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Recovering from an illness, injury, or hospital stay doesn’t mean giving up your independence. The Restorative Care Pathway is a short-term, government-funded program designed to help you regain your strength, mobility, and confidence so you can get back to doing the things you love.
Through this program, our compassionate team of support workers, physiotherapists, and dietitians works with you for up to 16 weeks to improve your physical condition and mental wellbeing. We ensure you prevent decline and stay active, even if you are already accessing other home care services.


Access a team of health professionals dedicated to your recovery. From physiotherapists and occupational therapists to dietitians, we coordinate the precise clinical expertise required to restore your function and build your mobility with confidence.

While you focus on getting better, we assist with the rest. Access funding for essential support like personal care, meal preparation and domestic assistance to keep your home running smoothly and comfortably during your specific recovery journey.

Navigating recovery can be overwhelming, but you do not have to do it alone. Your dedicated Care Designer, who is a Registered Nurse, manages your budget, coordinates your therapy team and adjusts your plan as you improve every step of the way.
If you are seeking government assistance for the Restorative Care Pathway, you will need to apply for an in-person assessment through My Aged Care. Here is the step-by-step process.
Step 1: Check your eligibility
To see if you qualify for an aged care assessment, visit the My Aged Care website.
Step 2: Apply for an assessment
If you are eligible, you can complete the My Aged Care online application (allow 15 to 20 minutes) or call 1800 200 422.
Step 3: Prepare for your assessment
Visit the My Aged Care website for a checklist of what to prepare. We recommend gathering your Medicare card, medical history, and details of your GP.
Step 4: Have your assessment
Your assessment will take place at your home or in the hospital. We strongly encourage you to have a family member, friend, or your Nurse Next Door Care Designer there to support you.
Step 5: Receive your outcome
You will receive a letter outlining your approved services and individual support plan. Once you have this, you are ready to choose a provider.
Step 6: Contact Nurse Next Door
Call us on 1300 600 247 (or complete our "ask for care" form online). We will pair you with a dedicated Care Designer to build a Restorative Care plan tailored to your recovery goals.
Following an illness, fall or hospitalisation, our our goal is to get you moving again. We collaborate with qualified physiotherapists and allied health professionals to enhance your strength, balance and stability to ensure you feel secure and confident in your daily movements.
Our approach empowers you to regain the necessary skills and confidence you need to continue living independently. By focusing on rehabilitation now, we help you maintain your autonomy and delay the need for long term care so you can remain safe and comfortable in your own home.
We recognise that every recovery journey is unique. Your dedicated Care Designer, who is a Registered Nurse, partners with you to identify your specific goals, from resuming social engagements to managing household tasks, and curates a tailored clinical plan to help you achieve them.
The Restorative Care Pathway is a short-term program (up to 12-16 weeks) under the government’s Support at Home system. Unlike standard home care which supports you ongoing, this pathway provides intensive, goal-oriented funding to help you recover from a setback, like an illness or fall, so you can regain your independence.
Eligibility is determined by an assessment through My Aged Care. You may be eligible if you are over 65 (or 50 for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people), have experienced a decline in your ability to manage daily tasks, and are motivated to work with a team to improve your independence. It is not for people currently receiving end-of-life care.
Eligible participants typically receive a budget of approximately $6,000 for a 12-16 week episode of care. If you have higher needs, your assessor may approve a second consecutive episode (funding up to $12,000 total). This funding is separate from your ongoing Support at Home quarterly budget.
Yes. You can access the Restorative Care Pathway even if you are already receiving ongoing services. If you experience a temporary setback, such as a fall or surgery, this specific funding runs alongside your regular Support at Home budget to cover the additional therapy you need.
The funding is flexible but must be linked to your recovery goals. Common services include:
The program is designed to be short-term and intensive, typically lasting for 12 weeks, but it can be extended to 16 weeks if needed. You can access up to two episodes of care in a 12-month period if assessed as necessary.
Nurse Next Door are professional, reliable and really bend over backwards to help with whatever I need- even at short notice. The nurses and staff are all amazing, always listen and truly care. I am grateful for their assistance and I am very fortunate to have them around when I need them.
Michelle is the most Amazing, compassionate, and caring Nurse who goes above and beyond! I highly recommend Michelle and her team without hesitation! Cared for my husband for his final 2 weeks, and she made me feel we had know each other for a life time! Sharyn
Nurse next door are Caring and Compassionate. A peace of Mind . And Wonderful lady cames out helps me with ADLS.
The services with Nurse Next Door are First class and very Professional at all time. They are very easy to talk to and are only happy to follow patient requirements and or other health workers.
Shalini from Nurse Next Door has been absolutely incredible in her role as a Diabetes Nurse Educator. Her dedication to client care, especially in ongoing diabetes monitoring, is truly commendable. She consistently responds quickly to any concerns, ensuring timely support and guidance. Her approach is not only professional but also deeply patient and compassionate, making clients feel heard and supported. Shalini’s expertise in diabetic education has made a significant impact, and her responsible, proactive attitude is a true asset to the team. We’re very fortunate to have her involved in our clients’ care.
The team are absolutely amazing. We needed some support in a hurry and the team were able to have a customised support plan and schedule put in place incredibly quickly. The commnunication and engagement from Rhomee and team was next level, and never left us in doubt where things were at and allowed issues to be dealt with efficiently. Thank you!
We are so pleased with the quality and professionalism of the team at Nurse Next Door in Cairns. Zoe has been fantastic to deal with and her kindness towards my Grandmother has been amazing. Thank you so much! I recommend Zoe and her team for your home care requirements.
Nurse Next Door have lovely staff that are very helpful and reliable. The always go the further mile to ensure I am cared for.
I am very happy with the professionalism shown to me and mine, and also the personal touch , which makes for happy relationships. I wholeheartedly recommend Nurse Next Door to be a provider for Aged Care.
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