LINK TO... COVER STORY: SHOWROOM AT HOME

Showroom at Home

Innovating access to assistive technology

As the demographic landscape in Australia evolves, one company is stepping up to meet the changing needs of people with disabilities.

NDIS provider Unicare, a leading manufacturer and supplier of assistive technology equipment, has introduced a transformative in-home trial initiative: Showroom at Home.

The service is not only remodelling access to AT products but is also a game-changer for occupational therapists, physiotherapists, healthcare workers and community care providers who play a crucial role in assessing clients’ needs and recommending AT to help improve daily living.

“With government initiatives increasingly focused on consumerdirected in-home care, demand for accessible and personalised solutions that support people with disability maintain their independence has never been greater,” Unicare head of marketing Pearl Chan told Link

Unicare’s Showroom at Home is addressing this by bringing AT directly to their homes, ensuring they can access and trial essential equipment.

For many people with disability, visiting a store or supplier showroom to explore AT can be a difficult task, she said.

Mobility limitations, lack of transportation, and the need for family or carer assistance often create barriers to accessing the products that can enhance safety and independenc at home. “Showroom at Home eliminates these obstacles by providing a convenient, no-cost service that delivers the showroom experience directly to their doorstep.”

Traditional showroom settings often require clients to visualise how these devices might work in their home environment rather than experiencing them firsthand.

With Showroom at Home, OTs and physiotherapists can arrange in-home product trials for their clients, ensuring that the AT fits seamlessly into their living space.

And booking a Showroom at Home visit is as easy as scheduling a doctor’s appointment online. People with disability, their carers, or healthcare professionals can arrange for a fully equipped van to visit their home at a convenient date and time.

Showroom at Home comprises a fleet of vans that currently service Western Australia with plans to expand Australia-wide.

Each van is stocked with over 100 top AT products recommended by OTs and physiotherapists. From mobility aids and fall prevention solutions to dressing aids and kitchen gadgets that simplify meal preparation, the selection is carefully curated to assist with maintaining their independence.

A knowledgeable product specialist will guide clients through the available options, demonstrating how each product functions and how it can be integrated into daily routines.

This hands-on experience allows them to make well-informed decisions, ensuring they select the right products for their specific needs.

BREAKING DOWN THE BARRIERS TO ACCESSIBILITY

For many the ability to trial AT in their own homes is a game-changer.

“Instead of relying solely on recommendations or product descriptions, they can experience firsthand how different items fit into their lifestyle,” Chan said.

“This level of engagement not only fosters confidence in their choices but also ensures that the selected products genuinely enhance their quality of life, it also alleviates the strain on family members and caregivers who may struggle to find time to accompany them to physical showrooms.

“By eliminating the need for travel, this service makes it significantly easier to explore AT without external pressures or logistical challenges.”

The data gathered through these systems provides valuable insights into their needs and preferences, enabling Unicare to continuously refine and expand its services.

This commitment to innovation ensures that Showroom at Home remains responsive to the evolving needs of Australians with disability, she said.

PERSONALISED SOLUTIONS FOR EVERY INDIVIDUAL

A major advantage of Showroom at Home is its ability to provide personalised experiences tailored to each client’s needs.

Unlike traditional showrooms, where clients may feel rushed or overwhelmed, this service allows them to take their time, ask questions, and trial multiple products in a relaxed setting, Chan said.

For OTs and physiotherapists, this approach enhances their ability to match clients with the best possible solutions. “A therapist can evaluate a product's effectiveness in real time, ensuring that recommendations align with the individual’s functional abilities and home environment,” she said, adding “this collaborative model leads to better outcomes and increased client satisfaction”.

THE ROLE OF PRODUCT SPECIALISTS

The success of Showroom at Home is not just about the products, it’s about the people who bring them to life.

Unicare’s trained product specialists are an integral part of the service, offering expert guidance and support throughout the trial process. They work closely with people with disability, their carers and healthcare professionals to provide tailored recommendations and answer any questions that arise.

“By understanding each client’s unique needs, product specialists can suggest alternatives when necessary, ensuring that individuals receive the most suitable AT solutions for their specific circumstances. This personalised support helps build confidence and trust, empowering seniors to take charge of their own independence.”

LEVERAGING TECHNOLOGY FOR A SEAMLESS EXPERIENCE

To ensure smooth operation, Unicare has invested in advanced IT systems that facilitate seamless appointment scheduling and van routing. Clients can book appointments online, selecting a time that suits their schedule.

unicare.au/book-showroom-at-home

The technology powering the service optimises fleet routing, ensuring timely visits with minimal disruptions. This hands-on approach allows healthcare professionals to make more informed recommendations, enhancing the effectiveness of their interventions.

“Whether it’s testing the manoeuvrability of a wheelchair in narrow hallways or assessing the fit of a raised toilet seat in a bathroom, Showroom at Home provides realworld solutions tailored to each client’s unique needs,” Chan said.

EXPANDING ACCESS TO ESSENTIAL ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY

The overarching goal of Showroom at Home is to make AT more accessible to those who need it most.

She believes by eliminating barriers to access, this service is helping more people to integrate essential products into their daily lives, improving safety, mobility, and overall well-being. From simple daily living aids to wheelchairs and other mobility devices, Showroom at Home ensures that individuals have access to a broad range of solutions.

“The ability to trial these products in their own environment leads to greater confidence in decision-making, ultimately resulting in better adoption and utilisation of AT technology.”

ENHANCING INDEPENDENCE AND QUALITY OF LIFE

Beyond convenience, Showroom at Home has a tangible impact on independence, by providing access to the right AT individuals can continue performing everyday tasks with greater ease and confidence.

“Whether it’s using a dressing aid to maintain personal hygiene, installing grab rails for added safety, or selecting a pressure-relief cushion for enhanced comfort, the right products can make a world of difference, reducing reliance on external carers.

“The ability to remain in a familiar environment while still receiving essential support fosters a sense of security and well-being, leading to an improved overall quality of life.”

THE FUTURE OF IN-HOME ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY TRIALS

Unicare’s commitment to innovation and accessibility is paving the way for a future where people with disability, carers and healthcare professionals can easily access the resources they need.

By prioritising convenience, personalisation, and expert guidance, Showroom at Home is revolutionising how AT is accessed and experienced.

As demand for home-based care solutions rises, this initiative is setting a new standard for disability and aged care services, ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to live safely, independently, and with confidence in their own home.

“Unicare’s Showroom at Home is more than just a service - it’s a transformative solution for people with disabilities and the healthcare professionals who support them.

“By bringing AT directly into the home, Unicare is breaking down barriers, enhancing accessibility, and empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their independence. Showroom at Home stands at the forefront, championing a future where AT is within reach for all who need it,” Chan said.

Unicare is a supplier of healthcare equipment for the disability, rehabilitation, aged care and hospital sectors nationally.

LEARN MORE & BOOK A VISIT

Ready to experience Showroom at Home.

• Book a visit today: unicare.au/book-showroom-at-home

• See what’s inside the vans: unicare.au/what-is-in-the-van

SEE WHAT HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS ARE SAYING

Want to hear from therapists about how Showroom at Home is transforming in-home care?

Watch their testimonials here: bit.ly/4iI4Nmq