What is the Restorative Care Pathway?
It's a short period of extra care at home. It's part of Support at Home, the government's program for help at home for older people [2]. The aim is to help you stay independent [1].
If you've had an illness, a fall or a stay in hospital, and everyday things have become harder, it's worth asking about.
How long does it last?
Up to 16 weeks [1].
How much funding is there?
You get a budget of around $6,000 for the 16 weeks [1]. If you need more care in that time, your provider can apply for up to another $6,000 [1].
What does it pay for?
It pays for clinical care, such as nursing and allied health [1]. Physio is one of the allied health services. It can also pay for other services on the Support at Home list that match your assessed needs [1].
Equipment and changes to your home may be part of it too, if they're approved [1].
Do I have to pay anything?
Not for clinical care. You don't pay a contribution for clinical supports, such as nursing and physio [1][3].
You do pay a contribution for some other services, such as help with personal care or cleaning [1][3].
Who organises my care?
Your Support at Home provider gives you a restorative care partner [1]. This person coordinates your clinical care. They work with you on a plan to meet your goals [1].
How do I get it?
At your aged care assessment, your assessor talks with you about whether the Restorative Care Pathway could help you [1]. If it could, you work with a provider to set goals and arrange your services [1].
If you don't have an assessment yet: apply online through My Aged Care or call 1800 200 422 [2]. Your GP can help with this.
If you already have Support at Home and things have changed: tell your provider or care partner. You can also call My Aged Care and ask for a new assessment.
Can I have it more than once?
Possibly. You may be eligible for up to two episodes of restorative care in a 12-month period [1].
Can you be my physio on the pathway?
Yes, if your provider arranges it. I'm a physiotherapist and I visit people at home. I work with Support at Home providers on the Sunshine Coast. If your provider hasn't worked with me before, they're welcome to contact me.
At the first visit I look at what you're finding hard at home. That might be getting up from a chair, walking outside, managing steps or getting in and out of the shower. We agree on goals that matter to you. You get exercises to do between visits, and I check your progress against your goals.
I send my reports to your provider and your care partner, so everyone works to the same plan.
Where do you visit?
I visit homes from Aura and Caloundra up the coast to Noosa, including Mooloolaba, Maroochydore, Buderim, Coolum Beach and Peregian Beach. In the hinterland I visit Maleny, Montville and Flaxton, and further north I visit Gympie, including Jones Hill, Southside and Monkland.
What if I'm not on the pathway?
You can still have physio at home through your ongoing Support at Home services. Read how Support at Home pays for physio at home. If you've just come out of hospital, read who pays for physio after a hospital stay.