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Assistive Technology & Home Modifications (AT-HM)

A safer, easier way to live at home.

At Suncare, we believe living well at home should feel safe, comfortable and supported.

The Assistive Technology & Home Modifications (AT-HM) Scheme helps older Australians stay independent by funding equipment and small changes to the home that make everyday life easier and safer.

Whether it’s reducing the risk of falls, improving mobility, or making daily tasks more manageable, AT-HM support is designed to help you stay living confidently in the home you love.

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What is the AT-HM Scheme?

The Assistive Technology & Home Modifications Scheme is part of the Australian Government’s Support at Home program.

It provides separate funding, in addition to your ongoing Support at Home services, to cover:

 

AT

Assistive Technology

Equipment that makes daily activities easier, such as:

  • Walking frames
  • Shower chairs
  • Falls alarms
  • Jar openers and helpful kitchen aids
  • Mobility equipment

HM

Home Modifications

Changes to your home that improve safety and accessibility, such as:

  • Grab rails
  • Ramps
  • Stairlifts
  • Changes to improve accessibility, such as bathroom redesign or widen doorways
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How we help

We make the process simple and coordinated, so you don’t have to manage it alone.

Your Suncare team will:

  • Arrange a clinical assessment if required
  • Help identify the right equipment or modification
  • Coordinate quotes and suppliers
  • Manage documentation and approvals
  • Organise installation or delivery
  • Provide guidance on safe use

Our team works together to make sure your supports are practical, appropriate and easy to use in your day-to-day life.

How we can help

From help around the house to clinical care and everything in between, Suncare offers a wide range of services tailored to your needs.

Here's what our Bundaberg team can support you with:

1

Help at home

We'll help keep things tidy and comfortable — inside and out.

  • Cleaning and household tasks
  • Laundry and linen changes
  • Meal preparation
  • Light gardening and yard maintenance

2

Personal care

Gentle, respectful support with the everyday things that matter.

  • Showering and bathing
  • Grooming and dressing
  • Medication reminders
  • Continence support

3

Nursing and Allied Health

Clinical support from qualified professionals, delivered in your home.

  • Nursing care and health monitoring
  • Wound care and medication management
  • Physiotherapy
  • Occupational therapy
  • Exercise physiology

4

Social support and connection

Because life is better when you're connected to the people and places you love.

  • Companionship and home visits
  • Community outings and group activities
  • Transport to appointments, shops, or events
  • Help staying in touch with family and friends

Who is AT-HM for?

You may be eligible if you:

  • Are approved for Support at Home
  • Have an aged care assessment that identifies equipment or home modification needs
  • Want to improve safety, accessibility or independence at home

If you’ve recently transitioned from a Home Care Package, you may: 

  • Use unspent funds for AT-HM items, or
  • Be assessed for AT and/or HM funding if no unspent funds remain

If you’re unsure about your eligibility, feel free to reach out, we’re happy to guide you.

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What can be funded?

AT-HM funding can cover:

  • Approved items listed under the AT-HM Scheme
  • Clinician time to assess, prescribe and recommend solutions
  • Research, documentation and liaising with suppliers
  • Delivery, set-up, training and guidance on safe use
  • Your Care Partner’s time to coordinate quotes and arrangements

What can't be funded?

The scheme does not cover:

  • General home renovations
  • Home maintenance
  • General household expenses
  • Items excluded from the AT-HM list
  • Products funded through other programs

If something isn’t covered, we’ll explain your options clearly.

 

Funding & costs

AT-HM funding is short-term (usually up to 12 months) and is separate from your ongoing Support at Home services budget.

Funding tiers include:

AT

Assistive Technology

  • Low – up to $500
  • Medium – up to $2,000
  • High – up to $15,000+ (with supporting evidence) 

HM

Home Modifications

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

Frequently asked questions

How do I access At-HM funding?

AT-HM is assessed as part of your aged care assessment through My Aged Care.

If approved, your funding is allocated separately from your regular Support at Home services.

If you need help organising an assessment, our team can guide you.

Is there a time limit to use my AT-HM funding once it’s approved?

Yes. Once your AT-HM funding is assigned , you have around 8 weeks to activate your funding with a provider. Once a provider has commenced your funding episode, you will generally have 12 months to utilise your funding.

This timeframe ensures your supports are delivered in a timely way so they can make a real difference to your safety and independence at home.

If more time is needed due to supplier availability or special circumstances, your Suncare Care Partner can help you request an extension or re-assess the plan so your funding isn’t lost.

Do I need a clinical assessment?

For most Assistive Technology items, as well as all Home Modifications, your needs are assessed by a qualified clinician such as an Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist. The clinician’s role is to evaluate your situation and recommend solutions that best suit your requirements, ensuring the support provided is both effective and appropriate. 

Importantly, there is no out-of-pocket cost for this assessment. This means you can access professional guidance and recommendations without worrying about additional expenses. 

Can I choose my own supplier?

 Your Care Partner will coordinate with approved suppliers to ensure items meet scheme requirements and safety standards. We’ll always involve you in decisions and explain your options clearly.  

How long does it take to receive equipment?

Timeframes vary depending on the item and supplier.

Once funding is approved and quotes are accepted, many items can be arranged within a few weeks. Larger home modifications may take longer.

We’ll keep you informed every step of the way.

Can AT-HM funding be used for major renovations?

AT-HM funding can support major modifications to improve accessibility such as bathroom redesign or widening doorways or passages. However, high tier funding is unlikely to cover the full cost of extensive renovations. We're here to help you navigate your options and find the best solution for your needs.  

 

 

Ready to make your home safer and easier to live in?

If you or someone you care for could benefit from Assistive Technology or Home Modifications, we’re here to help.

Email

info@suncare.org.au

Phone

1800 786 227