Everything You Need to Know About Support at Home's Assistive Technology & Home Modifications (AT-HM)

As part of the Australian Government's Support at Home program which has been delayed to launch on 1 November 2025, older Australians may be eligible for funding to support safer, more independent living through Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM), so they can live at home and within their community for longer as they age.

This blog provides a complete guide to what AT-HM covers, how funding works, who is eligible, and how to access support. If you're just starting to explore Support at Home services, check out our blog on Support at Home: Funding, Classifications and Pathways.

What Is the Support at Home AT-HM Scheme?

The AT-HM scheme provides separate supports under Support at Home, with separate funding tiers and program settings to Support at Home ongoing services such as domestic assistance (cleaning), personal care and nursing services.

An aged care assessment will determine whether participants are allocated an assistive technology and/or home modifications funding tier. Participants can access both assistive technology and home modifications funding tiers at the same time, if needed. This will provide access to upfront funding to access products, equipment and home modifications and, unlike the current Home Care Packages Program, participants will not have to save their unspent funds to access these supports. 

After an assessment, and if approved, Support at Home approved AT-HM participants will be allocated an AT-HM funding tier for 12 months (in most instances) to spend their assistive technology or home modification funding. Under Support at Home, participants may be required to make a contribution towards their assistive technology or home modifications. AT-HM is a lifetime funding scheme designed to support in-home care recipients by funding the following supports:

• Assistive technology (devices or equipment)

• Home modifications

• Clinical assistive technology prescriptions and coordination costs

These supports aim to improve mobility, independence, safety, and wellbeing at home. 

Right at Home can help you identify which AT-HM supports best suit your situation and care goals and organise an assessment.

Lifetime Funding Cap

Eligible participants may access up to $15,000 in lifetime funding. This cap applies to the combined value of:

• Products and equipment

• Home modifications

• Associated support services

A higher amount may be approved in exceptional cases, but the default lifetime limit is $15,000 per person.

What Items Can AT-HM Funding Cover?

Approved items must align with an assessed care need and fall into one of these categories:

Assistive Products & Equipment

• Pressure cushions and support aids

• Mobility equipment such as walking frames and wheelchairs

• Shower chairs and toileting aids

• Anti-oedema stockings

• Alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) products

Home Modifications

• Accessible showers

• Grab rails, handrails

• Non-slip flooring

• Door widening

• Ramps and safety barriers

Coordination & Wraparound Services

• Delivery and installation

• Education on use of equipment

• Follow-up monitoring

• Prescriber time and documentation

• Quotes and clinical justification preparation

Items must be safe, cost-effective, and support an assessed goal. 

(Note: This is not an exhaustive list. The full list covers further detailed categories which are: managing body functions; self care; mobility; domestic life; communication and information management; and home modifications)

Co-Contribution Requirements

AT-HM funding is classified under Independence Services in the Support at Home program and co-contribution rates are determined based on your income and assets:

*Part pensioners and CSHC holders are assessed separately, with tapering applied.

Participants are required to pay their share of AT-HM upfront, unless hardship provisions apply.

Prescription and wrap-around services (where required) fall under the clinical supports category with no participant contributions required as this category is fully funded by the government for all participants.

Want to understand your co-contribution options? See our blog on Support at Home: Grandfathering and Co-Contributions Explained.

How to Access AT-HM Support

1. Aged Care Assessment: Assessor identifies a need during participant's assessment or support plan review. 

   • If approved, participants will have upfront funding to access products, equipment and home modifications through allocated AT-HM funding tiers.
   • All transitioned HCP care recipients (i.e. both grandfathered and non-grandfathered), will have a transitional approval for assistive technology and home modifications.
   • Participants must access services and supports from the AT-HM list and in line with their assessed needs from their Notice of Decision and support plan.

2. Prescription: A qualified professional (e.g., OT, nurse, physio) prescribes the product or modification. Not all assistive technology will require a prescription. The AT-HM list outlines the types of equipment, products and home modifications that should have a prescription.

3. Quote & Approval: Provider submits a quote with justification to the Department of Health and Aged Care 

4. Delivery: Once approved, the modification or equipment is installed or delivered

Only registered and licensed providers can perform home modifications under Support at Home.

Need help navigating the process? Right at Home can coordinate assessments, prescriptions, funding and installation.

What AT-HM Does Not Cover

• General home renovations or upgrades

• Aesthetic improvements or decor

• Restorations or repairs that are considered normal maintenance of home or dwelling
• Everyday household appliances (e.g. TVs, kettles, dishwasher)

• Lifestyle or recreational items

• Assessment or therapy tools used by a therapist 
• Products or technologies funded through an alternative national or state-based program (e.g., the Medical Aids Subsidy Scheme).

Tips for Making the Most of Your AT-HM Budget

• Review your care goals regularly with your provider

• Keep receipts and records of items purchased and services delivered

• Ensure prescribed items are clinically appropriate and safe

• Request a care management review if your needs change

Want to better understand your budget? Read our guide: Support at Home: Budgets, Statements, and How They Work.

Right at Home Can Help

At Right at Home, our Care Managers and Care Co-ordinators (care partners):

• Help you navigate AT-HM eligibility

• Coordinate assessments and prescriptions to gain access

• Source cost-effective quotes

• Arrange delivery, installation, and training

• Ensure you make the most of your Support at Home funding

Contact your local Right at Home team for a free consultation to begin services with us. If you are already a Right at Home client, contact your Care Manager to find out more. 

Right at Home Australia is a leading provider of quality in-home care. Our mission is to improve the quality of life for those we serve ensuring the Right Care, Right at Home™.  We support people living with complex and post-operative care needs, dementia and cognitive decline, seniors, and adults living with a disability including NDIS participants. Our tailored services help clients to remain safe and independent in their homes. We are an Approved Provider under the Aged Care Act, meaning we can provide quality support at home under a government-funded home care package. We also offer private pay arrangements for those who do not have government funding, or who wish to pay privately for top-up care. Right at Home is all about you. We are available 24/7 so contact your local office today. You can also call our national number on 1300 363 802. 

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