My Aged Care Physiotherapy in Melbourne: What You Need to Know
If someone in your family is getting older and struggling with mobility, pain, or balance, chances are you've heard the term "My Aged Care" thrown around. But navigating the aged care system to actually access physiotherapy at home in Melbourne is a different story. This guide breaks down exactly how My Aged Care physiotherapy works, who's eligible, and how to get a mobile physio to your door without the confusion.
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What Is My Aged Care?
My Aged Care is the Australian Government’s entry point for accessing aged care services. It’s the gateway to funding for things like home help, nursing, and allied health services including physiotherapy.
If you or a family member is over 65 (or over 50 for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people), My Aged Care is likely the starting point for accessing government-subsidised physiotherapy at home.
Can You Access Physiotherapy Through My Aged Care?
Yes, physiotherapy is one of the most commonly funded allied health services under the aged care system. It can be accessed through two main programs:
Who Benefits Most from Physiotherapy After Hospital Discharge?
Honestly, almost anyone leaving hospital after a significant event. But it’s especially valuable for:
- Seniors after a fall or fracture – rebuilding confidence and strength to reduce the risk of falling again
- Joint replacement patients – following post-surgical protocols for hip, knee, or shoulder replacements
- Stroke or neurological event patients – working on movement patterns, balance, and functional independence
- Cardiac patients – gentle, progressive exercise to rebuild fitness safely
- Anyone with limited transport options – if getting to a clinic is a barrier, your recovery shouldn’t have to wait
1. Home Care Packages (HCP)
Home Care Packages provide a budget of funding that can be used for a range of services at home, including physiotherapy. There are four package levels:
- Level 1 – basic care needs ($10,271/year)
- Level 2 – low-level care needs ($18,063/year)
- Level 3 – intermediate care needs ($39,310/year)
- Level 4 – high-level care needs ($59,877/year)
Physiotherapy can be funded from any package level, though the amount available will vary depending on what other services are also using the package budget.
2. Support at Home Program
From July 2025, the Support at Home program has replaced the old Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP). This program is designed to help older Australians stay independent at home for longer, and physiotherapy is a key part of that.
If you’re already receiving CHSP services, you’ll transition across to Support at Home automatically.
Why Physiotherapy Matters for Older Australians
Physiotherapy isn’t just for recovering from surgery or managing chronic pain – though it helps with both. For older Australians, regular physiotherapy can:
- Reduce the risk of falls – the leading cause of injury-related hospitalisation in people over 65
- Maintain independence – keeping the strength and mobility needed to stay at home longer
- Manage chronic conditions – including arthritis, osteoporosis, Parkinson’s disease, and neurological conditions
- Support recovery after illness or hospitalisation – getting strength back after a hospital stay
- Improve confidence – especially for those who have already had a fall or near-fall
Staying at home longer is the goal for most older Australians. Physiotherapy is one of the most direct ways to make that possible.
How to Access My Aged Care Physiotherapy in Melbourne
The process has a few steps, but it’s manageable – especially with support.
Step 1: Register with My Aged Care
Call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 or register online at myagedcare.gov.au. You’ll answer some questions about the person’s situation and care needs.
Step 2: Have an Assessment
An assessor will visit the home to understand what support is needed. This assessment determines eligibility and what level of support is recommended.
Step 3: Receive Your Package or Referral
Once approved, you’ll either be assigned a Home Care Package (and need to choose a provider to manage it) or referred to Support at Home services directly.
Step 4: Choose Your Physiotherapist
This is where you have real choice. You’re not locked into whoever your package provider recommends. You can choose a mobile physiotherapist who comes to your home – which is often far more practical than trying to get an elderly parent to a clinic.
Step 5: Start Treatment
A good mobile physio will come to the home, assess the person’s current function, understand their goals, and build a program around their real environment – the stairs they actually use, the bathroom they actually navigate, the furniture they actually hold onto.
Why Home-Based Physio Works Better for Elderly Patients
Clinic-based physiotherapy has a place. But for older Australians, home-based treatment has some real advantages:
- No transport stress – getting in and out of a car, walking through a carpark, and sitting in a waiting room is exhausting for someone with mobility challenges
- Real-world environment – your physio can see the actual hazards in the home and tailor exercises to the real space
- Better consistency – when treatment comes to you, it’s far easier to keep appointments
- Family involvement – carers and family members can sit in, ask questions, and learn how to help between sessions
What to Expect from Khy Physio’s My Aged Care Services in Melbourne
At Khy Physio, we work with older Australians across Melbourne who are accessing physiotherapy through My Aged Care funding. Here’s what that looks like in practice:
- We come to your home – no travel required on your end
- We coordinate directly with your Home Care Package provider or Support at Home coordinator
- We assess your current mobility, strength, balance, and pain levels
- We build an exercise and treatment program tailored to your home environment and your goals
- We track your progress using professional-grade monitoring equipment
- We provide clear progress notes for your coordinator or GP
Our team speaks English, Cantonese, Mandarin, and Sinhala, so if English isn’t your first language, we can still communicate clearly and comfortably.
Khy Physio provides mobile physiotherapy across Melbourne for older Australians accessing services through My Aged Care, Home Care Packages, and the Support at Home program. If you’d like to find out how we can help, contact our team or call 0410 803 034. We respond within 24 hours.
