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 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
Thanks Vanessa, you are very good at providing nursing services. I am very happy with you!
George Paouros
Great staff they go out of their way to help you with what you need nothing is to hard couldn't recommend Maitland NND enough
Jacqueline Hunter
I have used this service on a number of occasions for my Mum. I can highly recommend them. They are professional yet personable, dependable and accommodating. The staff are really wonderful with her, making cups of tea to hand massages, nothing seems too much trouble. Love this company!
Fran Hodge
I truly believe if you are looking for a disability support service that actually listens & who will respectfully communicate with you with genuine care about you the client and family, The nurse next door is exactly that & more. The carers are all loving and supportive and will help you in any way they can, small or big! The workers at Nurse next door actually will take your worries and lend a helping hand - it is all about the client and the clients needs. They lend a hand to cook home made meals, clean the simply task that made seem abit to much on your plate some times and generally interact with the family as a lending ear. I as a parent couldn’t be more happier & trusting to welcoming these careers into our home & family. Im so grateful to find some where that actually Cares about your quality of care and will support you every step of the way. They care about you and your family as a whole and will work hard at achieving the goals you have for your family member with the empathy to mentally support these challenges, as well as work closely with you so everyone is on the same page. A very supportive service. I highly recommend this service to anyone looking for a loving, genuine & effective support service, Michelle & Laura have our family feel support & immensely cared for.
Stacey Swan
Cannot recommend Toral and her staff highly enough. Anja, Sandyha and Karma were absolutely amazing in assisting me care for my husband. Jim had Alzheimers and a terminal illness and all of the staff were caring, compassionate, knowledgeable and supportive at a very stressful time. Toral went above and beyond sorting out the issues I was facing with my care provider. Thank you ladies for your support of Jim and myself during such a difficult time.
Liz MacPherson
We recently contacted Nurse Next Door when my elderly Nan needed specialist wound care over weekends and public holidays, and we were incredibly fortunate to be matched with Amber. From the very beginning, she has been exceptional—working closely with Nan’s regular nurse to ensure the highest standard of care. Today, however, truly stood out. While driving to Brisbane, I called Nurse Next Door in a panic after Nan had a fall and needed urgent help. Amber immediately dropped what she was doing and came straight over. She stayed with us while the ambulance assessed Nan and continued to help afterwards, making sure Nan was comfortable. Not once did she mention that it was outside of hours or that she had stayed longer than expected. Her dedication, kindness, and genuine compassion are remarkable. I’m so grateful for her support—I honestly don’t know how I would have managed today without her. Amber is an extraordinary nurse. Thank you so much.
Haylei Kidd
Nurse next door home care is a great, helpful & caring service that has helped my dad a lot over the past year or so. Thank you to Saral and the team for all your help.
Lisa-Maree Morrison
I recently had the sad experience of visiting a friend who was receiving end of life care from "Nurse Next Door" in Woolgoolga. Agnes and her team of amazing carers went way beyond what I myself could ever provide someone in this situation. The care and patience given to my friend was something I will never forget. If you have anyone who needs special care for a loved one I cannot recommend these wonderful people enough. Thank you to every one of those who cared for Carmen. Judy McLachlan
Judith McLachlan
Couldnt be more happier with the service from nurse next door. Recommend 100%
Graeme Luck
Lovely staff members, caring and thoughtful.
Madelaine Cohen
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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
