Are allied health services covered by HCP?

Yes. Home Care Packages fund allied health services. The amount depends on your package level and care plan. Medicare rebates may also apply for some services.

Allied Health in Aged Care: Physio, OT & More

Key Points

Allied health services in aged care include physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech pathology, podiatry, dietetics, psychology, exercise physiology, and social work
You can access these services through Home Care Packages, the Support at Home program, Medicare rebates, DVA funding, or private payment
Medicare provides up to 5 subsidised allied health sessions per calendar year under a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan
Clinical allied health services are fully funded under the Support at Home program, with no co-contribution required
Many allied health practitioners now offer home visits and telehealth consultations for older Australians
A GP referral is recommended for clinical planning but is not always required for package-funded services

What Is Allied Health?

Allied health is a broad term for healthcare professionals who are not doctors or nurses but play an essential role in diagnosing, treating, and preventing illness and injury. In aged care, allied health practitioners help older Australians maintain mobility, independence, communication, nutrition, and mental wellbeing.

According to the Australian Government Department of Health, allied health encompasses more than 20 distinct professions. For older Australians receiving aged care services, the most commonly accessed disciplines include physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech pathology, podiatry, dietetics, psychology, exercise physiology, and social work.

Allied health services are particularly valuable in aged care because they focus on maintaining and restoring function rather than simply treating disease. A physiotherapist can help you stay mobile after a fall. An occupational therapist can modify your home so you can continue living independently. A speech pathologist can help you swallow safely after a stroke. These are practical, hands-on services that directly affect quality of life.

Allied Health Disciplines

Each allied health discipline serves a distinct purpose in aged care. Understanding what each profession offers will help you make informed decisions about your care plan.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapists assess and treat movement disorders, pain, and physical limitations. In aged care, physiotherapy commonly addresses:

Falls prevention through balance and strength training
Mobility restoration after hip or knee surgery
Chronic pain management for conditions like arthritis
Cardiorespiratory fitness and endurance
Post-stroke rehabilitation
Management of Parkinson’s disease symptoms

A physiotherapist will assess your physical function, design an exercise program tailored to your abilities, and monitor your progress over time. Sessions may include hands-on treatment, guided exercises, and education about managing your condition at home.

Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapists (OTs) help you continue doing the daily activities that matter to you. Their focus is on practical function and independence. In aged care, OT services include:

Home safety assessments and modifications (grab rails, ramps, lighting)
Prescribing and fitting assistive devices (shower chairs, raised toilet seats, walking aids)
Cognitive rehabilitation for people living with dementia
Energy conservation strategies for those with chronic fatigue or breathlessness
Upper limb rehabilitation after stroke or injury
Advice on adaptive equipment for dressing, cooking, and personal care

OTs are particularly valuable when you are transitioning from hospital back to home. They can identify hazards in your living environment and recommend changes that reduce your risk of falls or injury.

Speech Pathology

Speech pathologists work with communication and swallowing difficulties. Both of these areas become more common with age, particularly after stroke, with dementia, or following head and neck surgery. Services include:

Assessment and management of swallowing disorders (dysphagia)
Modified diet and fluid recommendations to reduce choking risk
Communication therapy for aphasia (language difficulties after stroke)
Voice therapy for age-related voice changes
Cognitive-communication therapy for people living with dementia
Training carers in communication strategies

Swallowing difficulties are a serious concern in aged care. Aspiration pneumonia, caused by food or liquid entering the lungs, is a leading cause of hospitalisation among older Australians. A speech pathologist can assess your swallowing function and recommend strategies to keep you safe.

Podiatry

Podiatrists diagnose and treat conditions affecting the feet and lower limbs. Foot health is critical for older Australians because foot problems directly affect mobility, balance, and falls risk. Podiatry services in aged care include:

Routine nail care and callus management
Assessment and treatment of diabetic foot complications
Biomechanical assessments and orthotics prescription
Wound care for foot ulcers
Falls risk assessment related to footwear and foot function
Management of arthritis affecting the feet

For people with diabetes, regular podiatry is essential. Peripheral neuropathy can reduce sensation in the feet, meaning injuries may go unnoticed and develop into serious wounds. Regular podiatric check-ups help prevent complications that could lead to hospitalisation or amputation.

Dietetics

Dietitians assess nutritional needs and develop eating plans tailored to your health conditions and preferences. Nutrition plays a significant role in healthy ageing. Dietetic services in aged care include:

Nutritional assessment and personalised meal planning
Management of malnutrition (common among older Australians)
Dietary advice for diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, and other chronic conditions
Texture-modified diet planning for swallowing difficulties (in collaboration with speech pathology)
Weight management support
Advice on nutritional supplements

Malnutrition affects up to 50% of older Australians in residential aged care and is also common among those living at home. A dietitian can identify nutritional deficiencies early and recommend practical changes to improve your intake and overall health.

