Aids and equipment at home

Aids and equipment can help people with illness, injury, disability or age-related changes stay independent at home, take part in their community and reduce the strain on family members and carers. Depending on where you live, some of this equipment may be available free, on loan, or at a subsidized price through government, community or charitable schemes.

What aids and equipment can help with#

The right equipment depends on your needs, but commonly used items include:

• Walking frames and other mobility aids, such as scooters and wheelchairs
• Ramps to assist walking and wheelchair access
• Bathroom and personal-care equipment, such as shower chairs and hoists
• Continence aids for bladder or bowel problems, such as reusable pants and pads
• Splints, braces and similar supports
• Home oxygen and related respiratory equipment
• Electronic communication, switching and mounting devices, and communication apps for people who have difficulty speaking
• Modifications to the home or vehicle

An appropriate healthcare professional can assess what will suit you best from the range of options available.

Subsidies and eligibility#

Many regions run schemes that help cover the cost of aids and equipment for people who meet certain criteria. Eligibility rules vary, but they often take into account:

• Your residency status
• Whether your need relates to a health condition, disability or age-related change
• Whether the same equipment is already funded through another source

Some types of equipment, such as home oxygen or compression garments, may have additional eligibility requirements.

You may not be able to access a subsidized scheme if the cost can be met another way, for example through compensation, a court award, insurance, or another funding program. People who are hospital in-patients are usually supplied with equipment by the hospital rather than through a community scheme.

If you are unsure whether you qualify, ask your healthcare professional or contact a local disability, aged-care or health service for guidance.

How equipment is supplied#

• Where a suitable second-hand (or “reissue”) item is available, you may be offered that instead of a new one.
• If no item or funding is immediately available, your application may be placed on a waiting list.
• You may be asked to make a contribution toward the difference between the subsidy and the full cost of a new item, and this contribution may not be refundable.

Most aids and equipment are provided on loan for as long as you need them. The supplying scheme usually keeps ownership of the equipment, except for personal-use items (such as shoes) and items where you have paid more than half the total cost. Schemes generally do not reimburse the cost of equipment you have already bought yourself.

How to apply#

To apply for subsidized aids or equipment, you will usually need to:

• Ask an appropriate healthcare professional to assess your needs and discuss which item will best suit you from those available
• Complete and submit the relevant eligibility or application form
• Provide any supporting information the scheme requires

Key points#

• Aids and equipment can support independence at home and participation in the community.
• Subsidized or loaned equipment may be available for eligible people, with rules varying by region.
• Items may be supplied new or as reissued second-hand equipment, often on loan.
• Speak to a healthcare professional to be assessed and to start an application.

Where to get help#