Assistive technology (AT) can effectively support older Australians to remain in their own homes safely. Unfortunately, many people are not able to access the AT they need. The Australian Government appointed AHA to conduct a review of AT programs in Australia and identify ways to improve access to AT for older Australians.

AT is an umbrella term for products and services that maintain or improve an individual’s functioning and independence. AT can also prevent impairments and secondary health conditions. Examples include wheelchairs, prostheses, walking sticks, hearings aids, visual aids, and specialised computer software and hardware that can increase mobility, hearing, vision, or communication capacities.

Building on previous work by the Australian and state/territory governments, AHA:

• Considered the benefits of AT, including the potential to mitigate risk when providing care to frail, older people in their homes, and to support relationships between carers and clients
• Looked at the impact of AT on reducing the ongoing costs of in-home and residential care
• Identified which types of AT should be subsidised by the government or purchased privately, and how rental markets could help improve access
• Provided a summary of AT programs in Australia, including access points, eligibility criteria, scope of service, and intersections with health and disability sectors
• Identified ways to improve access to AT for older Australians, including options for a future service delivery and funding model, a cost-benefit analysis, and high-level steps for implementation.

AHA used a mixed-methods approach to conduct the review over two stages:

• Stage one included a desktop review of data and documentation, a rapid evidence review and a round of stakeholder consultation
• Stage two included the development of options for a future service delivery and funding model (and costs for each model), a further round of consultation to obtain feedback on the options, and refinement of the model based on this feedback.

This review also informed AHA’s evaluation of the reablement trial for the Commonwealth Home Support Program.

AHA’s final report is available on the Department’s website.