Using assistive technology for Carer Support

As Australia’s population ages, more families are choosing to care for older loved ones at home. While rewarding, this role can place significant demands on informal carers and support workers alike. Fortunately, assistive technology for carer support is changing the way aged care is delivered, ensuring carers stay safe, effective, and confident in their role.

Whether you’re a family member, support worker or aged care client, this guide explains what assistive technology in aged care is, how it helps carers, and how to get assistive technology under your government-funded support plan.

What is assistive technology in aged care?

Assistive technology (AT) refers to devices, equipment or systems that help people carry out everyday activities they may otherwise find difficult. In aged care, AT enhances independence, safety, and wellbeing for older people - and also provides vital support for carers.

Common examples of aged care devices include:

• Personal alarms and fall detectors

• Walking frames and pressure-relieving cushions

• Shower chairs, raised toilet seats and grab rails

• Modified kitchen tools and mobility aids

• Medication dispensers and cognitive prompts

• Smart monitoring systems
  
  

By reducing risks and supporting everyday tasks, aged care technology improves outcomes not just for clients but also for the carers supporting them.

Why carers need assistive technology

Carers are central to supporting older people at home, but the role can be physically and emotionally demanding—especially when manual handling, personal care, or behavioural support is involved.

Assistive technology for carer support plays a critical role in:

• Reducing the risk of injury and fatigue

• Supporting safe mobility and transfers

• Improving communication and task management

• Reducing emergency incidents and stress

• Preserving the carer–client relationship through dignified support
  
  

With the right tools, carers can focus on what matters most: quality time, connection, and meaningful support.

How to get assistive technology through aged care funding

Under the Support at Home program, clients can access assistive technology through the Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) Scheme. This is a separate pool of funding provided by the Australian Government to help older people safely remain at home.

1. Who’s eligible?

Both Grandfathered clients (those in a Home Care Package before 12 September 2024) and Hybrid clients (those approved between 13 September 2024 and 30 June 2025) can access the AT-HM Scheme.

However, clients must first use any unspent Home Care Package funds before they can draw from the AT-HM funding pool.

2. How is the AT-HM scheme funded?

AT-HM funding is separate from your quarterly budget. This means you don’t need to reduce care services to fund assistive technology.

• The scheme includes a lifetime cap of $15,000 per client

• Items must align with the AT-HM List

• Professional assessments may be required for higher-tier equipment

• Funding must be used within 12 months of approval
  
  

Grandfathered clients will not need to make co-contributions. Hybrid clients may be required to contribute based on their income and the service type.

3. What types of devices are covered?

Approved supports include:

• Mobility aids and falls prevention tools

• Communication and cognition devices

• Bathroom and kitchen modifications

• Medication management tools

• Environmental supports (e.g. smart sensors)
  
  

Some low-risk items may be purchased without formal assessments, while others require prescriptions from an Occupational Therapist or other allied health professionals.

How Trilogy Care supports clients and carers

At Trilogy Care, we don’t just help you access assistive technology: we partner with you throughout the journey. Our Care Partners work with clients and their support networks to identify appropriate aged care devices, ensure alignment with your service list, and guide you through the approval and setup process.

We help you:

• Select technology that meets care goals and safety needs

• Coordinate assessments and prescriptions

• Navigate AT-HM funding access

• Train carers and clients in safe and confident use

• Review and adjust your care plan as needs change
  
  

By making assistive technology more accessible, we’re helping carers and clients experience more comfort, control and safety at home.

The future of aged care technology

As the aged care sector evolves, so does the role of technology. Innovations in smart home systems, telehealth, and AI-driven monitoring tools are already shaping how care is delivered at home.

While technology can never replace human connection, it can make care safer, more effective and more sustainable. That’s why the Support at Home program recognises assistive technology as essential in modern aged care.

Start your assistive technology journey with Trilogy Care

If you’re unsure how to get assistive technology under your current care arrangement, Trilogy Care is ready to support you. Whether you’re a Grandfathered or Hybrid client, our team will help you unlock the benefits of aged care technology without stress or confusion.

Let’s make home care safer, smarter and more empowering - for clients and carers alike.

Call Trilogy Care today on 1300 459 190 to get started.