If you or a loved one are on a Home Care Package (HCP) and urgently need essential equipment or assistive technology like a mobility aid, wheelchair, or personal alarm, there’s good news. You may now be eligible to access up to $2,500 in urgent funding – a government initiative to help cover the cost of vital Goods, Equipment and Assistive Technology (GEAT).
Assistive technology can make a significant contribution to supporting an individual’s desire to be as independent as possible. In particular, assistive technology can help a person compensate for, adapt to, or build confidence and capacity in navigating day-to-day living.
How GEAT Can Help
Goods, Equipment and Assistive Technology (GEAT) can make daily life easier, safer, and more manageable by supporting a wide range of needs, such as:
- Assisting with everyday tasks like dressing, showering and cleaning
- Reducing falls risk and improving safety around the home
- Enhancing access within the home and community
- Minimising fatigue and supporting independence
- Supporting overall health, wellbeing, and confidence
When GEAT is Recommended
An aged care assessor may recommend GEAT when the equipment or item will:
- Reduce the risk of injury to the care recipient or carer
- Support safer and more effective performance of daily activities
- Improve or maintain the individual’s functional capacity
- Slow down the progression of physical or postural decline
What Is covered?
This funding can support a wide range of items that help with safety, independence, and daily living:
- Simple daily aids like modified appliances and specialised eating utensils
- Personal alarms, walking frames, and health monitors, shower chairs, dressing aids
- Larger items like scooters, bed rails, adjustable beds, hoists, and powered wheelchairs
- Home modifications such as widening of doorways for wheelchair access, removing shower hobs, installing ambulant toilets
How to access it
- Existing and approved HCP care recipients are eligible to access GEAT through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP)
- Talk to your HCP aged care provider about your needs and what funding is available
- If you qualify, they can refer you to an aged care assessor
- If approved, items are provided through national supplier geat2GO
- A gap fee applies for items over $2,500, but other options, such as rental or second-hand purchases, can also be considered.
Need help navigating the process?
The team at For Care can provide you with ideas and advice about the type of equipment that is available to help you lead an easier, more independent life. We can also help actively support and monitor you in the use of special equipment and assistive technology.
Speak with For Care or call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 for more information.
