Equipment Prescription
Find out which equipment may make everyday activities easier or safer.
Equipment prescription means assessing which equipment suits your needs and explaining the features to look for. An occupational therapist, or OT, considers the activity, where you will use the item and what help is available. They may compare options or help arrange a supplier trial before making a recommendation when appropriate.
Tell us which activity is difficult and what has already been tried. You do not need to choose the equipment first.
What do you want to understand next?
Why have an equipment assessment?
An item's dimensions and features do not show whether someone can use it comfortably and safely in their daily routine.
For example, when an older person is considering a shower chair, the OT may look at how they sit, stand and wash, the bathroom space and the help available. A trial may be needed to check how the chair works in that setting.
The assessment also considers effort, setup and differences between easier and more demanding days.
See how this service applies to different stages of life.
What does the OT consider?
01
The person
Your goals, preferences, movement, comfort, communication, sensory needs, fatigue and preferred support.
02
The activity
What you need to do, which part is difficult and how often you would use the equipment.
03
The surroundings
Space, surfaces, access, storage, transport and other people using the area.
04
The equipment
Size, adjustments, controls, compatibility with other equipment, maintenance and any training or help needed.
An item needs to suit the activity and setting as well as the person.
How does the assessment work?
- 1
Explain what the equipment needs to help with
You and your OT discuss the activity and what is difficult, with your chosen support people involved where relevant and with consent.
- 2
Assess the current setup
The OT considers your needs, surroundings, support and equipment already used.
- 3
Compare suitable options
The OT considers relevant products and suppliers, taking account of the assessment findings and funding arrangements.
- 4
Arrange a trial if needed
The OT may liaise with a supplier to help you try equipment in a relevant setting. Meaningful Activities does not hold or supply trial equipment.
- 5
Review how it works
The OT considers comfort, effort, access, setup and support needed.
- 6
Explain the recommendation
The OT explains which features are suitable and why. They may instead recommend another trial, a different option, a home modification assessment or no equipment.
Not every assessment needs all these steps. The OT confirms the proposed work before it begins.
What happens during an equipment trial?
The supplier may arrange access to equipment, provide product information and prepare a quote. The OT assesses its suitability.
A trial helps you and your OT check:
- whether the item can be used for the intended activity
- whether it fits the space and existing equipment
- what setup, training or help is needed
- whether it creates another difficulty.
Trying an item does not commit you to buying it or guarantee funding. The findings help decide whether to recommend it.
Could another service help?
01
OT Assessment
When you need to understand an everyday difficulty before considering equipment.
Explore OT Assessment02
Home Modifications
When a fixed part of the home, such as a doorway or bathroom layout, is the main barrier.
Explore Home Modifications04
Functional Capacity Assessment
When an NDIS decision needs a detailed assessment and report about everyday support needs.
Explore Functional Capacity AssessmentNot sure which service you need? Tell us which activity is difficult. Your OT can explain whether equipment, another service or a combination may help.
What does Equipment Prescription cost?
Our current therapy rate is
$193.99
per hour
What’s included?
The agreed OT work may include assessment, supplier communication, attending a supplier-arranged trial, reviewing findings, recommendations, reports and provider travel where applicable.
Equipment, supplier fees, delivery, installation, hire and maintenance are separate costs. We clarify the OT work and supplier costs before the service begins.
Funding and service arrangements
Funding depends on your plan or program, current rules and budget. An OT recommendation does not approve the purchase or funding.
How to get started
Select Start a Referral below. This opens our New Patient Referral form, which you can complete for yourself or someone you support.
Describe what is difficult or unsafe, where the equipment would be used and what has already been tried. Include existing equipment, supplier information and any funding request or deadline.
We check whether the assessment is within our service scope, current availability and funding requirements. We contact you or the nominated person to confirm what is needed.
Our admin team confirms the paperwork and assessment appointment. The OT then decides whether supplier information, a trial or another service is needed before making a recommendation.
