Support at Home: Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM)

Create a Safer Home for Independent Living

Growing older should not mean giving up the comfort and security of your own home. For many seniors, ageing in place is a priority. However, as mobility changes and daily tasks become more challenging, the right home modifications can help maintain safety, confidence, and independence.

Under the Australian Government’s Support at Home program, most equipment and home changes are funded through the Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) scheme. AT-HM gives you separate funding based on your assessed needs, so you do not have to save up from your Support at Home quarterly budget.

AT-HM gives you access to approved products and equipment (for example, a wheelchair or shower chair) and home changes (for example, a shower rail or ramp) that match your assessed needs. If you are approved, you can use up to $15,000 for home modifications and up to $15,000 for assistive technology over 12 months, with higher amounts possible for assistive technology when there is evidence of need. You may be approved for one or both.

Not sure where to start? CareAbout can help you understand your options and connect you with trusted home modification providers.

Find a provider

What Are Home Modifications for Seniors?

Home modifications are changes that improve safety, accessibility, and mobility. These range from minor adjustments to major renovations designed to accommodate mobility aids or prevent injuries.

Even small updates like grab rails or improved lighting can help reduce falls and allow seniors to live independently for longer.

Common Home Modifications Include:

• Handrails and grab bars in bathrooms, hallways, and stairs
• Non-slip flooring and walk-in showers
• Widening doorways and hallways for wheelchair access
• Ramps and stairlifts for safer mobility
• Lowered cabinets and countertops for easier reach
• Improved lighting and easy-access switches
• No-step entries to eliminate tripping hazards
• Some safety-related outdoor maintenance, such as clearing pathways to prevent falls, may be available under My Aged Care. However, general gardening and landscaping are not considered home modifications.

If daily activities like bathing, cooking, or moving around your home have become difficult, the right modifications can help you maintain independence for longer.

AT-HM funding tiers

The table below outlines the three funding tiers for assistive technology and home modifications under the Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) scheme.

Funding tier	Funding allocation (up to)	Funding period
Assistive technology
Low	$500	12 months
Medium	$2,000	12 months
High	$15,000	12 months
Home modifications
Low	$500	12 months
Medium	$2,000	12 months
High	$15,000	12 months
Other funding
Assistance dog maintenance	$2,000 per year	Ongoing

High tier assistive technology is not capped at $15,000. Participants who have assistive technology costs above $15,000 can access additional funding with evidence, such as a valid prescription.

Funding may be extended for an additional 12 months to complete complex home modifications (24 months in total) if evidence is provided to Services Australia.

More information on AT-HM funding tiers is available in the AT-HM scheme guidelines.

How AT-HM Funding Works: Common Items and Tiers
 

From 1 November 2025, all government-funded home modifications and assistive technology will be delivered under the Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) scheme within the Support at Home program. You no longer use a Home Care Package budget for these items — instead, you receive separate funding based on your assessed needs.

Item or Modification	Purpose	AT-HM Tier and Amount (12 months)
Grab rails & handrails	Improves stability and prevents falls	Low tier – up to $500 Medium tier – up to $2,000 (for multiple areas)
Non-slip flooring	Reduces slipping hazards in wet areas	Medium tier – up to $2,000
Walk-in shower or raised toilet	Enhances safety and accessibility	High tier – up to $15,000 (usually requires prescription)
Ramps & stairlifts	Increases accessibility for those with mobility aids	High tier – up to $15,000
Door widening & hallway adjustments	Allows wheelchair and walker access	High tier – up to $15,000
Sensor lights and emergency alarms	Improve visibility and provide safety alerts	Low or Medium tier – amount depends on item and installation needs
Assistive technology (e.g. wheelchair, shower chair, mobility aids)	Support daily activities and independence	Can exceed $15,000 with evidence of need

Important notes:

• AT-HM approvals are generally valid for 12 months.
• High-tier assistive technology can exceed $15,000 if a health professional provides evidence of need.
• Prescription, safe installation and training are treated as clinical supports – these are fully funded by the government and do not require a participant contribution.
• The items themselves usually follow independence contribution settings and must appear in your Support Plan.

How to Access Home Modifications Through Support at Home

To access government-funded home modifications and assistive technology, register with My Aged Care or call 1800 200 422. An aged care assessor will complete a needs-based assessment using the Integrated Assessment Tool (IAT) to determine your eligibility for the Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) scheme.

