Restorative Care Pathway with Nurse Next Door
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.
Allied Health Support
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.
Help Around the Home
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.
Guided by Your Care Designer
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.
Access Restorative Care Funding
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"). We will pair you with a dedicated Care Designer to build a Restorative Care plan tailored to your recovery goals.
Regain Your Physical Strength
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.
Stay in the Home You Love
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.
Achieve Your Personal Goals
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.
Helping you to Understand
Frequently asked Questions
What is the Restorative Care Pathway?
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.
Am I eligible for Restorative Care?
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.
How much funding will I receive?
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.
Can I get Restorative Care if I already have a Support at Home plan?
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.
What services can I use this funding for?
The funding is flexible but must be linked to your recovery goals. Common services include:
- Allied Health: Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Podiatry, and Exercise Physiology.
- Equipment: Small aids like walking frames or shower chairs (Assistive Technology).
- Home Support: Personal care or domestic help if it supports your recovery.
How long does the program last?
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.
Real People, Real Impact
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Delivering a WOW Customer Experience
I recently had the pleasure of utilizing Nurse Next Door Armidale, and I can't express how grateful I am for their exceptional support. From the initial consultation to the ongoing care provided, the experience has been outstanding. I highly recommend their services to anyone seeking reliable, professional and compassionate home care services. They have truly made a difference in our lives, and I am so thankful for their support. Sruthi and her team are amazing!
Shane Battistuzzi
I’ve been a customer of Nurses Next door now for the last 2.5 year. I’m high needs as a Paramedic T4 client I need a lot of assistance daily. In that time they haven’t let me down. Glen and his wonderful team have always been reliable, addressing my needs and concerns! From their Management team To their Key Nurses And not forgetting their wonderful carers, my daily needs are always met!! Thanks Nurses Next Door!
Clinton Dickson
Fantastic service .
Antonio C
"I would like to thank Ingrid for organizing transport for my mother in law to attend a funeral, as she is 97 this needed to be very specific in care. Abbie was the our carer for the day and she was amazing, polite , kind and considerate. We cant thank Nurse Next Door enough for their help, it made our lives much easier on a very emotional day."
Shelly-anne Torrisi
We have only just begun our aged care journey. Just before I stumbled across Nurse Next Door it felt as though I’d been shopping for a used car with care factor 0, no understanding of situation, just number crunching with little human element and endless call backs chasing me for the business with no care felt whatsoever. Kylie was my first contact and she was highly professional, empathetic/understanding and totally accommodating to our situation. She revealed a little of the back story behind the business and what twins, Michelle & Nicole, are doing to provide a service to our local community like they do is noticed and appreciated! Omg am I so glad I found you. Thanks for showing up in my parent’s time of need. It’s early days but we already feel completely supported and heard. Keep up the pink! 🩷🌼🩷🌼🩷
Melanie Sabeeney
We have worked closely with the team at Nurse Next Door in Maitland and have always found their communication, responsiveness, and commitment to timely care to be excellent. The staff are consistently professional, approachable, and open to feedback and education. It is a pleasure to collaborate with a team that values quality nursing care and ongoing professional development.
Fabia Fiveash
Kristal and team are amazing! Their care, compassion & professionalism are second to none. We engaged their services following medical advice of additional care required for my Mum late last year and they could not have provided better support, care and guidance. Only regret is we wish we knew them earlier!
Belinda Mellis
I am providing feedback on behalf of a NND client currently receiving services from Nurse Next Door Ballarat receiving chronic wound management. Michelle and her team have gone above and beyond for me, ensuring I feel comfortable prior to and during all procedures. I would like to thank Michelle and her team for providing an exceptional service. My wounds are improving each day thanks to Michelle and her skilled team. Noelene
Kymberly Rita Hartup
My family cannot rate the care and attention supplied by Michael and his team highly enough. We were in urgent need of in-home social, domestic & medical services for our 93 yr old mother. Nurse Next Door were able to respond almost immediately to our enquiry and provide exactly the right people for the job - showing great sensitivity for the challenges of dealing with a somewhat reluctant elderly client and soon building trust with her. Michael's flexibility and willing adaptability to meet our mother's frequently changing circumstances (due to her fluctuating health) were remarkable and the dedication of his staff to my mother's health and well being was truly remarkable. We could not recommend the services and client management shown by this team more highly - in every respect Nurse Next Door is an outstanding service provider.
Margot Riley
I can only recommend! Great service! Shalini was punctual, communicative, compassionate and knowledgeable. Exactly what I needed after my hospital recovery. Many thanks!
Niki Dulkai
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Why Nurse Next Door?
Quality Home Care That’s Personal and Professional
Every Care Plan is thoughtfully crafted, and every Caregiver is meticulously chosen to meet your needs.
Quality Home Care That’s Personal and Professional
We Match You with Your Perfect Caregiver
We hand-pick the right person from our trusted team of Caregivers based on your needs, preferences and personality.
We Match You with Your Perfect Caregiver
Reliable Care with Our Attendance Monitoring System
Our activity monitoring system closely monitors every visit to ensure Caregivers arrive on time and schedules run smoothly.
Reliable Care with Our Attendance Monitoring System
Qualified & Insured Caregivers You Can Trust
Our Caregivers and Nurses are licensed, insured and highly qualified, with a minimum of two years’ experience.
Qualified & Insured Caregivers You Can Trust
We Aim to Provide You The Same Caregiver Everytime
We want you to see a familiar face every visit. Your perfect match Caregiver will learn your routines and favorite foods.
We Aim to Provide You The Same Caregiver Everytime
24/7 Live Calling Support
Speak with a real person in 30 seconds or less every time you call, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
24/7 Live Calling Support
Comprehensive Care at Every Age
Our services range from elder care to daily living support for people of all ages. Quality care, regardless of age.
Comprehensive Care at Every Age
