Australia’s population is getting older. In 2020, around 4.2 million Australians were aged 65 or older, and this number will continue to increase. To help older people live on their own, the Australian Government provides Home Care Packages (HCP) through My Aged Care. These packages may include allied health services such as physiotherapy and exercise physiology.
Physiotherapists and exercise physiologists help older adults stay mobile, manage pain, and improve their daily activities. Home-based EP and physio services are especially useful for people who find it hard to travel to a clinic or who would rather get care at home.
This article looks at how these services are included in Home Care Packages, how people can access them at home or in a clinic, and how they can help older Australians stay independent for longer.
The importance of Home Care Packages in Aged Care
Home Care Packages help older Australians live safely and confidently in their own homes. There are four funding levels that pay for personal care, nursing, health services, and home upkeep.
In 2024, more than 284,000 people accessed HCP, showing the importance of personalised care at home.
Allied health services, such as physiotherapy and exercise physiology, are now included more often in these packages. These services help older people stay mobile, keep their independence, reduce the risk of falls, and manage ongoing health problems. EP and physiotherapy in home care services are especially useful for people who find it hard to visit a clinic, as they focus on safe, everyday movement and function.
Exercise Physiology and Physiotherapy: Where they fit in
This section explains how exercise physiology and physiotherapy are included in Home Care Package (HCP) services.
The role of Exercise Physiologists in HCP
EPs are trained professionals who design safe, personalised exercise plans for people with long-term health problems or movement difficulties. When working with healthcare providers, they may offer services such as:
| Chronic Disease Management | EPs help people with diabetes, heart disease, or arthritis by creating programmes that ease symptoms and improve mobility. |
| Falls Prevention | EPs use balance and strength exercises to lower the risk of falls, which are a major reason older adults end up in the hospital. |
| Improved Mobility | They focus on practical goals, such as climbing stairs or walking without help, to help people stay independent. |
How Physiotherapy Supports People Using Home Care Package Services
Physiotherapists help diagnose and treat physical problems, especially after surgery or injury. In Home Care Package services, they offer:
| Rehabilitation services | Physiotherapists create tailored recovery plans after surgeries such as hip or knee replacements. |
| Pain management | Physiotherapists also provide techniques like manual therapy, stretching, and advice on ergonomic aids. |
| Preventative care | Strategies to prevent the worsening of conditions like osteoporosis or musculoskeletal injuries. |
EPs and Physiotherapists work together to support your health. EPs help with long-term functional improvements, whilst Physiotherapists focus on immediate therapeutic needs.
How to access EP and Physiotherapy services in aged care through HCPs
| Step 1: Assessment and Eligibility | To get these services, older adults first need an assessment from the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) or Aged Care Assessment Services (ACAS). This assessment checks if you qualify and decides your HCP level (1-4) based on your needs. |
| Step 2: Adding Allied Health to Your Care Plan | After you receive your package, a care coordinator will help you use the funds for specific services. If you need Allied Health support, you can use your package for EP or Physiotherapy services. |
| Step 3: Finding Providers | After you are approved, you can pick providers like private practices, mobile therapists, or organisations with experience in aged care. Physiotherapists and EPs, including our team at Healthstin, offer both in-clinic and home visit services to make care easier for people with mobility challenges. |
| Step 4: Initial Consultation | At your first session with an EP or Physiotherapist, you will usually have a detailed health assessment, talk about your personal goals (like reducing pain or improving strength or mobility), and work together to create a care plan that suits you. |
| Step 5: Ongoing Care and Monitoring | After your care plan begins, our health professionals will support you and change your programme as your needs change. Working together helps make sure your care stays useful and effective. |
Our Exercise Physiology Clinics
At Healthstin, we provide professional Exercise Physiology services across multiple locations in Australia, helping individuals improve mobility, manage pain, recover from injury, and enhance overall wellbeing through tailored aquatic exercise programs.
How EPs and Physiotherapists Work Together in HCPs
EPs and Physiotherapists often work together to provide complete care for clients.
Here are two examples of how they might collaborate:
- A Physiotherapist might help with immediate rehabilitation after surgery, whilst the EP supports long-term strength and mobility training.
- For chronic conditions, both professionals can create exercise plans together that support recovery and ongoing progress.
By working together, clients get support that fits their needs and covers all aspects of their care.
5 Benefits of Having Both EP and Physiotherapy in Aged Care HCPs
Including these Allied Health services into HCPs can make a big difference for older adults. Here are five important benefits:
| Improved independence | Clients can perform daily tasks like cooking or bathing with greater confidence. |
| Enhanced mobility | With greater strength and flexibility, clients can move more safely at home and in the community. |
| Chronic disease management | Personalised exercises can ease symptoms and help prevent further health problems. |
| Falls prevention | Programmes that focus on balance and coordination reduce the risk of falls-related injuries. |
| Reduced caregiver dependency | When clients are more independent, it eases the workload for both family members and professional caregivers. |
Our Exercise Physiologists and Physiotherapists are here to support your health journey.
Bringing Exercise Physiology and Physiotherapy into Home Care Package services demonstrates the importance of caring for every aspect of a person’s well-being as they age. These professionals support people in staying active, managing pain, and keeping their independence at home. Families and caregivers also feel reassured, knowing their loved ones have a better quality of life and are supported by experts.
If you or someone you care about is eligible for a Home Care Package, think about adding Exercise Physiology and Physiotherapy to your care plan. With the right support, healthy ageing is possible.
To learn more, visit My Aged Care or talk to our Physiotherapists and Exercise Physiologists at Healthstin to see how these services can help you.
Healthstin is a registered NDIS and Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) provider. We help clients who receive aged care services through our brokerage network, including those with Support at Home funding. Our team has experience supporting people with a range of health needs, from chronic illnesses to age-related care.
Call 1300 090 931 or click this link to find out more or book a session.
