How Our Sunshine Coast Occupational Therapists Can Help You Stay Mobile
Being able to get out and about — whether it’s to the shops in Maroochydore, a coffee catch-up in Caloundra, or a medical appointment in Nambour — makes a big difference to daily life. For older adults living on the Sunshine Coast, a motorised scooter can offer independence, safety, and connection to the community.
If you’re receiving a Home Care Package (HCP) through My Aged Care, it’s possible to access funding for a mobility scooter — but there are a few important steps to follow. At Encompass Health Services, our Sunshine Coast-based occupational therapists can support you through the process from start to finish.
Why Can’t I Just Buy a Scooter Myself?
You can go to a local Sunshine Coast mobility store and buy a scooter outright — and some clients choose to do this.
But if you’d like to use your Home Care Package funds, you’ll need:
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An in-home OT assessment
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Evidence that the scooter is safe, appropriate, and helps you meet your health and mobility goals
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A report that satisfies the requirements of My Aged Care providers and funding approvals
That’s because scooters are considered high-risk assistive technology, and aged care providers are responsible for ensuring that government funding is spent appropriately and safely.
What Our Sunshine Coast Occupational Therapists Do
At Encompass Health Services, our experienced occupational therapists on the Sunshine Coast provide in-home visits across the region — from Noosa to Beerwah and everywhere in between.
We can help you by:
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Conducting a home and mobility assessment
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Trialling appropriate scooter options to ensure the right fit
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Working with your GP and HCP case manager
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Preparing all required clinical justification documents
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Ensuring training and environmental safety are considered
We know these processes can take time — usually a few weeks — but we’re here to support you at every step.
Who’s Involved in the Process?
Accessing a motorised scooter through your Home Care Package often includes:
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You – the person wanting greater mobility and independence
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Your family or support people
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Your GP – especially if medical clearance is needed
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Your HCP provider or case manager – who reviews quotes and funding requests
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Our local OT team – based right here on the Sunshine Coast
We also understand this can be an emotional time, especially for those adjusting to changes in independence — such as giving up a driver’s licence. Our team approaches every conversation with care and dignity.
Want One Sooner?
Some clients choose to purchase a scooter privately — and that’s completely okay. But if you’d prefer to use your Home Care Package funding, we’ll need to follow the proper process to meet My Aged Care guidelines and ensure long-term safety.
Book an In-Home Scooter Assessment on the Sunshine Coast
Ready to explore whether a mobility scooter is right for you or a loved one? Our Sunshine Coast occupational therapists can come to your home, assess your needs, and guide you through the steps to secure funding through your Home Care Package.
Click here to submit a referral and our team will be in touch to organise an appointment with one of our experienced OTs.
Alternatively, contact Encompass Health Services on 0423 055 016 to book your in-home OT assessment.
We’re here to help you stay active, safe, and connected — at home and in the community.