Psychology

Psychologists provide assessment and therapy for mental health concerns. Depression, anxiety, grief, and adjustment difficulties are common among older Australians, particularly those experiencing health decline, bereavement, or social isolation. Psychology services include:

Assessment and diagnosis of depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and other evidence-based treatments
Grief and loss counselling
Support for adjustment to changed health circumstances or living situations
Cognitive assessment for concerns about memory or thinking
Support for carers experiencing stress or burnout

Mental health support is a vital but often underused component of aged care. Many older Australians are reluctant to seek psychological help due to stigma or the belief that feeling low is just a normal part of ageing. It is not. Effective treatments are available and can significantly improve quality of life.

Exercise Physiology

Exercise physiologists design and deliver exercise programs for people with chronic conditions, disabilities, or injuries. They differ from physiotherapists in that their primary focus is on exercise as medicine. Services include:

Structured exercise programs for chronic disease management
Cardiac rehabilitation
Falls prevention exercise groups
Strength and conditioning for frailty
Pulmonary rehabilitation for chronic lung disease
Exercise prescription for people with diabetes

Social workers in aged care provide counselling, advocacy, and practical support to help you navigate the care system. Services include:

Emotional support and counselling
Assistance with advance care planning
Advocacy for your rights within the aged care system
Help accessing financial supports such as Centrelink entitlements
Support with family conflict related to care decisions
Referral to community resources and support groups

Funding Allied Health Services

One of the most common questions about allied health in aged care is how to pay for it. Several funding pathways are available, and you may be able to combine more than one.

Home Care Packages (HCP)

If you have a Home Care Package, you can use your package funding to pay for allied health services. Allied health is a core component of Home Care Packages at all four levels. Your package provider will work with you to include allied health services in your care plan based on your assessed needs and goals.

The amount of allied health you can access depends on your package level and how you allocate your funding across different service types. Higher-level packages (Levels 3 and 4) provide more funding and therefore allow for more frequent allied health visits.

Support at Home Program

The Australian Government is transitioning from Home Care Packages to the new Support at Home program. Under Support at Home, clinical services including allied health are classified as fully funded services. This means no co-contribution is required from you for allied health services, regardless of your income or assets.

The Support at Home program also includes a Restorative Care Pathway, which provides access to coordinated, intensive allied health and nursing services designed to help you regain function and delay the need for ongoing care. You can be approved for up to two units of funding ($6,000 per unit) over a 12-month period through this pathway.

Support at Home uses eight classification levels (replacing the four HCP levels), giving more flexibility in how services are funded and delivered.

Medicare Rebates

Medicare provides subsidised access to allied health services through the GP Chronic Condition Management Plan (GPCCMP). From 1 July 2025, this streamlined plan replaced the previous GP Management Plan (GPMP) and Team Care Arrangements (TCA) system.

Under a GPCCMP, you may be eligible for up to 5 Medicare-subsidised allied health sessions per calendar year. The current Medicare rebate is $61.80 per session. You can direct all five sessions to one allied health discipline or split them across multiple disciplines.

To access Medicare-rebated allied health:

Visit your GP and discuss your chronic health conditions
Your GP will create a Chronic Condition Management Plan
Your GP refers you to the appropriate allied health practitioner(s)
Attend your sessions and claim the Medicare rebate

You must have a chronic or terminal medical condition that has been present (or is likely to be present) for at least six months to be eligible.

DVA Funding

If you hold a Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) Gold or White Card, you may be eligible for allied health services funded by DVA. The DVA allied health fee schedule sets out the conditions and rates for each profession. DVA-funded services generally require a referral from your treating GP or specialist.

Private Health Insurance

Some private health insurance policies include extras cover for allied health services such as physiotherapy, podiatry, and psychology. Check your policy for the specific services covered, annual limits, and any waiting periods that apply.

Funding Comparison Table

Funding Source	Allied Health Services Covered	Sessions/Limits	Cost to You	Referral Required?
Home Care Package	All allied health disciplines in care plan	Based on package level and budget allocation	Package funding covers cost; may involve package management fees	Care plan agreement with provider
Support at Home	All clinical allied health services	Based on classification level; Restorative Care Pathway up to $12,000/year	No co-contribution for clinical services	Assessment through My Aged Care
Medicare (GPCCMP)	Physio, OT, speech path, podiatry, dietetics, psychology, exercise physiology, and others	5 sessions per calendar year	$61.80 rebate per session; you pay any gap fee	GP Chronic Condition Management Plan required
DVA Gold Card	Clinically necessary allied health	As clinically required	Generally no out-of-pocket cost	GP or specialist referral
DVA White Card	Services related to accepted conditions	As clinically required	Generally no out-of-pocket cost for accepted conditions	GP or specialist referral
Private Insurance	Varies by policy (commonly physio, podiatry, psychology)	Annual dollar limits apply	Rebate varies; gap fees apply	Depends on insurer and profession
Private (Self-funded)	All allied health services	No limit	Full fee (typically $80 to $200+ per session)	Not required, but recommended

Typical Costs

Allied health fees vary depending on the practitioner, location, and whether the service is delivered at a clinic, at home, or via telehealth. Home visits typically cost more due to travel time.

