Daily living aids
Subsidy funding is available under the Medical Aids Subsidy Scheme (MASS) to support eligible Queenslanders who require daily living aids.
IMPORTANT CHANGES TO MANDATORY EQUIPMENT TRIAL REQUIREMENTS: MASS is temporarily removing mandatory trialling requirements for some basic equipment types.
Available daily living aids
- Non standard bathboards (raised/backrest/extended and/or padded only)
- Static commodes
- Bath transfer benches/swivel bathseat/bath hoist or other item of equipment which achieves the same function
- Mobile floor hoists and slings; mobile shower commode, and necessary accessories and/or modifications
- Pressure redistribution mattresses
- Sleep positioning systems
Eligible prescribers
Occupational therapists, physiotherapists and rehabilitation engineers are eligible to prescribe. In rural and remote areas, a registered nurse can prescribe (with designated specialist endorsement).
NEW - Static Bathing and Toileting Aids (BTA) Trial for Static Shower Chairs/Stools and Over Toilet Aids
The Static Bathing and Toileting Aids (BTA) Trial for Static Shower Chairs/Stools and Over Toilet Aids has been completed, with these product types now permanently available for eligible MASS applications, as per the updated Application Guidelines for Bathing and Toileting Aids.
In the short term, please continue to use the below application process and supplement form. MASS-eApply and the MASS 20 DLA/Mob Form updates are in process. Notification will be posted on the MASS website when these are completed and available.
Static Bathing and Toileting Aid Trial resources:
- MASS20 Static BTA Trial Supplement Form (PDF 756 kB) – to be attached to the MASS-eApply application.
- Static BTA Trial Application Process (PDF 691 kB) – how to apply for trial items in MASS-eApply.
- Static BTA Trial Application Process Flowchart (PDF 181 kB)
How to prescribe
Specific eligibility, application and documentation requirements are provided in the MASS General Guidelines (PDF 428 kB) and application guidelines relevant to the type of aid. Prescribers conduct specialist assessments to determine the aids and equipment needs of clients. Prescribers can access MASS stock equipment for a maximum two week trial if they intend to prescribe the aid for an eligible client.
Once a suitable device has been selected, prescribers work with the client to complete and submit the MASS 20 DLA/MOB - Daily Living Aids and Mobility Equipment Application Form (PDF 1650 kB) and the Application Form specific to the type of device.
Important Update on Mandatory Trial Requirements
As part of MASS’s commitment to quality service provision, MASS Equipment Services is temporarily removing the mandatory requirement to trial some basic equipment items funded by MASS. The removal of mandatory trial requirements for the below equipment categories will be trialled up to 30 June 2024. A review will be undertaken at that time, to determine the benefits of permanent changes to trialling requirements.
The temporary change is in response to challenges for applicants in locating a therapist/prescriber to assist them with provision of basic equipment funded through MASS and to reduce timeframes in obtaining equipment required for day-to-day mobility and daily living activities.
The equipment categories included in the temporary removal for mandatory trial are:
- Bath Transfer Bench (NEW)
- Non-Standard Bathboard (NEW)
- Static chairs/Stools (Existing)
- Static Over Toilet Aids (Existing)
Important assessment information for prescribers:
- All equipment products under the MASS Standing Offer Arrangement continue to be available for trial from the SOA supplier/agent, where deemed necessary by the prescriber.
- Where the requested product/model from the above categories has not been trialled with an applicant and/or in their home environment, the prescriber is required to review specifications and complete a functional assessment, including assessing transportation requirements. This is to ensure compatibility and safety with the client’s needs, a suitable fit within the home environment and where necessary, include consultation with relevant stakeholders.
- Where the non-trialled product is deemed unsuitable for use by the applicant, they should contact their prescriber in the first instance. The prescriber should contact MASS with details to discuss a resolution. Prescribers should be able to demonstrate to MASS that reasonable clinical practice was utilised in the item’s prescription.
- MASS and MASS Standing Offer Arrangement suppliers/agents are not obligated to provide an exchange or replacement product where the non-trialled prescribed product is not suitable.
