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
.webp)
.webp)
.webp)
.webp)
.webp)
Delivering a WOW Customer Experience
Amazing she help out a lot love having her here we have good chats good laughs together got nothing bad to say to be honest she doing a amazing job
Zachary Oakes
They are great team from careers and the nurses and the administrators
David Orr
Exceptional care! After my mother-in-law had a stroke, Dee and Shanna from the leadership team visited us right in the hospital to organize a home care plan. My MIL is a fiercely independent woman in her 80s, and we expected her to resist care entirely. Instead, the caregivers were incredibly lovely, thoughtful, and encouraging. Having Registered Nurses oversee everything gave our family total peace of mind. We cannot recommend Nurse Next Door Melbourne North more. Thank you for everything!
Nikita Elliott
Debbie from Nurses Next Door is just lovely. Very kind, patient and understanding. She had gone out of her way to help me and make me feel comfortable as well as help with things that my support coordinator could be doing. She has contacted my GP herself for prescriptions and followed up on other needs.
Melanie Jacobs
A really great team of highly qualified, professional and caring staff! They have assisted in making my situation easier to manage, supported me in the tasks I cannot do myself and provide an ear and comfort when things get tough, as some days obviously are better than others. I highly recommend Nurse Next Door if you require nursing or caring support from understanding, highly qualified and knowledgeable staff.
Wayne S
Nurse next door are amazing. Nothing to hard, Ask and if at all possible they will provide. Could never thank them enough
johanna beven
Fantastic support provider! Friendly, reliable and genuinely caring.
EA Norrish
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
We have been very impressed of the wonderful service and genuine care and support given to our elderly mother by Care Nurses, Shae and Vanessa from Nurse Next Door. I would highly recommend this Service to anyone in need of nursing care, who are professional and compassionate. Keep up the great work!
Maria D
We have been with Nurse Next Door for 2 years since they were able to bring Mum home from hospital after a fall during the Covid Lockdowns. They have become more than carers (although they are a help with some of her housework) they are now friends. They chat with her and take her places which she loves, even getting up early to take her to the balloons! As I am in Melbourne it is a great comfort to know there is someone there with her everyday.
Cathy Devries
The Caring Journal
The Caring Journal is your go-to destination for stories, insights, and resources that celebrate the art and heart of caregiving.
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