Service	Typical Clinic Fee	Typical Home Visit Fee	Medicare Rebate (GPCCMP)
Physiotherapy	$80 to $130 per session	$120 to $185 per session	$61.80
Occupational Therapy	$90 to $150 per session	$130 to $190 per session	$61.80
Speech Pathology	$100 to $170 per session	$140 to $200 per session	$61.80
Podiatry	$60 to $100 per session	$80 to $130 per session	$61.80
Dietetics	$80 to $140 per session	$110 to $170 per session	$61.80
Psychology	$150 to $280 per session	$180 to $300 per session	$61.80
Exercise Physiology	$70 to $120 per session	$100 to $160 per session	$61.80

These are approximate figures for 2025/2026. Fees in metropolitan areas tend to be higher than in regional areas, though availability in regional areas may be more limited. Under the Support at Home program, the indicative rate for allied health direct services is $185 per hour.

If you are using a Home Care Package or Support at Home funding, these costs are covered by your package or program funding rather than paid out of pocket. Medicare rebates can help reduce costs for privately funded sessions, but a gap fee will usually apply.

Accessing Allied Health

Step 1: Get Assessed

If you are not already receiving aged care services, the first step is to contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422. You will be assessed to determine your care needs and eligibility for government-funded services.

Step 2: Discuss With Your GP

Your GP plays an important role in coordinating your allied health care. Even if you are accessing services through a Home Care Package or Support at Home, a GP consultation helps ensure your allied health services align with your overall medical care. If you want to access Medicare rebates, your GP will need to create a Chronic Condition Management Plan and provide referrals.

Step 3: Choose Your Providers

You have the right to choose which allied health practitioners you see. If you are self-managing your Home Care Package or Support at Home funding, you can book directly with the practitioners of your choice. If your provider manages your funding, they will help you find suitable allied health professionals.

When choosing a practitioner, consider:

Whether they have experience working with older adults
Whether they offer home visits or telehealth
Their availability and wait times
Whether they bulk-bill or charge gap fees for Medicare-rebated sessions
Their location and accessibility

Step 4: Include in Your Care Plan

Work with your aged care provider to include allied health services in your formal care plan. This ensures your services are coordinated, your goals are documented, and your funding is allocated appropriately.

Telehealth Options

Telehealth has become a practical option for many allied health services, particularly since the expansion of telehealth during and after 2020. While not all allied health disciplines are suited to telehealth, several can be delivered effectively via video consultation.

Services well-suited to telehealth:

Dietetics consultations and meal planning
Psychology and counselling sessions
Exercise physiology (guided exercise programs via video)
Social work consultations
Speech pathology (communication therapy and some cognitive exercises)
Occupational therapy (home modification advice, cognitive strategies, equipment guidance)

Services that generally require in-person visits:

Physiotherapy involving hands-on treatment or manual therapy
Podiatry (nail care, wound care, orthotics fitting)
Swallowing assessments by speech pathologists
Physical assessments by occupational therapists

Medicare supports telehealth for some allied health services under the Chronic Condition Management Plan. Check with your practitioner whether telehealth sessions are available and whether they attract the same rebate.

Telehealth can be particularly useful if you live in a regional or remote area with limited access to allied health practitioners, or if mobility issues make travelling to appointments difficult. All you need is a device with a camera and a stable internet connection.

Finding the Right Practitioner

Finding an allied health practitioner who suits your needs and preferences is important. Here are some practical ways to search:

Ask your GP for recommendations. GPs regularly refer to allied health practitioners and can suggest those with experience in aged care.
Contact your aged care provider. If you have a Home Care Package or Support at Home funding, your provider can help connect you with allied health professionals in your area.
Use professional directories. Each allied health profession has a national association with a “find a practitioner” directory:
- Australian Physiotherapy Association
- Occupational Therapy Australia
- Speech Pathology Australia
- Australasian Podiatry Council
- Dietitians Australia
- Australian Psychological Society
Search via Carevo. As a connection platform, Carevo helps older Australians find allied health providers who deliver services in the home.

When you find a practitioner, ask these questions before your first appointment:

Do you have experience working with older adults or in aged care?
Do you offer home visits? If so, what is the additional cost?
Do you offer telehealth consultations?
Do you accept Home Care Package or Support at Home funding?
Do you bulk-bill under Medicare, or is there a gap fee?
What is your typical wait time for an initial appointment?

