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Preparing for the Aged Care Reform: What Business Customers Need to Know

30 June 2025

The dates may have changed, but the challenges of navigating aged care reform haven’t. From 1 November 2025, the introduction of the Support at Home program and the accompanying Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) Scheme marks a significant shift in how aged care is structured and funded in Australia.

For providers, referral partners, and allied health professionals, now is the time to understand how to engage with the new system—particularly when it comes to recommending fall prevention technology and personal alarm solutions as part of a Package of Care.

At Chiptech, we’ve been following these changes closely so we can support you in raising awareness, building referral pathways, and delivering safer, smarter technology-enabled care. Whether you’re already offering alarms or just beginning to explore assistive tech options, this guide outlines what to expect and how to prepare.

Why This Reform Matters

From November, the Support at Home program will replace the current Home Care Packages system, moving away from lump-sum budgeting to an activity-based funding model. As part of this shift, the AT-HM Scheme will provide separate, upfront funding for assistive technologies and home modifications—removing the need to draw from general care budgets for vital equipment.
For those supporting older Australians at home, this opens a clear, dedicated channel to prescribe and deliver personal alarms and fall prevention technology that is compliant, supported, and safe.

Funding tiers include:

  • Low cost (under $500)
  • Medium cost (up to $2,000)
  • High cost (up to $15,000+, prescribed by a clinician)

Importantly, these categories cover not only the technology itself but also installation, training, and any required professional assessment—ensuring a holistic, supported solution from day one.

Want a deeper understanding of how AT-HM funding works and what it covers? Our detailed guide breaks down the Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) Scheme, including examples of eligible devices, funding categories, and what providers and referral partners need to know when recommending personal alarms. Read the full AT-HM Funding Guide here.

Raising Awareness with Referrers and Assessment Teams

As demand for tech-enabled care grows, so too does the need for high-quality information, advice, and guidance from trusted providers. To be selected as a prescribed solution under AT-HM, it’s essential that:

  • Referral and assessment teams understand the benefits of personal emergency response systems (PERS) and mobile alarms (mPERS)
  • Solutions are clearly linked to outcomes like reduced falls, improved medication adherence, and lower hospital admission rates
  • Devices recommended are standards-compliant, clinically appropriate, and monitored where possible

Positioning your organisation as a knowledgeable, proactive referral partner increases the chance of being included in a participant’s personalised Package of Care.

Beware the ‘Shonky’ Options Standards Matter

With new AT-HM funding available, a growing number of off-the-shelf personal alarms are being marketed as affordable solutions but many of these devices fail to deliver when it matters most. The ACCC’s Shonky Awards have previously called out personal alarms with unreliable alert systems, limited coverage, or poor user experience. Critically, most of these products are unmonitored, meaning there’s no guaranteed support if something goes wrong.

At Chiptech, we take a different approach. Our devices are built to meet or exceed Australian safety and performance standards and are widely adopted by leading monitoring services, and supported by 24/7 professional monitoring.

Selecting the right device and professional monitored service matters.

Person-Centred Solutions: Packages of Care

Under the new funding model, Packages of Care can be developed and adjusted to reflect the individual needs and daily routines of each person.
Chiptech’s approach to Packages of Care includes:

  • Devices for fixed home use (like SEVEN and Personal Help Button)
  • Mobile options for active individuals (GO 4G)
  • Optional accessories including fall detection, bed sensors, and automated medication dispensers
  • Integration with professional monitoring, ensuring 24/7 support

Whether someone is managing chronic illness, living with dementia, or recovering from hospitalisation, Chiptech solutions can be tailored as part of a broader support plan. Learn more about how we personalise support via Packages of Care

Why Monitoring Still Matters

As part of a well-rounded solution, professional monitoring adds immense value. More than just peace of mind, it offers:

  • Clinical triage and escalation of events
  • Fewer false alarms compared to self-managed systems
  • Faster response times, particularly in critical situations
  • Assurance for families, carers, and care managers

Including monitoring in an AT-HM-funded solution helps create a safer, more responsive environment and meets a higher duty of care.

Chiptech Solutions Eligible for AT-HM

Our current range includes:

All devices are fully AT-HM compatible, designed for easy setup, and supported by installation and training materials for clients and carers.

What You Can Do Now

To prepare for 1 November 2025:

  1. Build internal awareness across your organisation about AT-HM funding and referral pathways
  2. Engage proactively with My Aged Care assessors and coordinators
  3. Train your team on which solutions to recommend and how to explain their value
  4. Leverage Chiptech’s product specifications and Packages of Care brochure on our customer Web Portal to support conversations with clients
  5. Start discussing how to customise and supply Packages of Care that incorporate standards-based, monitored devices

Why Work with Chiptech?

  • Trusted by government-funded providers across Australia, New Zealand, and the UK
  • Devices designed and manufactured to the highest safety and compliance standards
  • Seamless integration with professional monitoring services
  • A focus on flexibility—meeting the needs of individuals, families, and care teams

Need help planning your approach to the new reforms?

Talk to our team today. We’re here to support you with training, resources, and referral tools to ensure your organisation is well positioned when the new system launches.

Together, we can deliver better, safer care—built around the individual, backed by technology, and ready for the future.

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