Daily living aid application guidelines (including current subsidy amounts)
- Application Guidelines for Bathing and Toileting Aids (PDF 322 kB)
- Application Guidelines for Hoists and Slings (PDF 361 kB)
- Application Guidelines for Pressure Redistribution Support Surfaces (PDF 301 kB)
Daily living aids resources
- Applicant Information Sheet for Daily Living and Mobility Equipment Subsidy Funding (MASS 20) (PDF 241 kB)
- Equipment Services Application Process Flowchart (PDF 108 kB)
- Equipment Services Frequently Asked Questions (PDF 199 kB)
Daily living application forms
MASS-eApply (online applications) is the preferred method of application submission. To register click here or for further information click here. Tutorials on completing MASS-eApply applications can be found here.
- Login to MASS-eApply to complete online Daily Living Aids Applications
- MASS 20 DLA/MOB - Daily Living Aids and Mobility Equipment Application Form (PDF 1650 kB)
- MASS 23 - Specification Form For Non-Standard Bathboards (PDF 1041 kB)
- MASS 25 - Hoist and Sling Compatibility Checklist (PDF 1069 kB)
- MASS 27 - Ceiling Hoist Checklist (PDF 1087 kB)
- Ceiling Hoist Subsidy Funding Declaration (PDF 1028 kB)
Equipment letter template
MASS WAREHOUSE STOCK
MASS Stock and Warehouse Access
Access to MASS stock for trial and allocation for eligible clients is currently on hold. In order to continue supporting Hospitals and Acute/Rapid Care agencies to facilitate urgent discharge or in home care, MASS may provide an item via direct purchase from the approved supplier/agent. Please review information on the updated MASS Stock warehouse list and contact MASS-Stock@health.qld.gov.au for approval for direct purchase.
Brisbane: MASS-Stock@health.qld.gov.au
Monday to Friday – tele or video conference available
Townsville: MASS-Equipment-TSV@health.qld.gov.au
Direct Purchase for trial
| Question Id (Enter as a capital Q and a number no spaces) | Question or Statement | Response | Go to Question or Outcome (based on response selected) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q1 | Has trial been successfully completed? e.g. through supplier, own equipment pool, Client's existing equipment. | Yes | Outcome1 |
| No | Q2 | ||
| Q2 | Contact MASS Clinical Advisor (MASS-stock@health.qld.gov.au) to confirm item is eligible* for Direct Purchase for Trial. Note: item MUST be on MASS SOA and within subsidy/able to be fully funded by MASS. *Or suitable alternate eligible item identified during discussion with MASS clinician. | Item is confirmed eligible for Direct Purchase. | Q3 |
| Item is NOT eligible for direct purchase but is required | Outcome2 | ||
| Q3 | Contact MASS SOA Supplier/Agent and confirm item is available in stock for immediate supply on receipt of MASS Purchase Order. | Item is in stock | Q4 |
| Item is NOT in stock | Q2 | ||
| Q4 | Complete MASS Application for Trial from Stock and include the following:
| Application is submitted | Q5 |
| Q5 | On completion of Trial, submit Trial Feedback Form. | Trial is successful | Outcome3 |
| Trial is NOT successful | Outcome4 |
Yes - Trial has been successfully completed
Obtain quote and Specification form if relevant and submit MASS DLA/Mobility application.
Item is NOT eligible for direct purchase
Item is NOT eligible for direct purchase but is required - arrange trial through supplier, obtain quote and submit MASS DLA/Mobility Application.
Trial is successful
Equipment remains with Client.
Trial is NOT successful
Contact MASS to arrange collection of equipment for delivery to MASS Warehouse. Further trials must be completed through a Supplier.
Warehouse Access
The MASS warehouses will remain closed to visitors due to COVID-19. Please monitor this website for updates.
- Brisbane – open warehouse on Wednesday and Thursday – CLOSED
- Townsville – open warehouse – CLOSED
Note: return of stock items to the warehouse must be organised by MASS via courier, due to COVID-19 cleaning and infection control requirements.
- MASS 26 - Request to Trial MASS Stock Equipment (PDF 1543 kB)
- MASS may request that a generic script form is submitted by prescribers for daily living aids, in addition to the current MASS 26 trial form. The script forms allow prescribers to specify the mobile shower chairs set up and configuration to optimise the success of the stock trial.
Standing Offer Arrangements (SOA) - daily living aid products and suppliers
Resources
Advice and clinical support
- For clinical advice and support when prescribing daily living aids, please contact the relevant MASS Principal Aids Advisor.
- For advice about frequently prescribed brands/types of MASS approved daily living aids, contact your local MASS service centre.