If you’re receiving support through Support at Home, you may already have a Care Partner or provider helping you organise your services.
But there’s something you may not have been told clearly enough:
You have a say in who provides your care.
That includes having a conversation about which allied health provider you would like to use. You have the right to choose. If a provider is suggested, you don’t have to accept it by default; ask questions, discuss with your Care Partner your preferences, and find out what other options exist. The decision is yours to make.
And if you’ve found an allied health provider you would like to work with, you can tell your Care Partner. This is particularly important for families who spend hours researching online before finding a provider they feel comfortable with.
You might have searched:
- “OT near me”
- “aged care physiotherapist near me”
- “home visit OT”
- “physiotherapy for elderly”
- “allied health Support at Home”
You may have found a provider that covers your area, offers home visits and has clinicians who seem suitable.
So what happens next?
You get to ask questions and choose what is right for you.
What does choosing your provider actually mean?
Support at Home is intended to give older Australians greater choice and control over the care and services they receive. Your care plan is developed around your needs, goals and preferences, and you should be involved in decisions about your care.
This means it is reasonable to have a conversation with your Support at Home provider about who you would like to provide your allied health services. The exact arrangements can depend on your individual circumstances, your Support at Home provider and whether you are self-managing some of your services.
So if you are unsure discuss your options with your care partner.
What if you don’t know which allied health service you need?
That’s okay. You don’t need to be an expert in allied health. Start with what you’re finding difficult.
“I’m worried about falling.” An OT or physiotherapist may be able to help identify what is contributing to the problem and what could improve your safety.
“I’m finding it harder to get around.” A physiotherapist or exercise physiologist may be able to help with mobility, strength, balance and physical function.
“I’m struggling with everyday tasks.” An occupational therapist can look at how you’re managing activities at home and whether equipment, environmental changes or different strategies could help.
“I’m having trouble swallowing.” A speech pathologist can assess swallowing and mealtime difficulties.
You can tell the Better Rehab team what’s happening and discuss which type of allied health support may be appropriate.
You don’t have to wait until things become a crisis
Allied health isn’t only about responding when something has already gone wrong.
You might be noticing smaller changes:
- You’re less confident walking around the house.
- Getting in and out of the shower is becoming harder.
- You avoid stairs because you’re worried about falling.
- You aren’t doing the activities you used to enjoy.
- Your family is becoming concerned about your safety.
- Everyday tasks are taking much longer.
- You’re relying on someone else for things you used to do yourself.
These can all be reasons to start a conversation about whether allied health could help.
The goal isn’t necessarily to “fix” everything.
It may be about identifying practical ways to maintain your independence and keep doing the things that matter to you.
Want to work with Better Rehab?
If you’re looking for home-based occupational therapy, physiotherapy, exercise physiology or speech pathology, you can contact Better Rehab to discuss your needs and availability in your area.
Call Better Rehab: (02) 7908 5885 or make an enquiry to speak with our team.
When you contact us, simply tell us:
“I’m receiving Support at Home and I’d like to find out about using Better Rehab for my allied health support.“
We’ll help you understand the next steps.
Support at Home arrangements and individual participant circumstances can vary. This article provides general information and is not a substitute for advice about your specific care plan or funding. Speak with your Support at Home provider or My Aged Care about your individual circumstances.
