NDIS vs Support at Home Assistive Technology: What You Need to Know
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NDIS vs Support at Home Assistive Technology: What You Need to Know
Assistive technology can make everyday tasks easier and support safer living at home. This may include bathroom equipment, mobility aids, communication devices and tools for personal care.
In Australia, funding may be available through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) or the Support at Home program. These programs have different purposes, eligibility rules and funding processes.
Understanding the difference can help you ask the right questions and prepare for an assessment.
Important: Funding decisions depend on your individual circumstances, assessment and support plan. An item being useful does not automatically mean it will be funded.
What is assistive technology?
Assistive technology, often called AT, is equipment that helps a person complete daily activities. It may support independence, safety, mobility, communication or personal care.
Examples include:
- Shower chairs and bathroom support equipment
- Toilet surrounds and rails
- Walking frames and wheelchairs
- Personal care aids
- Communication devices
- Bed and transfer equipment
- Technology that helps with vision, hearing or memory
Some items are simple and low cost. Others are complex, customised or expensive. The right choice depends on the person, their home and the task they need help with.
What is the NDIS?
The NDIS provides support for eligible people with a permanent and significant disability. It is generally for people who apply before turning 65. People who meet the access requirements may receive an individual NDIS plan.
The NDIS is not an aged care program. Its focus is disability-related support and improving a person’s ability to take part in everyday life.
An NDIS plan may include funding for assistive technology when the equipment is related to the person’s disability and meets NDIS requirements. The support must be considered reasonable and necessary. It also needs to provide value and be suitable for the participant’s goals and circumstances.
Depending on the equipment, the NDIS may require advice from an occupational therapist, physiotherapist or another qualified professional. Complex equipment may need more detailed assessment, trials, quotes or approvals.
NDIS age considerations
A person generally needs to apply for the NDIS before turning 65. People who already receive NDIS support when they turn 65 may usually choose to remain with the NDIS or move to aged care supports, depending on their circumstances.
If you are unsure which pathway applies, contact the NDIS or My Aged Care before buying expensive equipment.
What is Support at Home?
Support at Home is an Australian Government aged care program for people who want to continue living at home. Access usually begins with an assessment through My Aged Care.
The program can support eligible older people with services and equipment that help them remain safe and independent at home. Assistive technology and home modifications may be considered when they relate to a person’s assessed needs.
Support at Home is different from an NDIS plan. It is designed around aged care needs rather than disability supports. Funding and contribution arrangements may also differ between people and types of support.
The program may help with areas such as:
- Personal care
- Help around the home
- Transport and social support
- Nursing and allied health services
- Equipment for daily activities
- Changes to the home, where appropriate
The exact support available depends on the assessment and the person’s funding arrangements. Not every item is included, and some people may need to make a contribution.
NDIS vs Support at Home assistive technology
The main difference is the purpose of each program.
| NDIS | Support at Home |
|---|---|
| For eligible people with permanent and significant disability | For eligible older people who need aged care support at home |
| Usually accessed before age 65 | Accessed through My Aged Care and an aged care assessment |
| Focuses on disability-related support and personal goals | Focuses on aged care needs, independence and living safely at home |
| May fund disability-related assistive technology | May fund suitable equipment and home modifications based on assessed needs |
| May require professional advice, trials or approval for some equipment | Equipment support is guided by aged care assessment and program arrangements |
This table provides a general guide only. Your circumstances may affect which program applies.
Can bathroom aids be funded?
Bathroom equipment is often considered during disability and aged care assessments because the bathroom can involve reaching, standing, sitting and transferring. However, funding is not automatic.
An assessor may consider:
- What task is difficult
- Whether the difficulty relates to disability, ageing or another need
- The person’s balance, strength and mobility
- The layout of the bathroom
- Whether the equipment will fit and be used safely
- Whether a less costly option is suitable
- Whether the home owner or another party is responsible for an installation
A professional may recommend equipment after observing how a person uses the bathroom. They may also suggest changes to the layout or a more suitable type of aid.
