Families and care partners
You can call on someone’s behalf.
A family member, care partner or facility staff member can call 1800 962 113 to discuss physiotherapy. We will involve the person receiving care in decisions and confirm consent before sharing information.
What physiotherapy for older adults can focus on
- Walking, balance and confidence, including falls concerns.
- Strength for everyday tasks such as standing up, steps, showering and getting in and out of a car.
- Joint pain and stiffness, including arthritis.
- Recovery after a hospital stay, illness or surgery.
- Choosing and using a walking aid, with practical advice for moving safely at home.
The plan depends on your assessment, health and goals. Results vary between people.
Clinic, home visit or aged-care home?
Clinic appointments at Elizabeth Park Healthcare have free on-site parking, a step-free entrance and an accessible toilet. Home visits may suit older people living in their own home who find travel difficult, in suburbs within roughly 5–10 km of the clinic – see home visit physiotherapy. Visits to aged-care homes are not a routine service, but can be arranged on request with the person, their family and the aged-care provider; call us to discuss what is possible for a particular home.
Support at Home, GP care plans and DVA
If physiotherapy is part of your approved Support at Home services, it may be arranged through your provider. People with a chronic condition may be eligible for Medicare rebates through a GP care plan, and eligible veterans can use a DVA referral. Private patients do not need a referral, and HICAPS claiming is available at the clinic. Check arrangements with our team before the first appointment.
Working with your care team
With consent, your physiotherapist can share relevant findings and exercise suggestions with your GP, care provider or family so everyone is working towards the same goals. Bring or have ready a medicines list, recent hospital or specialist letters and any existing exercise program.
When to seek medical help first
See a doctor promptly after a fall with injury or a head knock, if you suddenly cannot walk or bear weight, or if you have new confusion, dizziness or fainting.
Physiotherapy is not an emergency service. Call 000 or go to an emergency department for a serious injury, chest pain, sudden weakness or numbness, or if you feel very unwell.
Your physiotherapy appointment.
See Jency Donda, physiotherapist, at our Elizabeth Park clinic – open Mondays 9:00am–5:00pm. Jency speaks English, Gujarati and Hindi. No referral is needed for a private appointment. For a GP care plan, NDIS, DVA, Support at Home, WorkCover or CTP appointment, check the relevant referral and plan information and our fees and rebates page before booking, or contact our team.
Helpful questions.
Can you visit someone living in an aged-care home?
Visits to aged-care homes can be arranged on request. Arrangements depend on the home and the person’s needs, so please call 1800 962 113 to discuss.
Is physiotherapy covered by Support at Home?
Physiotherapy may be included in approved Support at Home services. Talk to your provider and our team before booking; see our Support at Home page.
Can a family member come to the appointment?
Yes. Family members and carers are welcome at clinic appointments and visits.
More information: My Aged Care · healthdirect: falls. This page is general information and is not a substitute for individual advice.
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