Understanding Your Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) Approval Letter

If you’ve recently received a Support Plan from your My Aged Care assessment, you may have noticed approvals for Assistive Technology (AT) and/or Home Modifications (HM). These letters can seem confusing at first glance, so let’s break down what it all means.

What Are Assistive Technology (AT) and Home Modifications (HM) Approvals?

Assistive Technology (AT) refers to equipment and products that help you maintain independence in your daily life. This may include, but is not limited to, the following:

• Mobility aids (walking frames, wheelchairs)
• Self-care products (shower chairs, bath aids)
• Cognitive supports (pill boxes labelled with the time or day)
• Products to help with domestic tasks (jar openers, cutlery with large handles, laundry trolleys and equipment to raise beds)

Home Modifications (HM) are changes made to your home to make it safer and more accessible. This may include, but is not limited to, the following:

• Grab rails and handrails
• Ramps and stair lifts
• Bathroom modifications
• Door widening (to improve accessibility)

To view the full list of Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM), please see this resource via the Australian Government here.

Understanding Your Approval Level

Beneath the sub-heading ‘Your current care approvals,’ your letter will specify approvals for one of three funding tiers regarding Assistive Technology (AT) and Home Modifications (HM), where a flat amount is allocated per tier for a 12-month period.*

Assistive Technology (AT)

*Only for participants with a prescribed need, products and equipment costing more than $15,000 are available.

Home Modifications (HM)

*For complex needs, the 12-month funding period may be extended to 24 months in total (following the provision of evidence to Services Australia is made).

Other Funding

*Your provider is required to notify the System Governor if/when you no longer require funding for assistance dog maintenance.

High Level Approvals

High level approvals are designed for people who need more complex or expensive equipment and home modifications. Here’s what makes them different:

Funding and Scope:

• Higher funding limits to cover more expensive items;
• Can include complex equipment requiring professional setup or customisation;
• Support at Home approved AT-HM participants are typically allocated an AT-HM funding tier for 12 months (in most instances).

What’s Included:

• Multiple product categories approved at once (mobility, self-care, domestic life, etc.)
• Installation and setup costs for equipment
• Training on how to use equipment safely

Examples of High Level AT Items:

• Electric mobility scooters or power wheelchairs
• Ceiling hoists or patient lifters
• Specialized pressure care mattresses
• Complex bathroom equipment (shower commodes, height-adjustable basins)
• Communication devices for people with speech difficulties
• Adjustable electric beds

Examples of High Level HM:

• Bathroom renovations (walk-in showers, accessible toilets)
• Ramps with specific gradient requirements
• Stairlifts or home elevators
• Significant structural changes (widening doorways, lowering countertops)
• Professional installation of multiple grab rails and safety features

Low Level Approvals

Low level approvals cover simpler equipment and modifications that you might need for day-to-day safety and independence. Under the new scheme, the ‘Low’ tier is capped at $500.

Funding and Scope:

• Lower funding limits (typically for items under a certain dollar amount)
• Focus on simpler, off-the-shelf equipment
• May be approved for ongoing use

What’s Included:

• Basic equipment that doesn’t require complex assessment
• Items that can be installed by a handyperson or don’t need installation
• Standard products readily available through suppliers

Examples of Low Level AT Items:

• Basic walking frames or walking sticks
• Standard shower chairs or bath boards
• Toilet seat raisers
• Bed rails
• Non-slip mats
• Pill organisers
• Basic reachers and grabbers
• Large-button phones or amplified telephones

Key difference: The main distinction isn’t just cost – it’s about complexity. High level approvals recognise that you need professional expertise to determine the right solution, while low level approvals are for straightforward items where the need is clear.

Understanding Risk Levels for Equipment

Beyond the High and Low approval levels, Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) items are also categorised by risk levels that determine how much professional involvement is required. Understanding these risk categories can help you to understand what to expect when getting equipment:

Low Risk Items

Low risk items are simple, everyday products that are safe to use without professional prescription or customisation. These include:

• Items you can select and use safely on your own
• Off-the-shelf products with minimal setup
• Equipment that doesn’t require fitting or adjustment

Examples: Non-slip bath mats, basic dressing aids like shoehorns and button hooks, simple kitchen utensils with adapted handles, standard nail care items, basic grabber tools, household cleaning aids.

What this means for you: You may still need an assessment to confirm the need, but once approved, these items can often be supplied quickly without extensive professional involvement.

Under Advice Items

These are still relatively low risk, but benefit from professional guidance to ensure they’re the right choice for your specific situation and that you know how to use them safely and effectively.

Examples: Basic commode chairs, guide canes for vision impairment, manual gripping tongs and reachers, standard chairs for daily use, certain communication aids, products for caring for pets.

What this means for you: A professional will assess your needs and provide advice on selecting the most appropriate item and how to use it correctly. The assessment ensures the product will actually help you and be safe to use in your home environment.

Prescribed Items

Prescribed items require assessment and prescription by a qualified health professional (such as an occupational therapist, physiotherapist, or other specialist), which your provider will organise for you.

These items require professional expertise because:

• They require proper fitting or customisation
• Incorrect use could cause injury or worsen your condition
• They need to match your specific physical needs and home environment
• Professional setup or installation is required

Examples: All mobility aids (walking frames, wheelchairs, scooters), bathroom equipment like shower chairs and raised toilet seats, patient hoists and transfer equipment, specialised beds, orthoses, communication devices, home modifications like grab rails and ramps.

What this means for you: You’ll have a thorough assessment where the professional evaluates your physical abilities, measures your home environment, and recommends specific equipment. They’ll also provide training on safe use and may arrange for installation or setup.

Important note: The risk level is about ensuring your safety and the equipment’s effectiveness, not about limiting access. Most items under AT-HM approvals are “Prescribed” because aged care recognises that professional expertise helps you get the right equipment the first time, avoiding costly mistakes or unsafe situations.

Key Things to Know

1. You need to act within the allocation period: Time is sensitive, and you’re only granted 56 days to sign with a provider – when signed, your provider will organise what’s needed to access your equipment.
2. Your AT-HM assessment is covered: An assessment for Assistive Technology and/or Home Modifications, is included as part of your initial My Aged Care assessment.
3. Your needs can change: If your situation changes before your funding period ends, you can request a review and potentially access different or additional equipment.

Need Help Understanding Your Letter?

Every person’s support plan is unique to their circumstances. If you’re unsure about any aspect of your approval letter, please don’t hesitate to:

• Contact My Aged Care at 1800 200 422
• Speak with your care provider
• Ask your assessor for clarification
• Call CareAbout at 13 13 00

Please remember, these approvals are designed to help you maintain independence and safety in your home. The system can seem complicated, but support is available to guide you through the process, and that’s exactly where we come in.

You’re never alone when seeking quality aged care, we’re here to CareAbout you. We exist to help you navigate your aged care journey with confidence.