Government Funding for Rollators through the NDIS

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a government-funded initiative to support Australians who have permanent disabilities. 

People who qualify for NDIS funding can access different types of support to continue living and working as independently as possible and reach their personal goals. For some people, this could include helping with household chores. For others, it could involve moving around the community independently. 

Here is a video produced by the NDIS that explains what the NDIS is and what it funds. 

NDIS Assistive Technology Eligibility

To determine if you are eligible, here are some of the things the NDIS considers:

1. Are you between the ages of 7 and 65?
2. Are you an Australian resident and a citizen or permanent visa holder?
3. In daily life, do you need help from someone because of a permanent and significant disability?
4. Do you require special equipment or aids because of this permanent and significant disability?
5. Will support reduce the amount of help you need in the future?

If you think that you are eligible based on the checklist above, consider applying to the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA). They will assess your application and let you know if you meet the criteria for the NDIS. 

Assistive Technology: Funding a Rollator

The NDIS assistive technology category funds rollators. 

This category includes different types of equipment and aids that help people do things that they could not otherwise do. 

The NDIS divides different types of assistive technology into four different categories. 

Each category requires different levels of assessment and approval before it can be purchased or organised. If required, an NDIS assistive technologies assessor can meet with you or your loved one and help you select the most appropriate devices for your situation. 

The first level of NDIS assistive technology is usually low-cost and low risk supports that help with daily tasks, mobility, or continence.

Rollators and other basic mobility equipment such as walking frames and canes fall within this category. Generally, you can source and purchase these items yourself. 

Depending on the type of rollator, and whether you are buying or hiring it, these are the support item reference numbers through your NDIS plan:

• 05_120606096_0105_1_2, 
• 05_120606097_0105_1_2,
• 05_120606131_0105_1_2,
• 05_701206326_0105_1_2,
• 05_711206336_0105_1_2,
• 05_120600115_1_2,
• 05_120606111_0105_1_2,
• 05_120612100_0105_1_2,
• 05_120606091_0105_1_2. 

Rollators can be helpful to support you while you are walking, carry some groceries back from the shops, and have a device that is easier to push. For other ideas of ways to use your rollator, you can read our blog post on the topic for ideas and inspiration. 

Budgets and Payment Plans

In your NDIS plan, rollators fall under personal mobility equipment in the assistive technology category under the capital supports the budget.

You can either purchase the aid from Statewide Home Health Care or hire the aid. This could be beneficial if you only need the rollator for a short time and are more budget-conscious.

Overall, don’t let cost get in the way of getting the physical support you need. Rollators can help improve daily living and help you maintain your independence. 

At Statewide Home Health Care, our friendly expert staff is also available to help recommend rollators and other products that are appropriate for your circumstances.  

Come visit our showroom at 501 Nepean Hwy, Brighton East, VIC, 3187. 

Statewide Home Health Care. Your Home. Your Health. We Care.