Step 1: Aged Care Needs Assessment

An assessor will review your mobility, safety risks and daily living needs to see if you require assistive technology or home modifications. If eligible, your Support Plan will outline your approved AT-HM funding tiers.

Step 2: Occupational Therapist (OT) or Prescriber Review

For higher-tier items or complex modifications, a qualified Occupational Therapist (OT) or health professional may prescribe what you need to make sure it’s safe and effective.

Step 3: Provider Coordination and Installation

Once approved, choose a Support at Home provider to help coordinate installation, prescriptions and any wrap-around services such as training or safety checks. Your provider then claims these costs through Services Australia under your AT-HM funding.

For a detailed explanation of how funding, prescriptions and contributions work, visit our AT-HM scheme guide.

How Can Family Members Help with Home Modifications?

Aged care home modifications impact the whole family, especially when adult children or caregivers assist in decision-making. Many family members want to help but don’t know how.

Here’s how family members can support the process:

1. Assist with My Aged Care applications – Help seniors navigate the application and assessment process.
2. Arrange for multiple quotes – Compare home modification providers to find the best price and service.
3. Ensure safety during renovations – Temporary adjustments may be needed while modifications are completed (e.g., alternative bathroom access).
4. Check funding eligibility together – Help understand co-contributions and plan for extra costs if needed.

Encouraging family involvement makes the process less stressful and ensures modifications align with actual needs.

Why Modify Your Home?

Many seniors only consider home modifications after experiencing a fall or injury, but acting early can prevent accidents and reduce care costs.

If you are experiencing reduced mobility, vision changes, or difficulty with daily tasks, upgrading your home now can help you stay independent for longer.

In addition to indoor modifications, maintaining a safe and accessible outdoor space can reduce trip hazards. My Aged Care may provide limited support for essential outdoor safety tasks, such as clearing pathways, but does not cover general gardening or landscaping.

Compare providers today

Addressing Specialised Needs in Home Modifications

Many seniors have unique home modification needs, whether due to cultural preferences, cognitive conditions, rental restrictions, or specific disabilities. Below are key considerations for different groups:

Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) Considerations

For those from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities, it can be helpful to work with providers who understand cultural needs and can offer modifications suited to specific living arrangements or traditions.

• If you need information in another language, My Aged Care provides translated resources and interpreter services.
• Some Support at Home Providers specialise in supporting CALD communities and can match you with a culturally appropriate provider.

Find a provider who understands your needs

Dementia-Friendly Home Modifications

For seniors living with dementia, home modifications should reduce confusion and improve safety. Key dementia-friendly modifications include:

• Clear signage with large, readable text to reduce confusion
• Contrasting colours on floors, walls, and furniture to improve navigation
• Sensor lighting for better visibility at night
• Automatic shut-off appliances to prevent safety hazards

If a loved one has dementia, an occupational therapist can assess their home environment and recommend specific modifications.

Home Modifications for Renters

If you live in a rental property, you can still apply for home modifications, but it is essential to get written permission from your landlord.

• Landlord responsibilities: Laws regarding home modifications in rental properties vary by state. Some landlords may be required to approve accessibility changes, while others may not. Check state tenancy laws or consult a legal expert before making modifications.
• Your rights: In some cases, landlords may be obligated to approve disability-related modifications.
• Reversible solutions: If permanent modifications are not approved, removable options such as portable ramps or suction grab bars can help.

If you’re unsure about your rights as a renter, seek legal advice or contact My Aged Care for guidance.

Home Modifications for People with Visual Impairments

Seniors with low vision or blindness require modifications that enhance safety and independence. Helpful adaptations include:

• High-contrast, tactile flooring to differentiate between rooms
• Voice-activated smart home technology for controlling lights and appliances
• Braille labels on important areas such as stovetops, thermostats, and remotes
• Handrails and well-lit pathways to improve navigation

An occupational therapist specialising in vision impairment can assess your home and recommend customised solutions.

Find a provider

Need Help Finding a Home Modification Provider?

Navigating the aged care system can feel overwhelming, but CareAbout makes the process easy by matching you with trusted home modification providers.

Compare providers now

Do not wait until a fall or injury forces you to act. Modify your home now to live safely, independently, and confidently.

Find a provider with great home modification services!

Ensure your home modifications are handled by trusted experts who prioritise your safety and comfort.

With CareAbout, Home Care is just a click away!

Play