If you’re organising aged care equipment for a parent or loved one, the confusing part is figuring out which funding pathway applies and what evidence you’ll need. This guide explains the main equipment funding options in Australia, including the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), the Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) and state programs and the next steps that help families move faster.
Why Aged Care Equipment Funding Feels Confusing
Aged care equipment funding in Australia isn’t a single program. There are several systems depending on the person’s age, diagnosis, veteran status, and what’s available in their state or territory. A useful shortcut is to start with eligibility, aged care vs NDIS vs DVA, then gather the documents that assessors and providers commonly ask for before ordering anything.
Start With the “Why”: What Equipment Is Being Funded?
Most government funding for aged care equipment is tied to a clear, assessed need, typically safety (falls risk), transfers, mobility, or skin integrity (pressure injury prevention). When families can explain the risk and the goal, it’s easier for clinicians and providers to justify the right solution.
Common items families often seek funding for include:
- Adjustable aged care beds and accessories such as height adjustment and siderails.
- Pressure care mattresses for prevention or treatment of pressure injuries.
- Client hoists and slings to reduce manual handling risk.
- Supportive seating and transfer aids for posture, comfort and safer sitting.
Aged Care Equipment Subsidies in Australia
Home Care Packages (HCP)
Home Care Packages can often support equipment and assistive technology when it aligns with assessed needs and the person’s care plan, but what’s approved and how it’s purchased can depend on the provider. If you already have a package, start by asking your provider what documentation they need. This is usually an occupational therapist’s recommendation and a quote. It’s also worth asking whether short-term hire is allowed while approvals are being finalised.
Support at Home + AT‑HM (Assistive Technology & Home Modifications)
Support at home is the new aged care program, and the Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT‑HM) Scheme sits within it and provides upfront funding that is separate from your other support at home services. When you have an aged care assessment, you’ll find out if you’re approved for AT‑HM, and if approved, the assessor will include it in your notice of decision and your support plan.
My Aged Care groups assistive technology into tiers:
- Low: Under $500 for a 12‑month period.
- Medium: Up to $2,000 for a 12‑month period.
- High: Up to $15,000 or more if needed for a 12‑month period.
Higher amounts are possible, but you’ll need clear evidence. This usually includes a quote and a prescription from a suitably qualified health professional. Depending on your circumstances, you may need to contribute to some equipment costs, so ask your provider what contributions apply before ordering.
Two practical tips that can save time:
- During the assessment and care planning process, confirm AT‑HM is included in your notice of decision and your support plan. If you’re requesting higher-tier equipment, expect to provide a prescription and a quote. Gather these early to reduce back-and-forth.
- If you’ve recently moved from a Home Care Package to Support at Home, any unspent package funds may need to be used first before accessing separate AT-HM funding.
Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP)
CHSP is for older people who need smaller amounts of support to stay independent. Support is delivered through local organisations, so what’s available can vary by region. CHSP can include access to equipment and assistive technology, but availability can depend on local service options. If you’re waiting for longer-term funding, CHSP can still be a worthwhile conversation starter with my aged care or local providers for interim support and referrals.
Other Aged Care Funding Options
National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
If the person is under 65 and eligible for the NDIS, assistive technology can be funded through their plan. The equipment needs to be linked to disability-related goals and considered reasonable and necessary. For complex items, families should expect clinical documentation and sometimes trials to support the request.
DVA RAP (Rehabilitation Appliances Program)
Eligible veterans may be able to access aids and appliances via the Department of Veterans’ Affairs Rehabilitation Appliances Program (RAP). If there’s any possibility the person is DVA eligible, it’s worth confirming early because it may be a faster pathway in some cases.
State and Territory Schemes
Some people may also qualify for state-based equipment programs. These vary by state or territory, including what equipment is covered and who is eligible. A good place to ask is a hospital occupational therapist, GP, discharge planner, or local community health service. If you’re researching after a fall or hospital stay, start by noting the person’s age, diagnosis, and state. Those details usually point you to the right option.
Private and Short-Term Options
Private health insurance extras may help pay for certain aids, depending on the policy and limits. If you need equipment quickly, hiring can be a practical short-term solution while you organise assessments, quotes, and approvals.
Government Funding for Aged Care Equipment Checklist
Before you buy equipment or submit a funding request, make sure you can answer these questions:
- What’s the risk? Falls, unsafe transfers, pressure injury risk, or carer strain.
- What’s the goal? Safer transfers, more independence, prevention, or comfort.
- Who assessed the need? For complex items, this is often an occupational therapist.
- What evidence do you have ready? A quote, a prescription or recommendation, and a short explanation of why the item is needed.
- Have you checked local requirements? Rules can differ by state, so confirm what applies where you live before purchasing.
How Enable Lifecare Fits In
Enable Lifecare is an Australian wholesaler that supplies directly to healthcare equipment dealerships around Australia and New Zealand. We don’t sell directly to families, but we can help you understand what equipment may suit your situation and connect you with a local dealer who can supply it.
For practical next steps, including help finding a local dealer, contact Enable Lifecare to discuss which equipment features may suit your needs.
