Provider change vs care manager change
Two handovers feel similar but are not the same.
- A care manager change usually means the same registered provider, with a new contact on the file. See when your Support at Home care manager changes.
- A provider change means a different registered organisation holds the Support at Home arrangement, so clinical supports need confirming again even when the client and home stay the same.
This post covers the second case: keeping associated physiotherapy and exercise physiology when the registered provider itself changes.
Why Support at Home providers change
Provider changes happen for ordinary reasons: a family prefers a different organisation, the previous arrangement ends, or both agree a better fit. Goals and the therapist do not need to reset to zero. What needs attention is authorisation with the new care manager at the new registered provider.
Alera is not a registered Support at Home provider. The client keeps a registered provider for the plan; Alera delivers agreed clinical visits as an associated provider. See already having a Support at Home provider.
What stays the same vs what needs re-authorising
Often stays the same: the client's home and walking aid, recent goals, preferred visit days (including Saturdays), and the therapist who already knows their baseline when scheduling allows.
Needs confirming with the new registered provider: whether physiotherapy or exercise physiology is authorised; that Alera can continue as the associated provider; visit cadence against the client's Support at Home budget; and who to contact for updates and home access.
Same physio wherever possible means progress is still measured against where the client started. See planning physio and EP across a Support at Home quarter.
Practical steps for families
- Tell the care manager at your new registered provider that the client already has in-home physio or EP with Alera, and share the suburb, preferred days and main goals.
- Share recent changes that affect movement: a fall or near miss, hospital stay, new pain, a new walking aid, or a change in who helps at home. See what to tell your physio between visits.
- Ask them to authorise associated physio or EP with Alera so visits can continue under the new arrangement.
- Call Alera early with the new provider and care manager details, so we can plan around any gap.
- Keep only the short home routine your therapist already prescribed, if it is still appropriate, during any short pause between providers. Do not start new chair, bench or step exercises during a gap.
If the client is also moving house, see moving home and keeping the same physio.
What care managers at the new provider need
A short referral note is usually enough: client goals, current physio or EP focus, recent falls or hospital stays, home access and preferred days, and confirmation that associated clinical supports with Alera are authorised. Our referrals page has the details in one place. The care manager at the registered provider leads authorisation; Alera coordinates delivery once visits are agreed.
Same physio wherever possible
When the same physiotherapist or exercise physiologist returns, they already know last week's baseline in the real home. After a provider change, asking for the same therapist wherever possible helps the new care manager see that care is already underway.
Private clients and DVA
Not everyone uses Support at Home. Private clients and families can enquire directly; DVA clients can ask about eligibility on enquiry. Alera Healthcare has provided mobile physiotherapy and exercise physiology across Sydney Metro since 2004, with visits available any day, including Saturdays. We do not offer occupational therapy or NDIS services.
Next step
Changing providers is an admin change; continuity of home physio does not have to be. Book a 15-minute call to talk through a handover, or visit our referrals page if you are a care manager at a new registered provider.
Call 040 55 77 555 or email admin@alerahealthcare.com.au. In an emergency, call 000.
FAQ
Can I keep Alera if I change Support at Home providers?
Often yes, when the new registered provider authorises physiotherapy or exercise physiology and engages Alera as the associated provider. Tell the new care manager early and call Alera so the handover is clear.
Who authorises visits after a provider change?
The care manager at your new registered provider confirms what clinical supports are authorised. Alera then delivers the agreed in-home visits as an associated provider and does not replace the registered provider role.
What if there is a gap between providers?
Call Alera and the new care manager as soon as dates are known. Keep the short home routine the therapist left, and share any falls, hospital stays or new pain before the next visit. If the client feels unwell, stop and speak with their doctor; in an emergency, call 000.
Is this the same as a care manager change?
No. A care manager change is usually the same registered provider with a new contact. A provider change means a different registered organisation, so clinical supports need confirming again. See care manager change and home physio continuity.
Who can enquire about in-home physio or EP with Alera?
Care managers at registered providers, private clients and families can all enquire. DVA clients can ask about eligibility on enquiry. We do not offer occupational therapy or NDIS services.