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Understanding Australian AT-HM Funding for Personal Alarms

29 May 2025

Following years of consultation and review, the Australian Government is reshaping how aged care support is delivered. As far as we understand, a key outcome of this reform is the new Support at Home program, set to launch on 1 July 2025, which aims to simplify access to essential services and provide more personalised, flexible care for older Australians.

A key component of this new program is the Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) Scheme. This funding initiative emerged from a recognition that many older people want to remain living safely in their own homes for as long as possible but often lack access to the right tools and support to do so. By introducing a dedicated funding stream for technology and home changes, the AT-HM Scheme is designed to bridge this gap—improving safety, independence, and quality of life.

Importantly, the scheme includes funding for Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS) and mobile PERS (mPERS)—technologies that Chiptech specialises in and that already support thousands of Australians to live with confidence at home and in the community.

What is the AT-HM Scheme?

The AT-HM Scheme gives eligible older people separate, upfront funding for assistive technologies and home modifications. It’s designed to be flexible, needs-based, and better aligned with the way people live and move through their communities.

There are three funding tiers depending on the complexity and cost of the item:

Low Tier – Up to $500

  • Simple, low-cost items that don’t require configuration or professional advice.
  • Example Package: SEVEN with personal help button.
    A basic in-home personal alarm and pendant for someone with low fall risk.

Medium Tier – Up to $2,000

  • More advanced solutions that may benefit from professional guidance.
  • Example Package: Personal safety with medication adherence support.
    This pairing provides both emergency response and medication management, ensuring the user can get help when needed and stay safely on track with complex medication routines.
      • SEVEN with personal help button
      • The Adi Pill Dispenser, which securely dispenses meds on schedule and reduces the risk of medication errors.
  • Ideal for: People managing multiple prescriptions or with early cognitive changes.

High Tier – Up to $15,000

  • Complex or higher-value technology requiring assessment and prescription.
  • Example Package: Personal safety with fall detection and medication adherence support. 
    This comprehensive care solution combines:
    • SEVEN with fall detector; GO 4G or Pearl Advanced 
    • The Adi Bed Sensor, which monitors bed occupancy to detect possible overnight falls or wandering, and notifies caregivers or responders if someone does not return to bed safely. 
    • The Adi Pill Dispenser, which securely dispenses meds on schedule and reduces the risk of medication errors.
  • Ideal for: People with cognitive decline, high falls risk, or those living alone who require more proactive safety and care support.

What Does This Mean for Personal Alarms?

Whether you need a simple pendant for peace of mind or an integrated care solution, the AT-HM Scheme can help fund the right technology for you or your loved one.

Chiptech solutions potentially eligible for funding include:

How Do End Users Get Funding?

Currently, there are no suppliers of PERS or mPERS devices available to be selected on My Aged Care, we expect this will change in the coming weeks, therefore below is an outline of what will happen once suppliers are listed on the scheme.

  1. Start with My Aged Care
    Visit myagedcare.gov.au or call to request an assessment.
  2. Have Your Needs Assessed
    A qualified assessor will review your health, living situation, and daily needs. Based on this, they’ll assign a funding tier and recommend suitable technologies.
  3. Receive and Set Up Your Device
    Once approved, you’ll be guided through selecting your personal alarm or Adi care package, with support for installation and training if needed.

For Existing Users of Personal Alarms

If you have end users already using a Chiptech device, they can still apply to have their current or upgraded solution funded under the AT-HM Scheme. They will need to go through the My Aged Care assessment process to determine eligibility and the most appropriate support.

In the future, the Assistive Technology Loans Scheme will also allow people to trial devices before committing, offering even more flexibility in choosing the right solution.

We’re Here to Help

At Chiptech, we believe technology should support independence—not get in the way of it. Our range of personal alarms and integrated Adi care solutions are designed to meet a variety of needs, from simple reassurance to comprehensive daily support.

If you have any questions about your personal alarm or the AT-HM Scheme, reach out to your service provider or contact us directly. We’re here to support you.

Useful Links to Learn More:

Disclaimer:
The information provided in this post is based on current guidance from the Australian Department of Health. As the scheme is still being finalised, some details may change. We will continue to update this blog as new information becomes available

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