Suction grab bars
A suction grab bar may be useful for some people who need a temporary handhold in the bathroom. The Premium Bathroom Suction Grab Bars 12 Inch - Strong Safety Handles for Seniors and Mobility Aid Support has flip-up tabs and is designed for smooth, non-porous surfaces. It does not require drilling and can be repositioned.
Before using a suction grab bar, check that:
- The surface is suitable and clean
- The bar is installed according to the instructions
- The suction indicators or locking tabs are secure
- The bar is checked regularly
- It is not being used as a substitute for a professionally installed fixed grab rail when significant weight-bearing support is needed
A suction product may not be suitable for every bathroom or every person. Ask an occupational therapist or other qualified professional if you are unsure.
Toilet support rails
A toilet surround can provide arm support when sitting down or standing up. The Toilet Surround Support Rails with Basket - Mobility Aid for Elderly & Disabled - Safety Frame with Handrails includes armrests and a storage basket. The listed weight capacity is 120 kg, with a 68 cm width, 51 cm inner width and 65 cm height.
Check the measurements against the toilet and available bathroom space. The frame should sit securely and allow enough room to move safely. A professional assessment can help confirm whether the height, width and style are appropriate.
Toileting aids
Some people can manage toileting but have difficulty reaching, bending or twisting. An Ergonomic Toilet Paper Aid for Enhanced Bathroom Independence and Safety may help extend reach during personal care.
It is a daily living aid rather than a replacement for hands-on care where that care is required. Consider grip strength, reach, hygiene and the person’s ability to use the aid safely.
How to request assistive technology
The process depends on the program you use.
If you receive NDIS support
- Discuss the difficulty with your support coordinator, plan manager, local area coordinator or NDIS contact.
- Ask whether an occupational therapist or another professional should assess your needs.
- Explain the task you are trying to complete, rather than focusing only on a particular product.
- Keep any assessment reports, quotes and product information.
- Check which part of your plan can be used, if funding is approved.
- Confirm whether the equipment requires approval before purchase.
Do not assume that a product can be paid for from your NDIS plan simply because it is labelled as a mobility or disability aid.
If you use Support at Home
- Contact My Aged Care if you have not had an assessment.
- Discuss the daily task you find difficult with your assessor or aged care provider.
- Ask whether assistive technology or a home modification may be appropriate.
- Find out whether a professional assessment, quote or trial is needed.
- Ask about any fees or contributions before ordering.
- Keep the assessment and approval information for your records.
Your aged care provider can help explain how equipment is arranged under your support plan.
What if neither program funds the item?
An item may still be useful even if it is not funded. You can ask about:
- Lower-cost alternatives
- Renting or borrowing equipment
- Community equipment schemes
- Local council programs
- Private purchase
- Home modifications managed by another party
Always compare the equipment with your needs and the space available. A low-cost item is not suitable if it cannot be used safely.
Questions to ask before buying
Before purchasing assistive technology, ask:
- What task will this equipment help with?
- Has the person been assessed by a suitable professional?
- Will it fit the bathroom or living space?
- Is it stable on the intended surface?
- Can the person use it without help?
- Does it have weight, height or cleaning requirements?
- Does it need installation or regular checking?
- Can it be returned if it is not suitable?
- Has funding approval been confirmed?
These questions can help reduce unsuitable purchases and support better planning.
The key difference
The NDIS and Support at Home may both help people access assistive technology, but they are not interchangeable programs. The NDIS is focused on eligible people with permanent and significant disability. Support at Home is focused on aged care needs for eligible older people living at home.
The best starting point is the daily activity that has become difficult. Describe what is happening, what support is already available and what would make the task safer or easier. An assessment can then help identify the right equipment and the correct funding pathway.
For reliable information about eligibility and funding, contact the NDIS or My Aged Care. A qualified health professional can also help assess whether a particular assistive technology product is suitable for the person and their home.