What the pathway funds
The Restorative Care Pathway funds a coordinated program built around measurable goals. A team can include physiotherapy, occupational therapy, nursing and other allied health, plus everyday living supports needed to practise the plan at home.
The Australian Government says an episode runs for up to 16 weeks and has a budget of around $6,000. An additional unit may be approved during an episode, taking the available amount up to about $12,000. A person can receive up to two non-consecutive episodes, with at least three months between them.
Who can access restorative care
You need an aged care assessment that recommends the pathway. It may suit someone recovering after a fall, illness or hospital stay, or someone whose ability to manage daily tasks has recently declined. The assessment and support plan should state the function to be regained and how progress will be measured.
The pathway cannot be used at the same time as Transition Care, permanent residential aged care or the End-of-Life Pathway. It should normally start within 56 days of approval. A 28-day extension can be available in limited circumstances.
Costs and participant contributions
Clinical supports such as nursing and allied health have no participant contribution. Contributions can apply to independence and everyday living supports, depending on the person's contribution rate. Ask for a written schedule showing which services sit in each category before agreeing to the program.
How to compare restorative care providers
- Ask who leads the multidisciplinary team and how often the plan is reviewed.
- Request the goal, baseline measure and expected result in writing.
- Confirm the start date fits within the approval window.
- Ask how the budget is split between clinical, independence and everyday living supports.
- Confirm what happens when the 16-week episode ends.
Find the right discipline
Carevo is a connection platform and does not deliver restorative care. To compare local physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech pathology and other providers, use the therapy provider directory. If the need is ongoing aged care at home rather than a short restorative episode, compare Support at Home providers.