Allied health services and why you need them
Struggling to put on socks without a gymnastics routine?
Battling stubborn pickle jars that seem to have a personal vendetta against you?
Straining to hear all the juicy gossip at social events?
As we grow older, some things become more challenging (to say the least!). Having the right support in place can make a huge difference in maintaining independence, quality of life and overall wellbeing.
This is where allied health professionals play a crucial role. They work alongside doctors, nurses and carers to provide specialised care that helps you stay active, healthy and free from jar wars!
What is allied health?
Allied health refers to a broad range of healthcare professionals who aren’t doctors or nurses but provide essential therapeutic and preventative services. They focus on improving mobility, communication, mental health, vision, hearing and overall physical function.
For seniors, allied health services can mean the difference between struggling with everyday activities and continuing to live well with confidence.
Why are allied health services important in aged care?
Allied health services play a vital role in helping older adults maintain their physical, social and emotional wellbeing, enabling them to live independently and get the most out of life. Allied health professionals bring specialised knowledge and skills to offer a variety of support services, including:
- Promoting healthy aging: Implementing strategies to prevent or manage chronic conditions and disabilities, helping seniors stay active and engaged.
- Rehabilitative care: Assisting individuals in regaining strength and function following significant health events, such as a stroke or injury.
- Independent living support: Providing practical solutions and adaptations to help older adults safely remain in their own homes.
- Care coordination: Working with a team to provide specialised assessments, interventions and support.
Where do allied health professionals work?
You can find allied health professionals in various settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation centres, community health centres and private practices. Many offer services directly in clients’ homes or within residential aged care facilities, ensuring convenient access to care.
While they often work independently, these professionals frequently collaborate within multidisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive care tailored to an individual’s unique health requirements. This team-based approach ensures that all aspects of a senior’s wellbeing are addressed, promoting a holistic path to healthy and independent living.
Which allied health services can help?
Allied health professionals offer a wide array of services aimed at preventing or slowing the progression of health conditions, empowering older adults to lead full and active lives. Their interventions encompass assessment, diagnosis and therapies designed to maintain essential functions such as mobility, hearing, sight, speech and swallowing.
Beyond physical health, allied health professionals address psychosocial needs through services like counselling, as well as music and art therapy, contributing to emotional wellbeing and enhanced quality of life.
The key allied health services include:
Physiotherapists help seniors maintain strength balance and mobility. They work with people recovering from surgery, those with arthritis or anyone experiencing pain and stiffness. A physiotherapist might teach you exercises to reduce joint pain or help you regain confidence after a fall.
Occupational therapists assist older people in adapting their homes and daily activities to suit their needs. Whether it’s installing grab rails in the bathroom, recommending tools to make dressing easier (sock aid, anyone?) or teaching strategies for conserving energy, occupational therapists help people to be as independent as possible.
Podiatrists keep feet healthy, which is especially important for people with diabetes or circulation issues. Foot pain can make it hard to walk and balance, increasing the risk of falls. Regular podiatry care can prevent serious complications and keep people moving comfortably.
Speech pathologists support seniors who have difficulty speaking, swallowing or communicating. Stroke, Parkinson’s disease and dementia can all affect speech and swallowing. A speech pathologist might help a person regain their ability to speak clearly after a stroke or find alternative ways to communicate if speech becomes difficult.
Dietitians ensure older adults get the nutrition they need to stay strong and healthy. A dietitian can create meal plans to help manage conditions like diabetes or high cholesterol. They can also support people who need specialised nutritional support and advice on tube feeding.
Psychologists provide support for mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression and grief. Aging can bring challenges like losing loved ones, coping with illness or adjusting to retirement. Speaking with a psychologist can help seniors navigate these changes and maintain emotional wellbeing.
Optometrists play a key role in maintaining eye health and preventing vision loss. Regular eye tests can detect conditions like cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration early, making treatment more effective. For someone struggling to read or move around safely, new glasses or vision aids can make a world of difference.
Audiologists help people with hearing difficulties stay connected to the world around them. Hearing loss is common with age and can lead to social isolation and frustration. An audiologist can assess hearing, fit hearing aids and offer strategies to improve communication.