Common Challenges

Accessing allied health services in aged care is not always straightforward. Being aware of common challenges can help you plan around them.

Wait times. Demand for allied health services often exceeds supply, particularly in regional and rural areas. You may face wait times of several weeks for an initial appointment. Booking early and maintaining regular appointments can help.

Limited sessions under Medicare. Five Medicare-subsidised sessions per year is often not enough for ongoing conditions. If you need more frequent sessions, explore whether your Home Care Package or Support at Home funding can cover additional visits.

Workforce shortages. Some allied health professions, particularly speech pathology and psychology, face significant workforce shortages in certain areas. Telehealth can help bridge this gap.

Coordination between providers. If you are seeing multiple allied health practitioners alongside your GP and aged care provider, ensuring everyone communicates effectively can be challenging. Ask your GP or aged care provider to coordinate your care and share relevant reports.

Understanding your funding. The transition from Home Care Packages to the Support at Home program has introduced new terminology and funding structures. If you are unsure about what your funding covers, ask your aged care provider or contact My Aged Care for clarification.

Making the Most of Your Sessions

Allied health sessions are most effective when you actively participate in your care. Here are some practical tips:

Set clear goals. Before your first appointment, think about what you want to achieve. Do you want to walk more confidently? Manage your pain better? Eat more safely? Clear goals help your practitioner design a targeted treatment plan.
Follow through between sessions. Most allied health treatments include exercises or strategies to practise at home. Doing these consistently between appointments will improve your outcomes.
Communicate openly. Tell your practitioner if something is not working, if you are in pain, or if you are struggling with the exercises they have given you. They can adjust your program accordingly.
Keep a record. Write down any questions before each appointment and take notes during the session. This helps you remember advice and instructions.
Involve your family or carer. If you have a carer or family member who supports you at home, invite them to attend a session so they can learn how to assist you safely.

Frequently Asked Questions

What allied health services are available in aged care?

Services include physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech pathology, podiatry, dietetics, psychology, social work, exercise physiology, and optometry. The specific services available to you depend on your assessed needs and your funding source.

Are allied health services covered by Home Care Packages?

Yes. Home Care Packages fund allied health services as part of your individualised care plan. The amount of allied health you can access depends on your package level and how your funding is allocated. Work with your provider to include allied health in your care plan.

Can I get allied health services at home?

Yes. Many allied health practitioners offer home visits through Home Care Packages or the Support at Home program. Home visits typically cost more than clinic-based sessions due to travel time, but this cost is covered by your package or program funding. Telehealth is also an option for some disciplines.

How often can I see an allied health practitioner?

Frequency depends on your care plan, clinical needs, and funding. Through a Home Care Package or Support at Home, you might access 1 to 4 visits per month. More frequent visits may be approved for specific rehabilitation needs, such as recovery after surgery or a fall. Medicare provides up to 5 sessions per calendar year.

Do I need a GP referral for allied health in aged care?

For services funded through a Home Care Package or Support at Home, a GP referral is not always required, but it is recommended for clinical planning and coordination. A GP referral is required if you want to access Medicare rebates through a Chronic Condition Management Plan.

What is the difference between a physiotherapist and an exercise physiologist?

Physiotherapists assess and treat musculoskeletal conditions, pain, and movement disorders. They use a combination of manual therapy, exercise prescription, and education. Exercise physiologists focus specifically on using exercise as a treatment for chronic conditions. In aged care, physiotherapists are more commonly involved in rehabilitation after injury or surgery, while exercise physiologists design ongoing exercise programs for chronic disease management.

Will the Support at Home program cover allied health?

Yes. Under the Support at Home program, clinical services including allied health are fully funded. This means you will not pay a co-contribution for allied health services. The program also includes a Restorative Care Pathway that provides intensive allied health support to help you regain function.

How do I find an allied health practitioner who does home visits?

Ask your GP for recommendations, contact your aged care provider for referrals, or use professional association directories. You can also contact Carevo to find allied health providers who deliver in-home services in your area.

Key Resources

Get Connected to Allied Health Providers

Finding the right allied health support can make a real difference to your independence and quality of life as you age. Whether you need physiotherapy after a fall, podiatry for diabetic foot care, or psychology for emotional wellbeing, the right practitioner can help you stay active and engaged.

Carevo is a connection platform that helps older Australians find allied health providers who deliver services in the home. We can connect you with experienced practitioners across all allied health disciplines, whether you are funding services through a Home Care Package, the Support at Home program, Medicare, or privately.

Call 1800 953 253 to find allied health services in your area through Carevo. We connect you with the right providers based on your needs, location, and funding.