Disability Aged Clients and Customised Mobility

The Disability Aged Clients and Customised Mobility stream is for people who:

• Are currently accepted by the Commonwealth “Continuity of Support” (CoS) Programme for ongoing services or are aged over 65 years, ineligible for the NDIS and have existing equipment provided by the Equipment Program.
• Have a need for a specialised wheelchair, but do not have funding available through an alternative source.

Funding is not available for people who are eligible for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). People eligible for the NDIS can get further information via NDIS.

People eligible for ongoing equipment services through the Equipment Program, may still require access to some equipment and home modifications through My Aged Care, depending on circumstances. Further information is available via My Aged Care.

Key approval criteria

Our decision on whether you are eligible for equipment or home modifications through the Equipment Program is based on the following information:

• Key approval criteria for equipment
• Key approval criteria for home modifications

What is available to eligible clients through the Equipment Program?

• Equipment Program equipment in scope list (XLSX 135.2 KB)
• Home Modification in scope list (XLSX 84.8 KB)

The Equipment Item Types and Definitions page lists the equipment with definitions for each item.

Specific eligibility criteria and screening tools

Some items have specific criteria associated that must be met in addition to the key approval criteria. For some of these items, a screening tool must be completed by a referring therapist. Use of the screening tool ensures all aspects of eligibility criteria have been met.

For all required and recommended documents, proceed to the relevant document list located in the EP Equipment In-scope (XLSX 135.2 KB) or EP Home Modifications In-scope (XLSX 84.8 KB) list.

All Category 2 requests must be submitted using an Equipment Request Form (DOCX 180.2 KB) or Home Modification Request and Agreement Form (DOCX 97.2 KB) , Delegate Approval Request Form (DOCX 57.9 KB) and Risk Rating and Priority Scoring Form (DOCX 65.3 KB) with any supporting documents.

Assessment

Equipment and home modification needs must be assessed by a suitably qualified allied health professional who will submit all paperwork direct to the Equipment Program.

If an item of equipment or home modification is being requested, or there is difficulty using equipment currently provided, please contact the service provider to arrange a health professional to assess the clinical needs.

Who can do an assessment?

Any allied health professional with the right discipline for the item being requested can prescribe for eligible clients. The in-scope list (XLSX 135.2 KB) identifies which discipline can prescribe for each item type.

People receiving Disability Support for Older Australians (DSOA) services, may be eligible to access assessment services through their DSOA provider.

Assessment can be arranged (which may need to be paid for by the individual) through:

• a Medicare Chronic Disease Management Plan through a GP
• a private therapist (health insurance or self-funded)
• the Commonwealth My Aged Care Program (people aged 65 years and over only) or
• SA Health or Country Connect.

Selecting equipment or home modifications

A number of information sheets have been developed to support assessors to assess equipment and home modifications to suit individual needs.

There are multiple documents which can help with appropriate selection and prescription of equipment or home modifications.

• Equipment Request Form (DOCX 180.2 KB)
• Home Modification Request and Agreement Form (DOCX 97.2 KB)

Along with the above request form, all Category 2 items must also be submitted with:

• Delegate Approval Request Form (DOCX 57.9 KB)
• Risk Rating and Priority Scoring Form (DOCX 65.3 KB), or for Communication devices Priority Scoring Communication and Assistive Technology (DOC 170.5 KB)

An additional specification form may be needed if measurements or adjustments to the item need to be detailed.

• Checklist For Assessors Submitting Equipment Requests (DOCX 78.1 KB)
• Checklist For Assessors Submitting Home Modification Requests (DOCX 78.3 KB)

Please ensure that individuals and their carers read the following document prior to planning or starting major home modifications:

Major Home Modifications Client Information Sheet (DOC 176.5 KB)

Once an equipment item has been approved by the Equipment Program delegate, an Equipment selection agreement form (DOCX 61.0 KB) must be completed by the client and referring therapist.

Please see further information in the Ordering Section, to complete your request.

Follow Up

Follow-up of equipment provided is mandatory to ensure that the item issued to a person meets their needs and can be used appropriately and safely. A review may be completed by phone or in person, depending on the complexity of the item provided.

Review