Why the referral shapes the first visit
The first home visit sets the baseline that every later visit is measured against. When the referral is thin, the therapist spends time on phone calls, access questions and history that a care manager often already knows. When the referral is clear, the therapist arrives knowing the goal, the risks and the people involved, and the client does not have to retell everything.
For the wider picture of what referrers expect from a home physio partner, see what care managers need from a home physio partner.
The referral checklist
You do not need every item to refer. Send what you have and the therapist will fill gaps on the first call.
1. Client and contact details
- Client name, address and suburb, and the preferred phone number.
- Who should be called to book: the client, a family member or a key contact.
- Preferred days and times, including whether a Saturday visit would help.
- Any language, hearing or memory needs that affect how the visit runs.
2. The reason for referral in plain words
One or two sentences is enough. For example: "More unsteady since a hospital stay last month, wants to walk to the letterbox again" or "Struggling to get out of the lounge chair, family worried about the toilet at night."
A plain goal helps the therapist decide whether physiotherapy or exercise physiology should lead. See physio first, then EP for how the two often work together.
3. What is authorised
- Whether physiotherapy, exercise physiology, or both are authorised clinical supports in the client's Support at Home plan.
- The number of sessions or the budget window, if known.
- Who at the registered provider approves changes and receives updates.
If you are new to working with an associated provider, see already have a Support at Home provider.
4. Relevant history and precautions
- Recent falls or near-misses, and where they happened.
- Recent hospital stays, surgery or new diagnoses.
- Precautions or restrictions from the treating team, such as weight-bearing limits.
- Walking aids in use and whether they still fit the client.
- Pain, dizziness or breathlessness that limits activity.
Only include what the client has agreed to share, in line with your organisation's privacy practice.
5. Home access and safety
- Parking, stairs, gates, lockbox codes or intercoms.
- Pets, smoking, or anything else the therapist should know before arriving.
- Whether someone needs to be home for the visit.
6. What updates you want back
Tell us how you like to hear about progress: a short note after the first visit, a summary at the end of a block, or a call if something changes. Clear expectations keep the plan moving and make reviews easier.
What happens after you refer
Alera acknowledges the referral, contacts the client or key contact to book, and arranges the first home visit. The therapist completes a home-based assessment, agrees goals with the client, and, with the client's consent, shares an update with the care manager at the registered provider. Wherever possible the same physio returns for ongoing visits, so the baseline from week one is already known. See why the same physio matters.
Families preparing for that first visit can use how to prepare for a first home physio visit.
Support at Home, private clients and DVA
When physiotherapy or exercise physiology clinical supports are authorised under Support at Home, Alera Healthcare can deliver those sessions at home as an associated provider working with the registered organisation that holds the plan. Alera is not a registered Support at Home provider, and the client stays with their current provider.
Private clients and families can enquire directly, and DVA clients are welcome to ask about eligibility on enquiry. Alera has provided mobile physiotherapy and exercise physiology across Sydney Metro since 2011, with visits available any day including Saturdays. We do not offer occupational therapy or NDIS services.
Next step
Ready to refer, or want to check fit first? Use our referrals page or book a 15-minute call to talk through the client and what is authorised.
Call 040 55 77 555 or email admin@alerahealthcare.com.au.
FAQ
What should a care manager include in a home physio referral?
The client's contact details, the reason for referral in plain words, which clinical supports are authorised, relevant history and precautions, home access notes, and how you want updates. Send what you have; gaps can be filled on the first call.
Can I refer if I do not have every detail yet?
Yes. A name, suburb, contact number and a short reason is enough to start. The therapist confirms the rest with the client or key contact before the first visit.
Does the client need to change Support at Home provider to use Alera?
No. Alera works as an associated provider alongside the registered provider that holds the plan. The client keeps their current provider and care manager.
Should I refer for physiotherapy or exercise physiology?
If balance, pain, a recent fall or a hospital stay is the main concern, physiotherapy often leads. If the client is medically stable and the goal is strength and stamina, exercise physiology may suit. The therapist can advise after the first home assessment.
Who else 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.