Support at Home

If you're new to aged care services, the AT-HM scheme is built into your care plan from day one. During your initial assessment, our team will identify any equipment or home modifications you need. If approved, your AT-HM funding becomes available immediately as part of your support plan.

At Benetas, we guide you through this process step by step. We understand starting aged care can feel overwhelming, so we make sure you understand exactly what support is available and how to access it.

For Those Moving from Home Care Packages

Already receiving a Home Care Package? You can keep any unspent funds when you transition to Support at Home. These funds can be used for assistive technology and home modifications, but you'll need to use them before accessing your new AT-HM scheme funding.

Benetas will work with you during this transition to ensure you don't lose any benefits. We'll help you understand how your existing equipment and modifications fit with the new scheme, and identify any additional supports you might need.

Understanding Assistive Technology & Home Modification Funding

The AT-HM scheme is funded separately from your regular care services. This is a game-changer – it means getting the equipment and modifications you need won't reduce the time your carer spends with you or limit other services you receive.

Three Funding Tiers Match Your Needs:

Low Tier (Under $500)

• Basic mobility aids
• Simple bathroom safety equipment
• Basic communication devices

Medium Tier (Up to $2,000)

• More advanced mobility equipment
• Moderate home safety modifications
• Specialized daily living aids

High Tier (Up to $15,000)

• Complex equipment like stairlifts
• Major bathroom modifications
• Advanced assistive technology systems

Your funding is available for 12 months and is matched to your specific assessed needs. If your situation changes, you can be reassessed for additional funding.

How Benetas Supports You Through the Assistive Technology-Home Modification Process

1. Assessment and Planning – We work with qualified health professionals to assess your needs and determine the right equipment and modifications for your home.
2. Direct Sourcing – As your Support at Home provider, we arrange and source all your assistive technology and home modifications. You don't need to shop around or worry about finding the right suppliers.
3. Professional Prescriptions – For complex items, we organise occupational therapy assessments to ensure you get exactly what you need.
4. Wraparound Services – Your funding covers not just the equipment, but also training and support to help you use it safely and effectively.
5. Ongoing Support – We're here to help if your needs change or if you need additional equipment in the future.

What's Available Through the Assistive Technology-Home Modification Scheme?

• Mobility aids (walkers, wheelchairs, stairlifts)
• Bathroom safety equipment (grab rails, shower chairs, raised toilet seats)
• Home safety modifications (ramps, automated lighting, door modifications)
• Assistive technology (emergency call systems, medication reminders)
• Comfort equipment (pressure-relieving mattresses, recliner chairs)
• Kitchen and daily living aids (adapted cutlery, easy-grip handles)

Understanding Your Costs

You may need to make a moderate contribution toward the cost of your equipment or home modifications. However, you won't pay anything for:

• Health professional assessments
• Equipment prescriptions
• Training and support services (wraparound services)

These are considered clinical care and are fully funded by the government. Benetas will clearly explain any costs before proceeding, so there are no surprises.

Ready to Get Started?

The new Support at Home AT-HM scheme makes it easier than ever to create a safer, more comfortable home environment. Contact Benetas today to learn how these exciting changes can benefit you.