We have put together answers to some commonly asked questions about the Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) Scheme. We hope this helps you and your team navigate the new Support at Home environment more confidently. If you have any other questions, feel free to reach out. We are happy to include them in our next update.
Q: What is the record keeping requirements for AT delivery?
🅰️: As a service provider, you must maintain clear and auditable records confirming the delivery of AT-HM items and any associated services, including prescriptions and wrap-around supports. In addition to invoices, you are required to keep at least one additional form of evidence to verify the delivery. Acceptable forms of documentation include a case note, clinician record, signed delivery or installation paperwork, or photographic or video evidence.
Q: Can AT items be purchased without clinical prescription?
🅰️: Yes, but only for certain types of Assistive Technology.“Low-risk” Category AT items can be purchased without a prescription. “Under advice” Category AT does not require a formal prescription either, though professional guidance is strongly recommended to ensure the item is safe, appropriate and effective for the participant.“Prescribed” Category AT always require a clinician’s prescription, along with item descriptions, quotes and clinical justification. All Home Modifications (HM) are under “Prescribed” Category and will require professional prescription and justification.The full AT-HM List can be viewed from this link.
Q: What AT Items may require High Funding Tier over $15,000?
🅰️: Examples are customised power wheelchairs, advanced communication devices, complex seating and postural systems, specialist beds with pressure care features, and customised equipment bundles for people with progressive conditions. Because these items are often high-cost and clinically essential, the over $15,000 approval pathway ensures participants can access the right equipment to meet their needs.
Q: Can the AT be replaced?
🅰️: Participants may need replacement AT if an item is no longer safe, functional or appropriate for their current needs, or if the participants’ health condition or functional capacity has changed. In these situations, a qualified clinician can reassess the participant and recommend a replacement item that better supports their goals and safety at home. Each request for new or replacement AT should be supported with updated clinical justification, evidence, prescription and quotations. Occupational Therapists can assess the AT that participants already have at home to ensure it remains safe, appropriate and aligned with their assessed needs, and will recommend replacements when necessary.
Q: How will a transitioned Home Care Package (HCP) care recipient use their unspent funds to purchase AT, is contribution always required?
🅰️: Transitioned HCP care recipients may use their unspent HCP funds to purchase eligible items listed on the AT-HM List. These funds are drawn down before any Support at Home AT funding tier is used. Items fully funded by unspent HCP funds do not attract any participant contribution. Participants will only pay a contribution on the portion funded from their Support at Home AT-HM Scheme.
Q: Does the $15,000 Home Modification cap apply when using unspent HCP funds?
🅰️: The $15,000 lifetime cap applies only to High Funding Tier home modifications under Support at Home. It does not apply to purchases made using unspent HCP funds. This means recipients may use their unspent HCP funds to pay for the modifications that exceed $15,000.
Q: Can AT be funded during Restorative Care Pathway (RCP) program?
🅰️: AT can be funded at the same time as the RCP episodes. RCP focuses on reablement, but AT can still be recommended and funded concurrently through the AT-HM Scheme or unspent HCP funds (for transitioned HCP care recipients). The funding streams operate in parallel and do not block each other.
Q: How can Super Rehab Occupational Therapists support AT applications under Support at Home?
🅰️: Super Rehab Occupational Therapists can support your participants throughout the AT process by completing assessments, providing specialist prescriptions, trialling and recommending suitable equipment, and preparing the required clinical evidence for High Funding Tier AT submissions. Our team is here to help you and your participants navigate the Support at Home requirements and ensure the participants receive the most appropriate AT in a timely manner. If you have participants who may benefit from an AT review, assessment or prescription under Support at Home, please reach out.
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