Client contributions under Support at Home: how much will you pay out of pocket for an adjustable bed?

The new Support at Home programme means most older Australians pay far less than you'd expect for an adjustable bed. Here's a plain-English guide to what it costs, how the funding works, and how to get the best value.

If you're struggling to get in and out of bed, waking up in pain, or need better positioning for breathing or circulation, an adjustable bed can make a genuine difference to your daily life.

The question most people ask first is: how much will I actually have to pay?

The answer, under the new Support at Home programme, is often much less than you'd expect.

The government covers most of the cost

Under Support at Home, the Australian Government remains the primary funder of in-home aged care. Adjustable beds fall under the "Assistive Technology" category, which means they're eligible for government subsidy — you just need to co-contribute a portion based on your pension status and means assessment.

Good news: The clinical services you need to access this funding — such as an Occupational Therapy assessment and prescription — are fully funded at no cost. The co-contribution only applies to the equipment itself.

How much is the co-contribution?

It depends on your financial situation. Here's what to expect:

Your situation	Your contribution
Full pensioner	Approx. 5%
Part pensioner	Between 5% and 50%
Self-funded retiree	Up to 50%

These rates are set by Services Australia based on a means assessment. Your aged care provider can help clarify the exact percentage.

What does that look like in real dollars?

Let's say your therapist recommends our ConcentriCare™ Essential Mobility Adjustable Bed, which starts at $3,199 + GST.

Example: Part pensioner with a 20% co-contribution

• Government funding covers: $2,559

• You pay: $640

• Full pensioner? As little as: $160

Your contribution is collected by your aged care provider after the bed has been delivered — not upfront.

How does it actually work?

The process is straightforward. Your therapist (an OT or physio) assesses your needs and prescribes an adjustable bed. We supply the bed and invoice your aged care provider directly for the full amount. The provider receives the government subsidy, and then collects your co-contribution separately.

The important thing to understand: you don't pay us directly. Everything goes through the provider, and your contribution is only collected after the bed has been delivered and set up.

What about the OT assessment?

The Occupational Therapy assessment you need to access funding is classified as a clinical service — which means it's fully covered at 0% contribution. We can help coordinate an OT appointment, usually within 7 days, and the report is typically completed within 5–10 business days after that.

Can I try before I commit?

Yes. We offer a free in-home bed trial so you can try the bed in your own home before any decisions are made. There's no obligation and no pressure. We deliver and set up the bed, and you get to experience it in your own space.

If you decide to go ahead, we also offer a 30-night comfort exchange and a 10-year warranty, so the commitment feels a lot less daunting.

But not all adjustable beds are equal

When your co-contribution is a percentage of the total price, the cost of the bed matters — a lot. A cheaper bed with more included doesn't just save on the sticker price; it directly reduces what comes out of your pocket.

Here's how our ConcentriCare™ Hi-Lo compares to one of the most commonly prescribed alternatives:

The bottom line: choosing a bed with more included at a lower total price doesn't just save money overall — it directly reduces what you pay out of your own pocket under the co-contribution model.

Ready to find out what you'd pay?

Request a quote and we'll work out the numbers based on your specific situation and funding. Or call 02 7251 6726.

This article is provided as a general guide only. Co-contribution rates are determined by Services Australia and may vary based on individual means assessments. For the latest details, visit the Department of Health and Aged Care website.