Why planning by the quarter helps
When visits are booked one at a time, it is easy for a quarter to slip by with a burst of sessions early and nothing later, or for a goal to stall because nobody planned the next step. Thinking in quarters gives everyone a shared picture:
- The client knows roughly when their physio or EP is coming and what they are working towards.
- The family can plan to be there for visits that matter, such as a first visit or a review.
- The care manager can see how allied health fits alongside other services in the budget.
- The therapist can pace the program so progress is checked before the quarter closes.
Step 1: Start with one clear goal
Good planning begins with what the client wants to do, not with a number of visits. Examples include walking to the letterbox, getting in and out of the shower with more confidence, managing the front steps, or getting back to the local shops. A clear goal makes it easier to decide whether physio, EP or both are the right fit. Our guide to physio first, then EP at home explains how the two often work together.
Step 2: Check what is authorised with the care manager
Physiotherapy and exercise physiology are clinical supports under Support at Home. Before visits start, the care manager at the client's registered provider confirms what has been authorised and how it fits the quarterly budget. If you are not sure what to ask, see questions to ask your care manager about home physio and our overview of Support at Home clinical supports.
Alera is not a registered Support at Home provider. The client stays with their current provider and care manager, and Alera delivers the agreed sessions as an associated provider. Read more in already have a Support at Home provider?
Step 3: Agree a visit rhythm for the quarter
There is no single right pattern. The therapist, client and care manager agree a rhythm that suits the goal, the person's energy and the budget. Some common shapes:
- A stronger start, then spacing out. More frequent visits early, for example after a fall or hospital stay, then wider gaps as the client becomes more confident with their program.
- A steady rhythm. Regular visits across the quarter for ongoing strength, balance or mobility work.
- Physio, then EP. Physio early in the quarter for pain or recovery, then exercise physiology for building and keeping strength.
Wherever possible, the same physio or EP returns each visit, so progress is measured against where the client started.
Step 4: Keep it going between visits
Visits work better when the client practises in between. The therapist may leave a short, simple routine using the client's own chair, bench or steps, written down somewhere easy to find. Families are welcome to watch a session so they know what the routine looks like. See keeping momentum between home physio visits.
Step 5: Review before the quarter ends
Plan a review visit in the final weeks of the quarter. The therapist compares progress with the first visit, checks the goal and suggests what the next quarter could look like. That gives the care manager useful information in time to plan the next budget period, rather than after it has started.
What care managers can send to get started
A short referral with the client's goal, relevant health information, any recent falls or hospital stays, home access details and who to contact helps the first visit run smoothly. Our home physio referral checklist for care managers lists the details in one place, or go straight to the referrals page.
Private clients and DVA
Not everyone uses Support at Home. Private clients and families can enquire directly, and DVA clients are welcome to ask about eligibility on enquiry. Alera Healthcare 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
Want help mapping out physio or EP visits for the coming quarter? Book a 15-minute call to talk it through, or visit our referrals page if you are a care manager.
Call 040 55 77 555 or email admin@alerahealthcare.com.au.
FAQ
Are Support at Home budgets quarterly?
Yes. Ongoing Support at Home services are funded through quarterly budgets. The care manager at the client's registered provider can explain how much is available and how physio or EP fits alongside other services.
What happens to unspent Support at Home funds at the end of a quarter?
For ongoing services, unspent funds carry over automatically to the next quarter, up to $1,000 or 10% of the quarterly budget, whichever is higher. Your registered provider can confirm your client's balance. Source: My Aged Care.
How many physio or EP visits can a client have in a quarter?
It depends on the client's goals, health and what has been authorised in their budget. The therapist, client and care manager agree a visit rhythm together and adjust it at review.
Can Alera provide physio and EP under Support at Home?
When physiotherapy or exercise physiology clinical supports are authorised in the client's plan, Alera can deliver them at home as an associated provider working with the registered provider. The client keeps their current provider and care manager.
Does the client see the same physio all quarter?
Same physio wherever possible. Seeing the same clinician helps progress be measured against the first visit and keeps the program consistent.
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.