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Restorative Care Pathway

Recover with care. Live with confidence.

At Suncare, we believe that getting older shouldn’t mean slowing down - it should mean feeling supported to live life your way.

Our Restorative Care Pathway helps you recover, rebuild and return to doing the things you love after illness, injury or a setback. With the right support, many people regain strength, confidence and independence at home.

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What is the Restorative Care Pathway?

The Restorative Care Pathway provides short-term, goal-focused support to help you regain or maintain your independence.

 It is part of the Australian Government’s Support at Home program and is designed for people who have experienced a recent health change - such as a fall, hospital stay or decline in mobility - and want to rebuild strength and confidence at home.

Rather than long-term care, restorative care is about giving you a focused boost to help you get back on your feet.

Restorative care can help with:

  • Getting back on your feet after a fall or hospital stay
  • Improving mobility, strength and balance
  • Managing pain or fatigue
  • Relearning everyday tasks
  • Building confidence and independence
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How we help

Each Restorative Care episode provides up to 16 weeks of short-term, goal-focused clinical care.

Your Suncare Restorative Care Partner will work with you to develop a personalised plan based on your goals. This may include:

  • Physiotherapy
  • Occupational therapy
  • Nursing support
  • Exercise and mobility programs
  • Other allied health support such as dietetics, speech therapy or podiatry
  • Home safety assessments and minor modifications
  • Assistive technology such as walking aids or mobility equipment
  • Support to rebuild daily routines and confidence

Through coordinated care from allied health and nursing professionals, we help you stay living safely at home.

How we can help

From help around the house to clinical care and everything in between, Suncare offers a wide range of services tailored to your needs.

Here's what our Bundaberg team can support you with:

1

Help at home

We'll help keep things tidy and comfortable — inside and out.

  • Cleaning and household tasks
  • Laundry and linen changes
  • Meal preparation
  • Light gardening and yard maintenance

2

Personal care

Gentle, respectful support with the everyday things that matter.

  • Showering and bathing
  • Grooming and dressing
  • Medication reminders
  • Continence support

3

Nursing and Allied Health

Clinical support from qualified professionals, delivered in your home.

  • Nursing care and health monitoring
  • Wound care and medication management
  • Physiotherapy
  • Occupational therapy
  • Exercise physiology

4

Social support and connection

Because life is better when you're connected to the people and places you love.

  • Companionship and home visits
  • Community outings and group activities
  • Transport to appointments, shops, or events
  • Help staying in touch with family and friends

Who can access restorative care?

To access the Restorative Care Pathway you need to be:

  • An older Australian with an approved Support at Home assessment
  • You’ve had a recent heath setback or functional decline that demonstrates a need for short-term, targeted clinical support.

Aged care assessments determine if this pathway is suitable for you. Your assessor will consider your strengths, daily challenges and goals before recommending this pathway.

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Funding and access

The Restorative Care Pathway is government-funded under Support at Home.

You may be eligible for up to $6,000 per episode, with a maximum of two episodes per year (conditions apply).

There are no customer contributions for clinical supports such as allied health and nursing services. For some other supports, a contribution may apply depending on your funding category.

What services are part of the pathway?

 Your care will be provided by a multidisciplinary team of allied health professionals and nurses - depending on what support you need.

This may include:  

recovery

Physiotherapy

To improve strength, balance and mobility  
Allied health

Occupational therapy

To increase confidence with daily activities  
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Exercise Physiology

To support movement and strength

 

Nursing

Nursing

for clinical care and monitoring

1

Goal focused reablement activities

tailored to your needs

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Assistive technology and minor home modifications

Unlike long-term aged care support, this pathway focuses on helping you regain or maintain function, not ongoing daily assistance.

Why restorative care matters

Choosing the Restorative Care Pathway can help you:

  • Regain independence after illness, injury or change in health
  • Maintain or rebuild strength and mobility through targeted support
  • Delay the need for higher levels of ongoing care
  • Learn skills and strategies to support daily living long-term
  • Feel more confident and in control of everyday life

How to get started

  1.  Start with an aged care assessment through My Aged Care.
     Your assessor will talk with you about your health, mobility and goals.  

  2.  If restorative care is right for you, you’ll be approved under the Support at Home program.  

  3.  Choose a trusted provider - like Suncare - to help plan and deliver your care.  

  4.  Together, you’ll develop a personalised goal plan outlining what you want to achieve and the services needed.  

     If your needs change while you’re receiving services, your Restorative Care Partner will work with you to review your goals and update your plan.  

Frequently asked questions

Who is not eligible for the Restorative Care Pathway?

You may not be eligible for the Restorative Care Pathway if you:

  • Are already living in permanent residential aged care
  • Are currently receiving Transition Care
  • Have already accessed two restorative care episodes in the past 12 months

If you’re unsure about your eligibility, our team can help guide you through your options.

How long does restorative care funding last?

Each Restorative Care episode provides up to 16 weeks of short-term, goal-focused support.

You may be eligible for up to two episodes within a 12-month period, depending on your circumstances and assessment outcome.

Do I need a referral from my GP?

No. GP referral is not required to access restorative care.

You’ll need an aged care assessment through My Aged Care, which determines whether the Restorative Care Pathway is right for you.

If you need help organising this, we’re happy to assist.

What happens after the 16 weeks?

As your restorative care episode comes to an end, we’ll review your progress together.

If you’ve achieved your goals, you may no longer need additional support. If you require ongoing help, we can guide you through other Support at Home options to ensure you continue to feel safe and supported.

Can restorative care be delivered in my home?

Yes. Most restorative care services are delivered in your home or community, depending on your needs and goals.

Our team works with you in the environment where you feel most comfortable and confident.

How long will I wait to start services once I'm approved?

Once you’ve been approved for the Restorative Care Pathway, services with Suncare can begin in as little as two weeks, depending on availability and your location.

We understand that when you’re ready for support, timing matters. Our team works closely with you to get your personalised plan in place and start services as soon as possible.

If you’d like an indication of wait times in your area, give us a call, we’re happy to talk you through the next steps.

 

 

Ready to chat?

Call us or contact us online - we’re here to help guide you through the process and support your goals.

Email

info@suncare.org.au

Phone

1800 786 227