Aids and equipment enable older people to remain independent

The Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) strongly supports the government’s plans for a separately funded aids and equipment scheme to enable older people to live safely and independently in their own homes.

Assistive technology – such as walking frames and accessible cooking appliances – can reduce, or even remove, the need for in-home care.

Home modifications – including step modifications and internal handrails – can prevent unnecessary hospital admissions and decrease the likelihood of an older person entering residential aged care.

OPAN urges the Australian Government to include the far-reaching social and financial benefits of its Assistive Technologies and Home Modifications Scheme in its investment calculations.

And to include an explicit human rights framework to ensure equitable access for older people.

While the new scheme supports older people who are ineligible for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), it stops short of delivering the same services, aids and equipment that are available under the NDIS.

Advocates across our national network have told us that, in many cases, their support would not be necessary if older people had better access to assistive technologies and efficient and effective wrap-around services.

CRAIG GEAR OAM