The Shapes United Adaptive Clothing range is now available via Support at Home (formally Home Care Packages).

As people age, the simple task of dressing and undressing can become difficult.  Age well and keep your style with The Shapes United. Don't let dressing issues hold you back from doing the activities they love.

Adaptive clothing can make dressing easier, prolonging independence and activity.

For people who are our Older Australian, classify themselves as seniors and who are caregivers, The Shapes United Adaptive Clothing range can help overcome challenges stemming from physical limitations. In doing so, wearers can gain back their independence.

The Shapes United clothing is available in 2 ways either:

•  as Assistive Technology (through an assessment through My Aged Care)

Assistive technology refers to products and equipment that help older people perform everyday tasks more easily, live safely and independently, or maintain dignity (like adaptive clothing or dressing aids).

Within this category (on the official AT-HM list), items are further grouped based on how they’re accessed:
• Low-risk items – simple, low-cost daily living aids (no prescription needed).
• Under advice – products that are generally safe but best chosen with professional guidance.
• Prescribed – more complex or tailored products that require a qualified health professional (e.g., an occupational therapist) to prescribe them.

Adaptive clothing used to help with dressing can be considered an assistive technology item when it directly supports independence, safety or ease of daily tasks for the older person.

Or

• as Home modifications 

  Although this category isn’t for clothing itself, it’s the other major funding stream available under AT-HM that older Australians can be approved for:

  • Home modifications include physical changes to the home environment (like grab rails, ramps, wider doorways) that help with mobility or safety.

  • You can be approved for assistive technology only, home modifications only, or both — depending on your assessed needs after an aged care assessment.

Put simply: Adaptive clothing access under Support at Home is part of the assistive technology category of supports, and the broader AT-HM scheme has two main allowable support areas — assistive technology and home modifications. You’ll need an aged care assessment to determine which category you’re approved for, and level of funding (low, medium, high) depends on assessed needs.

How?

To access funding for adaptive clothing (or other assistive technology) under the new Support at Home program’s Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) scheme in Australia, you generally need the following:

1. Have an Aged Care Assessment

You must first go through an assessment with an Aged Care Assessor (via My Aged Care).

• This assessment determines your needs, including whether assistive technology (like adaptive clothing or other equipment) or home modifications are appropriate.

• The assessor may also involve a qualified health professional (e.g., an occupational therapist) to evaluate your functional needs if the item requires professional input.

2. Be Approved for Assistive Technology Funding

Once your needs are assessed, you’ll be allocated a funding tier for assistive technology (and/or home modifications) in your Notice of Decision and support plan.
There are three tiers:

• Low 

• Medium 

• High

3. Meet Any Product or Prescription Requirements

Some items are considered low-risk and can be accessed without a prescription.
Other items, especially more expensive or customised supports, require:

• A prescription or recommendation from a qualified health professional (e.g., occupational therapist).
  This ensures the item meets your specific assessed needs and is safe to use. 

 4. Work With Your Support at Home Provider

Your approved provider will help you:

• Source the assistive technology (e.g., adaptive clothing or other equipment).

• Arrange delivery, setup, and wrap-around services such as training to use the item safely.
  Funding includes not just the item but also these professional and coordination services.

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