Restorative Care Pathway
In this section
Helping You Stay Independent at Home
Restorative care focuses on helping you maintain or regain the skills and confidence needed to live as independently as possible in your own home.
Your support is shaped around your individual needs and goals. Our team of experienced health professionals will work with you to understand what you’d like to achieve and identify the care and services that can help you get there.
Depending on your circumstances, your restorative care plan may include allied health services, nursing support, strength and balance exercises, assistive equipment, or minor home modifications to make everyday activities easier and safer.
The aim is to help you stay active, capable and confident, so you can continue participating in everyday activities and doing the things that are important to you.
Restorative care is available through the Restorative Care Pathway, which forms part of the Support at Home program.
On this page
What Support Can You Receive?
Your Restorative Care Pathway services will be tailored to your personal needs, abilities and goals. Depending on your care plan, support may include:
- Nursing and allied health services, such as occupational therapy and physiotherapy
- Personal care and daily assistance, including support with showering, dressing, medication, transport and respite care
- Help with household tasks, such as cleaning, gardening and grocery shopping
The focus is on providing practical support that helps you build confidence, maintain your abilities and stay independent at home for as long as possible.
Accessing the Restorative Care Pathway
The first step towards receiving support through the Restorative Care Pathway is completing an aged care assessment. This assessment helps identify your current needs and determine whether restorative care is right for you.
You may be eligible for an assessment if you’re 65 years or older, or 50 years or older if you’re an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person, and have experienced circumstances such as:
- Changes in your ability to manage everyday activities or remember things
- A new or existing health condition that affects your mobility or independence
- Changes to your family situation or current care arrangements
- A recent fall, hospital stay or other change affecting your ability to manage at home
During the assessment, your assessor will talk with you about your health, daily activities, challenges and personal goals. If the Restorative Care Pathway is suitable for you, you’ll work together to establish achievable goals and develop a personalised support plan based on what you want to improve or maintain.
How the Restorative Care Pathway Works
Once you’re approved for the Restorative Care Pathway, you’ll receive an individual support plan and an allocated budget for a period of up to 16 weeks. Depending on your needs, additional funding may also be available for assistive technology, specialised equipment or minor home modifications that make daily life safer and easier.
Your care provider will take the time to understand your priorities and what you’d like to achieve. From there, you’ll work together to develop clear, achievable goals and choose services that can help improve your strength, confidence and ability to manage everyday activities.
Your family, friends or carers can also play an active role in your restorative care journey. Their involvement can provide practical assistance and encouragement while you work towards your goals and greater independence at home.
Finding a Restorative Care Pathway Provider
Choosing a provider for your Restorative Care Pathway is straightforward. The My Aged Care Find a Provider tool allows you to search for approved organisations offering restorative care services in your local area.
To narrow your search to suitable providers, choose:
- Support at Home Program under the Care Program category
- Restorative Care Management under Services, within Maintaining My Health and Wellbeing
You can then review available providers and choose one that suits your individual care needs and goals.
If you’re unsure where to start or need assistance with your search, the My Aged Care team can help you identify appropriate providers and explain the next steps.
Where Can You Receive Restorative Care?
Your restorative care services can be delivered in your own home, out in the community, or through a combination of both. Where you receive support will depend on your personal goals, abilities and the services included in your care plan.
Your support could include:
- Minor home modifications to create a safer and more accessible living environment
- Appointments with physiotherapists or other health professionals in your local community
- Group exercise and strengthening programs designed to improve mobility, build confidence and encourage social connection
Your care plan will focus on providing support in the most appropriate setting to help you maintain your independence and continue participating in everyday life.
How Long Does Restorative Care Last?
Support through the Restorative Care Pathway can be provided for up to 16 weeks, giving you time to work towards the goals outlined in your personalised care plan.
The length of your care will depend on your individual circumstances, needs and progress throughout the program.
If you meet the eligibility requirements, you may be able to access two separate periods of restorative care within a 12-month period, with each period providing support for up to 16 weeks.
Funding for Your Restorative Care
If you’re approved for the Restorative Care Pathway, you may receive a care budget of approximately $6,000 to fund eligible services during your 16-week care period.
If your needs require a higher level of support, your provider may request a Support Plan Review on your behalf. Subject to your eligibility and approval, this could provide up to an additional $6,000 towards your restorative care.
If this extra funding is approved, it will count as your second restorative care allocation. This means you won’t be able to access another Restorative Care Pathway period within the same 12-month period.
Can Restorative Care Work Alongside Other Support?
Yes. If you’re currently receiving care through the Support at Home program, you may still be eligible to access additional assistance through the Restorative Care Pathway.
Your services can be coordinated so that each type of support works together effectively. This helps avoid unnecessary duplication while ensuring your care remains focused on your individual needs, independence and personal goals.
Your provider will work with you to create a coordinated approach, making sure you receive the right support at the right time.
When Do I Need to Start My Services?
Once you’ve been approved for the Restorative Care Pathway, your services need to begin by the take-up date listed in your Notice of Decision letter. In most cases, this will be within 56 days of your approval.
If you’re unable to start within this timeframe, you can contact My Aged Care and request an extension of up to 28 additional days.
It’s important to arrange your services before the applicable deadline. If you don’t begin receiving care by the required date, your allocated funding may be withdrawn.
If this occurs and you still require restorative care, you can contact My Aged Care to discuss your circumstances and request a new assessment.
Understanding Your Care Costs
As the Restorative Care Pathway is delivered through the Support at Home program, you may be required to make a contribution towards certain independence and everyday living services you receive.
The amount you contribute will depend on the type of support provided and your individual circumstances.
Clinical care services are fully funded by the Australian Government, so you won’t need to contribute towards eligible clinical services provided as part of your care.