This is not the same as a holiday pause
A Christmas or summer break, when the client travels or many services slow down, needs its own plan. See our guide to home physio over Christmas and the summer holidays.
This post covers a more common pattern: the client stays in their usual home, and the person who usually opens the door, watches the session or passes on updates cannot be there for a while. That might be an adult child travelling for work, a spouse who is unwell, or a family member staying elsewhere for a fortnight. Whether visits continue depends on the client's needs, consent, home access and any required registered provider authorisation. The handover should cover these points, who to call and any change in day-to-day help.
Why a short handover helps
Home physiotherapy and exercise physiology can build on information from previous visits. Same physio wherever possible means the therapist already knows last week's baseline in the real home, including how much support the client usually has. See why the same physio matters for tracking progress.
When the usual family contact is away, two things often change at once: how the therapist gets in, and how much help the client has between visits. A quick note before the first visit in that period lets the therapist plan around the real week. If visits have already stopped for a few weeks, see restarting home physio after a break.
What to sort out before the carer is away
- Tell Alera the dates, and who we should speak with instead.
- Say who will be home for visits: the client alone, another family member, a neighbour, or a support worker arranged through the registered provider.
- Confirm access: intercom details, retirement village reception, a spare key held nearby, or someone who will meet the therapist. Choose an arrangement that already works for other visitors.
- Share anything that has changed, such as a fall or near miss, new pain, a new walking aid, or less help than usual. See what to tell your physio between visits.
- Leave a simple contact list in an obvious place: the usual family contact, a local backup, and the care manager at the registered provider if Support at Home applies.
If the client will be managing more of the week on their own than usual, see our guide for older people who live alone.
What the visit can look like
Whether a visit can proceed without the regular family carer depends on the client's needs, consent, home access and any required registered provider authorisation. Discuss any assistance the client needs during and between visits with Alera and the registered provider, where relevant. Physio and EP visits do not replace a carer, supervision or day-to-day support. If a visit proceeds, the therapist can review everyday tasks and the prescribed routine in light of the support available. Ask Alera about arrangements for sharing updates.
What to practise while the usual contact is away
Keep only the short home routine the therapist has already set, if it still feels appropriate. Do not add new chair, bench or step exercises because someone else is now helping, and do not try to catch up with extra repetitions. See keeping momentum between visits.
If the client feels unwell, dizzy or more unsteady than usual, stop and speak with their doctor. In an emergency, call 000. Updates to your therapist are for planning the next visit, not for urgent care.
Support at Home and care managers
If the client uses Support at Home, tell the care manager at your registered provider as well as Alera. They may already have support workers visiting that week. Associated physiotherapy or exercise physiology visits depend on the client's needs, consent, home access and confirmed authorisation from the registered provider where required.
Alera Healthcare is an associated Support at Home provider, not a registered or accredited provider. The registered provider holds the plan; Alera delivers agreed in-home visits across Sydney Metro. See already having a Support at Home provider. To start the discussion, share the dates, the local contact, any change in home support, and that you would like associated visits with Alera to continue. This information is not sufficient authorisation for visits; any required registered provider authorisation must be confirmed before visits proceed. Care managers can also use our referrals page.
Private clients and DVA
Not everyone uses Support at Home. Private clients and families can enquire directly and make the same kind of handover before a carer is away. 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. Public holiday availability can vary, so please check the dates with Alera. We do not offer occupational therapy or NDIS services.
Next step
If a family carer will be away, contact Alera to discuss whether visits can continue, taking account of the client's needs, consent, home access and any required registered provider authorisation. Book a 15-minute call to discuss the arrangements, or visit our referrals page if you are a care manager planning around a family absence.
Call 040 55 77 555 or email admin@alerahealthcare.com.au. In an emergency, call 000.
FAQ
Can the physio still visit if the usual family carer cannot be there?
It may be possible, depending on the client's needs, consent, home access and any required registered provider authorisation. Tell Alera who will be home and what assistance the client needs before the visit is confirmed. Physio and EP visits do not replace a carer or day-to-day support.
What should I tell Alera before I go away?
The dates, a local backup contact, how the therapist will access the home, and any recent changes such as a fall, new pain, a new walking aid, or less day-to-day help. Call 040 55 77 555 or email admin@alerahealthcare.com.au.
Is this the same as pausing physio over Christmas?
No. A holiday pause is when the client travels or you choose to space visits over Christmas and summer. This post is about the client staying home while the usual family contact is away or unwell. See home physio over Christmas and summer.
Should I also tell the care manager at the registered provider?
Yes, if the client uses Support at Home. The care manager may already have other supports booked that week. Associated visits depend on the client's needs, consent, home access and confirmed authorisation from the registered provider where required.
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.