The Restorative Care Pathway in Support@Home

A Closer Look.

Understanding the Restorative Care Pathway

• It is a short-term, goal-based intervention: Up to 16 weeks, focusing on regaining function, through intensive allied health and/or nursing services.

• It includes Multi-disciplinary team involvement: The STRC program required a minimum of three different health professionals to be involved.

• It encourages outcome measurement and exit planning: Providers must collect pre- and post-intervention data to track progress.

• Pre-determined MDT case conferences: One at the beginning and end, and additional as required.

• A Restorative care partner with clinical qualifications must oversee the plan: This is a new requirement that elevates the standard of coordination.

Any registered provider (in the relevant category) can deliver restorative care: Unlike STRC, which was only accessible to approved providers via competitive tender, this opens up the market, making referrals to OTs more accessible.

Above summarizing key steps outlines in the Support at Home provider manual, to envisage Restorative Care in practice. How might this look in practice?

Mr. T, 83 years old, recently experienced a decline in function due to arthritis and reduced confidence following several near falls. His goals are to independently manage his medications, prepare meals and shower safely without assistance.

A Goal Plan in Practice:

The care partner coordinates the development of a personalized, time-limited goal plan, which might include:

• An OT that leads ADL retraining for safe showering and meal preparation. (A toileting and showering practice routine is implemented, with OT reassessments at weeks 2, 4, and 6. A Support worker is briefed by the OT to assist with practice sessions, not task substitution.)

• A Physio that works on strength and balance to reduce fall risk.

• A Dietitian that supports improved energy levels through a nutrition plan.

• A Restorative Care partner with a Nursing background, that addresses medication management.

Where to From Here?

Occupational Therapists can position themselves as leaders in reablement by:

1. Aligning service models with the new pathway structures

2. Advocating for appropriate referrals and hours based on client goals

3. Developing clear communication and documentation strategies that demonstrate impact

4. Building strong relationships with case managers, especially those new to restorative program coordination

Because aged care is evolving - and there is an opportunity to shape it.

See the recently published Restorative Care pathway clinical guidelines for Support at Home https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/2025-06/restorative-care-pathway-clinical-guidelines.pdf