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.

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 tierFunding allocation (up to)Funding periodAssistive technologyLow$50012 monthsMedium$2,00012 monthsHigh$15,00012 monthsHome modificationsLow$50012 monthsMedium$2,00012 monthsHigh$15,00012 monthsOther fundingAssistance dog maintenance$2,000 per yearOngoing

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 ModificationPurposeAT-HM Tier and Amount (12 months)Grab rails & handrailsImproves stability and prevents fallsLow tier – up to $500
Medium tier – up to $2,000 (for multiple areas)Non-slip flooringReduces slipping hazards in wet areasMedium tier – up to $2,000Walk-in shower or raised toiletEnhances safety and accessibilityHigh tier – up to $15,000 (usually requires prescription)Ramps & stairliftsIncreases accessibility for those with mobility aidsHigh tier – up to $15,000Door widening & hallway adjustmentsAllows wheelchair and walker accessHigh tier – up to $15,000Sensor lights and emergency alarmsImprove visibility and provide safety alertsLow or Medium tier – amount depends on item and installation needsAssistive technology (e.g. wheelchair, shower chair, mobility aids)Support daily activities and independenceCan 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.

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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.

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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.

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Bathroom Modifications for Seniors

The bathroom is the room most often modified, and usually the first one an occupational therapist looks at. It combines wet surfaces, tight spaces, and movements that get harder with age: stepping over a shower hob, lowering onto a toilet, standing up from a seated position while wet.

Common Bathroom Modifications

• Grab rails beside the toilet, in the shower, and along the bath
• A step-free or hobless shower, replacing a shower over bath or a raised shower base
• A fold-down or freestanding shower seat
• Non-slip flooring or anti-slip treatment on existing tiles
• A raised toilet seat, or a comfort height toilet
• Lever taps and thermostatic mixers, which are easier to use with reduced grip and reduce scald risk
• A wider doorway where a walker or wheelchair needs to get through

Some of these are small, low cost items that can be installed quickly. Others are structural and need a builder as well as an OT recommendation. Which category yours falls into affects both the funding tier and how long it takes.

How Bathroom Modifications Are Funded

Bathroom modifications are funded through the Assistive Technology and Home Modifications budget under Support at Home, which is separate from your ongoing services budget. The tiers and the process are set out above on this page.

If you are researching this as a Home Care Package, the funding now runs through Support at Home instead. The bathroom work itself is treated the same way.

If You Rent

Renters can still access bathroom modifications, but structural changes need your landlord's written consent, and that is worth starting early because it is the step most likely to hold things up. Non-structural items such as a freestanding shower seat, a raised toilet seat or anti-slip floor treatment usually do not need consent.

We endeavour to keep this calculator as up-to-date as possible. Please do not use this calculator in isolation to make decisions about aged care. If you have any questions, call us on 13 13 00 or contact My Aged Care directly.