Unspent Funds and Assessments for AT-HM: What You Need to Know

A common question for participants transitioning from a Home Care Package (HCP) to the new Support at Home program is whether they still need to be assessed for assistive technology and home modifications (AT-HM) if they plan to use their unspent HCP funds. The short answer is yes, some form of assessment or documented justification is essential, even when utilising unspent funds. While the new program provides a flexible pathway for using existing resources, it maintains a strong focus on ensuring that all expenditures are justified, appropriate, and genuinely meet the individual's assessed needs.

The Support at Home program's framework is designed to ensure that all care and equipment purchased are fit-for-purpose and contribute directly to a participant's well-being and independence. When using unspent HCP funds to purchase AT-HM items, you are required to document and justify the need and reasoning for the purchase. This is not a bureaucratic hurdle, but a crucial step to ensure the item is the right solution for the participant's specific circumstances. For example, a person with mobility challenges would need to justify the purchase of a ramp by linking it directly to their assessed need for safer home access. This justification process ensures that the equipment or modification will be effective and safe, and it provides a clear record for accountability.

Furthermore, there are two additional pathways for accessing AT-HM funding that both heavily rely on assessment. A proposed survey, which will be released before the start of the Support at Home program, will ask providers to identify participants' AT-HM needs to determine the appropriate funding tiers. In addition, participants can seek a re-assessment of their support plan. This re-assessment will explicitly consider if they are approved for AT-HM scheme funding, demonstrating that formal evaluation remains a core part of the process. Therefore, while unspent funds offer a flexible way to pay, a documented, assessed need is the foundation of all AT-HM provisions under the new scheme.

Call Debra on 1300 664 130 to discuss your home care business and your technology processes.