Restorative care
Restorative care is tailored to the individual. The primary goal of this form of care is to restore some amount of independence to the individual following a loss or slowing in ability and assist with everyday living activities.
The restorative care provider will work with the individual to identify their potential needs and develop achievable goals and identify steps to work towards them. A range of healthcare professionals may be consulted to assist in achieving these goals, and family is encouraged to participate in this process, providing support and encouragement.
On this page:
Types of services:
Because restorative care is tailored to the individual, a range of services may be applicable for this type of care:
Personal care and hygiene
Cooking and home assistance
Chiropractic, physiotherapy or occupational therapy
Psychologist or counselling
Transport
Residential care
Equipment or aids
Short term restorative care
Short-term restorative care is delivered by a team of health professions, assisting with everyday tasks and managing your evolving care needs. This form of care assists in maintaining levels of independence, prolonging the need for long-term care.
This short-term restorative care can be delivered in a variety of ways, including exercises, access to equipment, transportation, or making modifications around the house to suit your needs.
What help is available?
Services in short-term restorative care that can be accessed is determined through a doctor’s assessment, ensuring the relevant care is obtained for your needs. These services will be guided by your input, ensuring they meet your needs. These services include, but are not limited to:
Aids and equipment (including mobility aids)
Audiology
Chiropractic services
Continence management
Cooking assistance
Home maintenance
Nursing
Nutrition, meal preparation and diet advice (dietetics)
Personal care and assistance
Physiotherapy and occupational therapy
Podiatry (foot care)
Psychologist or counsellor support
Social work
Speech therapy
Support services including cleaning or laundry, medication management, emotional support therapy groups
Transport
Accommodation in residential care
How does it work?
To be eligible for restorative care an individual must want to remain independent however may need help with everyday tasks and may be slowing down physically or mentally.
An online eligibility assessment is required to determine whether the individual meets the criteria for the program, and assess their current situation at home and with every-day tasks. The individual will also have to provide information about themselves, including their Medicare number. A short face-to-face assessment will also be organised with an Aged Care Assessment Team to determine eligibility for the government subsidised program. Once the individual is approved for the program they may begin searching for providers.
Individuals are not eligible if they live in an aged care home on a permanent basis, receive a home care package, are currently receiving transition care, or have needs that extend beyond the scope of this program.
Where is help provided?
This care can be provided in a variety of settings, including at home, community, aged-care facility or all in combination.
How long is the program?
This care can be accessed for periods up to eight weeks, twice in any 12-month period.
Costs
The cost of privately funded restorative care will vary depending on the facility. Government subsidised restorative care requires the individual to contribute financially if they can afford to do so. The total costs of care will vary depending on the type and level of care required.
The maximum amount you may be required to contribute for subsidised care is
$10.54 per day for care received at home or in the community (17.5% of the single aged pension).
$51.21 per day for care received in a residential setting (85% of the single aged pension).
If you move between settings during your care, where you stay overnight will determine the rate you will pay. These costs are indexed to the aged pension and updated twice a year.
Am I eligible?
Eligibility for short-term restorative care includes whether you are an older person who wants to stay independent and out of long-term ongoing care. However, you must also meet the following criteria:
Need help with daily tasks
Showing declines mentally, or physically or both. These can include the following:
Declines in walking speed
Less active, either physically or mentally
Increased exhaustion
Experiencing unintended weight loss
Check if you meet the requirements for an assessment or if you are ready, apply for an assessment now.
You cannot receive short-term restorative care if you:
Live permanently in an aged care home
Receive a Home Care Package
Receiving transition care after a period of being in hospital
Have needs that go beyond what can be met by the program.
Access to the program is still possible when receiving support from:
Veteran services
The Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP).
If you access both short-term restorative care and CHSP services, they must provide different and complementary services.
