Frequently asked questions

I am a new prescriber to My Aged care and support older people in the South West Sydney Aged Care Planning Region (ACPR) OR Riverina/Murray ACPR, am I eligible to participate in the trial?

Please refer to the AT Loans Scheme Guidelines for details of who is an eligible prescriber for this trial period. Depending on the equipment category, a different prescriber may be required.

In this guide you will find information on the following:

• considerations before applying,
• AT categories and definitions, and,
• prescriber responsibilities.

It is the prescriber's responsibility to ensure they have assessed the person, are appropriately qualified and are providing items within their scope of practice.

Equipment I need to prescribe is not available in the catalogue, what are my options?

Together with the Department of Health and Aged Care, our experienced teams worked meticulously through the inclusions list to determine equipment that is:

• safe to use at home by older Australians and their carers,
• clinically appropriate, and
• when no longer needed can be refurbished for a second life

If the item is not available in the equipment catalogue, please call and speak to an EnableNSW clinical advisor on 1800 362 253 (option 9). Alternatively, contact the provider or My Aged Care directly to discuss other funding options.

Can I apply for multiple items for the same clinical need?

We will only consider the older person’s primary communication, mobility or self-care item. For example, a person is not eligible to receive both a scooter and power wheelchair, where the primary goal can be achieved by one device.  If additional equipment is required, contact an EnableNSW clinical advisor to discuss the need.

What can I expect after I submit an application

Once you submit the application, you will receive an automated reply to let you know the application has been received. Where applications are complete and additional information is not required, an approval letter will be emailed to you and a copy sent to the client.

Delivery times may vary due to location and type of equipment requested. Additionally, all equipment purchased from a supplier will be subject to their availability and stock levels at the time of purchase.

In all cases, the client will be contacted by the relevant supplier to arrange a suitable delivery date and time.

If the equipment is not suitable when it arrives, can it be swapped for another item in the same category?

Readily available equipment can easily be swapped for another item in the same category if the person’s needs change or the equipment is deemed unsuitable at the time of delivery. Submit your request in writing and we will arrange the pick-up and delivery.

Please note, purchased on request or pre-approval required equipment is not subject to the same arrangement and you will need to contact the EnableNSW clinical advisor to discuss on 1800 362 253 (option 9).

Are home modifications part of the AT Loans Scheme Trial?

The Assistive technology (AT) Loans Scheme Trial only includes the provision of communication, mobility, and self-care equipment. Please visit the AT equipment catalogue for the full range.

With this being a trial, how long can the person use their loaned equipment?

While this is a time limited trial with the Department of Health and Aged Care (DoHAC), once a person receives their equipment from EnableNSW, they can continue using it for as long as it is clinically required.

The equipment remains the property of NSW Health, and people should return their loaned items when no longer needed. Our team can collect equipment, and where appropriate, refurbish for future use. You can learn more about the EnableNSW Sustainable Equipment model on the website.

The repair arrangements for equipment (after the trial ends), are still being worked through, and we will let you know closer to the time.

My client will be moving interstate, what happens to the equipment provided through the trial?

To ensure our records are up to date, please let us know as soon as possible or encourage the person to contact our team. We are unable to repair equipment that has been taken outside of NSW.

If the equipment is clinically required, the person should take the equipment with them. EnableNSW will not pay for the dismantling and relocation of the equipment, and this should be organised with a supplier.

We suggest the person to contact their new Home Care Package provider in the state or territory they are moving to. The Changing providers – Considerations and Checklist information sheet on the My Aged care website, is a good tool to reference.

My client is moving to a residential aged care facility (RACF), what happens to the equipment loaned to them through the trial?

In most situations, we would expect the equipment to be returned to us, as RACFs will usually provide equipment needed for people to meet their functional needs. The person should discuss their equipment needs with the RACF.

For highly specialised/scripted equipment, please contact the EnableNSW clinical advisor to discuss the situation.

Who can I contact for support during the trial period?

The EnableNSW team has dedicated customer service officers and clinical advisors available Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. Call 1800 362 253 (option 9) or email enable@health.nsw.gov.au