How Support at Home Clients Use Funding to Access Occupational Therapy and Equipment

As we get older, everyday activities like showering, moving around the home, or preparing meals can become more difficult. Occupational Therapists help people stay safe, independent, and confident at home — often by recommending the right equipment or home changes.

From 1 November 2025, the new Support at Home program changed how older Australians access Occupational Therapy and funding for equipment. This guide explains how it works in simple terms.

What Is Support at Home?

Support at Home is Australia’s new in-home aged care program, replacing Home Care Packages.

It provides funding to help older people:

• Stay living at home safely
• Remain independent for longer
• Access supports that match their individual needs

Support at Home funding can be used for:

• Allied health services like Occupational Therapy
• Short-term supports
• Equipment and home modifications through the Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) pathway

How Occupational Therapy Helps

Occupational Therapists look at how you manage everyday activities in your own home. They can help by:

• Checking safety and mobility
• Identifying risks in the home
• Recommending helpful equipment or home changes
• Making sure equipment suits you and your goals
• Teaching you how to use equipment safely

OT reports are often needed to support applications for equipment funding.

How to Access Occupational Therapy Under Support at Home

To access Occupational Therapy:

• Your Care Partner (Support at Home provider) can refer you, or
• You can self-refer if you manage your own funding

Referrals cannot be made without your involvement or your Care Partner’s involvement.

At Forbes Care, we work closely with you and your Care Partner to understand your goals and arrange the right assessment.

Using Support at Home Funding for Equipment

If Equipment Funding Is Already Approved

If your Support at Home plan already includes equipment funding:

• An OT completes an assessment
• Equipment is recommended
• Support is provided to help set it up and use it safely

If Equipment Funding Is Not Yet Approved

If funding has not yet been approved:

• The OT completes an assessment
• A clear report and recommendations are provided
• Quotes are included if needed
• Your Care Partner (or you, if self-managing) uses this information to apply for funding

What Equipment Might Be Recommended?

Depending on your needs, this may include:

• Shower chairs or grab rails
• Mobility or transfer equipment
• Seating or bed supports
• Kettle tippers or kitchen aids
• Simple home modifications

Sometimes, an OT may recommend strategies or changes instead of equipment if that is safer or more effective.

Why Occupational Therapy Matters

Occupational Therapy ensures that:

• Equipment is right for you
• It fits your home and lifestyle
• It improves safety without creating new risks
• You feel confident using it every day

It’s not just about funding — it’s about finding the right solution.

How Forbes Care Supports You

At Forbes Care, we support clients and Care Partners through the whole process — from assessment to reports and funding applications.

We work with Support at Home clients across the South East Queensland, helping people stay safe and independent at home.

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