Can Support at Home pay for physiotherapy?

Yes. Support at Home can pay for physiotherapy when it is identified as an assessed need and included in your approved support plan.

Physiotherapy may be funded to help you:

• improve or maintain strength, balance and mobility

• recover after illness, injury, surgery or a hospital stay

• reduce falls risk

• manage pain or stiffness

• safely use walking aids or mobility equipment

• maintain your ability to complete everyday activities

• prevent or slow a decline in physical function.

Physiotherapy is classified as a clinical support under Support at Home. When it is included in your support plan, the government funds the full agreed service price and you do not pay a participant contribution, regardless of your pension status, income or assets.

For example, if an approved physiotherapy appointment costs $190:

• the participant contribution is $0

• Support at Home funding pays the approved $190 service cost.

This differs from independence and everyday living services, where the participant may need to pay a percentage of the service price.

Physiotherapy is not automatically available simply because you have Support at Home funding. It must relate to your assessed needs and goals and be included in your support plan. Your provider may also arrange an initial assessment before agreeing on the frequency and type of treatment.

Physiotherapy support may include:

• an initial physical assessment

• an individual exercise or rehabilitation program

• falls-prevention advice

• balance and strength training

• mobility and transfer training

• pain-management strategies

• advice about walking aids or equipment

• education for family members or support workers

• reviews to measure progress and update the treatment plan.

Before booking, ask:

• whether physiotherapy is included in your current support plan

• whether a referral or further assessment is required

• how many appointments are recommended

• whether treatment will occur at home, in a clinic or by telehealth

• whether travel is included in the service price

• whether exercises or equipment are included

• how progress will be reviewed

• what happens if ongoing physiotherapy is needed.

If physiotherapy is not currently shown in your support plan but your mobility, pain, balance or physical ability has changed, speak with your care partner or provider about reviewing your needs. Allied health and therapy services, including physiotherapy, can be delivered through Support at Home where eligibility and need have been established.