Art and music therapists use creative expression to enhance mental and emotional wellbeing. Music can unlock memories for people with dementia, while painting or crafting can be a wonderful outlet for self-expression and stress relief. Group sessions often bring joy and a sense of community to people.
Are there low- and no-cost options for allied health services?
Allied health services can be costly. If you have private health insurance, specifically “extras” or “ancillary” cover, it can help fund the cost of some allied health treatments. Some policies may cover a wider range of services and offer higher rebates than others, but coverage varies significantly between policies, so it’s important to check your specific policy details.
Thankfully there are a few other options available, which we’ll explore now.
Chronic Disease Management plan
If you have a chronic disease, you may be eligible for a Chronic Disease Management plan from your GP. This entitles you to 5 allied health services per calendar year with a Medicare rebate. The 5 services may be either one type of service (e.g. 5 physiotherapy services) or a combination of different types of services (e.g. 1 dietetic and 4 podiatry services).
Veteran Gold Card
The Veteran Gold Card is a medical treatment card for veterans, dependants and eligible civilians. Allied health services are usually free for card holders if the provider accepts Gold Cards.
Find out if you’re eligible for the card here.
Commonwealth Home Support Programme
The Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) is a government-funded program that provides entry-level support services (including allied health) to help older Australians live independently and safely at home. Clients are expected to contribute towards the cost of the services they receive, if they can afford to do so.
Apply for an aged care assessment here to find out if you’re eligible.
Home Care Packages Program
The Home Care Packages Program is a government-funded program designed for those with more complex care needs that go beyond what the Commonwealth Home Support Programme can provide. It can fund allied health services for aging-related care needs that are identified by an aged care assessor, recommended by a provider in ongoing care discussions, or prescribed by an appropriate health professional.
Get our free step-by-step guide on how to apply for a Home Care Package >>
Support at Home Program
The Australian Government has developed a new program to improve in-home aged care, called Support at Home. This will replace the Home Care Packages Program on 1 July 2025.
A major difference between the two programs is that, with Support at Home, you will no longer have to contribute towards the cost of any allied health services you’ve been assessed for – regardless of whether you’re a full pensioner, a part pensioner or a self-funded retiree.
In addition, the new Restorative Care Pathway allows you to access up to 12 weeks of restorative care services alongside any Support at Home services you already receive. It includes an extra budget of up to $12,000 for multidisciplinary allied health services.
Apply the easy way with our free guide ‘5 Steps to Support at Home’ >>
Common questions about allied health services
Can I receive allied health services at home?
Many allied health professionals offer home visits, especially for those with mobility challenges, to provide assessments and interventions in your living space.
How do I know which allied health services I need?
The services that would best support your health and independence can be identified by an aged care assessor, recommended by a provider in ongoing care discussions, or prescribed by your doctor.
What is the difference between allied health professionals and nurses or doctors?
While doctors diagnose and treat medical conditions and nurses provide direct care, allied health professionals offer specialised therapeutic services focusing on specific areas like rehabilitation, nutrition and mental health.
Do I need a referral to see an allied health professional?
You don’t generally need a referral for privately-funded allied health care. However, you’ll require a doctor’s referral to access Medicare-funded allied health services.
How can I ensure an allied health professional is qualified?
In Australia, allied health professionals must be registered with their respective professional bodies or accreditation organisations, ensuring they meet required standards of practice.
How to get started with allied health services
For many older Australians, allied health services are the key to maintaining independence and enjoying life to the fullest. If you or a loved one could benefit from allied health services, the first step is to speak with your doctor, aged care assessor or, if you have one, aged care provider. They can help determine which services are needed and how to access funding.
CareAbout can help!
Tired of sifting through endless options to find the right care? At CareAbout, we cut through the clutter to connect you with top-notch providers who offer services like physio to keep you moving, personal care to make daily routines easier and even maintenance to keep your home safe.
Our free, personalised matching service ensures you get the support you need without the hassle. So, why risk such an important decision?
Life’s too short for regrets – get it right the first time with help from the experts.
