Australia’s aged care landscape is about to transform in a wonderful way that will make accessing physiotherapy at home easier, more affordable, and more comprehensive than ever before. The Support at Home program launches on November 1, 2025, replacing the current Home Care Packages with a system designed to truly put your family’s wellbeing first.
This isn’t just another policy change: it’s a genuine step forward that recognises what families have been telling us for years: you want quality care that comes to you, removes financial barriers, and treats each person as an individual with unique needs and goals.
What This Means for Your Family’s Physiotherapy Access
The new Support at Home program brings several heart-warming improvements that will make your physiotherapy journey smoother and more effective. Most importantly, you’ll no longer need to pay participant contributions for clinical physiotherapy services. This means the hands-on treatment, assessment, and therapeutic interventions that help you stay mobile and independent will be available without those additional out-of-pocket costs that have been a concern for many families.
The program introduces an expanded Restorative Care Pathway offering up to 16 weeks of focused allied health support, including physiotherapy. Think of this as an intensive period where you can work closely with a physiotherapist to tackle specific goals: whether that’s regaining strength after a hospital stay, improving balance to prevent falls, or managing chronic pain more effectively.
Perhaps most exciting is the upfront funding available for assistive technology and home modifications. No more waiting or worrying about whether you can afford the grab bars, walking aids, or home adjustments your physiotherapist recommends. These tools that support your therapy outcomes will be readily accessible through the program.
Getting Your Family Ready: Simple Steps That Make a Big Difference
Start Conversations Early
Begin talking with your loved ones about physical health goals and concerns now, while there’s time to plan thoughtfully. These conversations might feel overwhelming initially, but approaching them with curiosity and care makes all the difference. Consider what mobility goals matter most: is it maintaining independence in daily activities, reducing pain during movement, or feeling confident walking around the neighbourhood?
Create a Home Safety Checklist
Walk through your home with fresh eyes, imagining how a physiotherapist might assess the space. Look for potential trip hazards, areas where lighting could be improved, or spaces where grab bars might provide extra security. This isn’t about finding problems: it’s about preparing your home to support successful therapy outcomes.
Document Changes in Physical Function
Keep a simple journal noting any changes in mobility, balance, pain levels, or energy. This information becomes invaluable when working with your care provider to design the most effective physiotherapy plan. You don’t need to be clinical or overly detailed: just honest observations about what feels different or more challenging.
Working With Your New Care Provider
Under the Support at Home program, you’ll work with a single service provider who coordinates all your services, including physiotherapy. This streamlined approach means no more juggling multiple contacts or trying to coordinate different services yourself. Your provider becomes your advocate, working to ensure all aspects of your care work together seamlessly.
When meeting with your provider, come prepared to share your physiotherapy goals openly. Whether you’re hoping to walk further distances, reduce fall risk, manage arthritis pain, or recover from a recent health setback, being specific about what matters to you helps create a more personalised approach.
Your provider will help determine how to make the best use of the Restorative Care Pathway’s 16-week intensive support period. This might be used immediately upon joining the program, saved for when you need more intensive intervention, or divided into smaller blocks as your needs change over time.
Understanding the Timeline and Taking Action
The transition officially begins on November 1, 2025, but preparation should start now. If you’re currently receiving a Home Care Package, your provider must contact you before the transition date to review your care plan and ensure everything is properly arranged. Don’t wait for them to reach out: contact your provider proactively to discuss how the changes will benefit your physiotherapy access.
From November 1, 2025, providers will set their own service prices, with government price caps taking effect on July 1, 2026. This temporary period offers an opportunity to establish regular physiotherapy services and build relationships with therapists who understand your needs and goals.
If you’re currently accessing services through the Commonwealth Home Support Program, you have additional time to prepare, as this program won’t transition until at least July 1, 2027.
Making the Most of Enhanced Support Options
The program’s emphasis on preventative care means physiotherapy becomes part of maintaining your independence rather than just responding to problems after they develop. Work with your care team to identify how regular physiotherapy sessions can help you stay strong, flexible, and confident in your daily activities.
The End-of-Life Pathway, while focused on comfort care, recognises that gentle movement and physiotherapy can play important roles in maintaining dignity and managing pain during life’s final chapters. This inclusive approach ensures that physiotherapy support remains available when it’s needed most.
Resources to Help You Navigate the Change
The My Aged Care website offers helpful resources including the “Support at Home booklet for older people, families and carers” and a practical checklist covering everything you need to do to prepare for the transition. These resources are written with families in mind, using clear language that makes the process feel manageable rather than overwhelming.
Your current provider should also be proactively communicating about how services will improve under the new system. If you haven’t heard from them yet, don’t hesitate to reach out. They’re there to support you through this transition and ensure you feel confident about the changes ahead.
Taking Your Next Steps Forward
The Support at Home program represents a genuine opportunity to access physiotherapy services in a way that truly works for your family. By taking time now to prepare, document your needs, and engage with your care provider, you’re setting the foundation for better health outcomes and greater independence.
Remember, this transition is designed to make your life easier, not more complicated. The focus on reducing financial barriers, streamlining service coordination, and providing intensive support when needed reflects a deeper understanding of what families actually need to thrive at home.
Start by having those important conversations with your loved ones about health goals and concerns. Review your current living situation with an eye toward safety and therapy success. Most importantly, reach out to your provider to begin planning how these improvements will specifically benefit your family’s unique situation.
The future of in-home physiotherapy is brighter, more accessible, and more personalised than ever before. By preparing thoughtfully now, you’re ensuring your family will be ready to make the most of these exciting changes when they arrive.