ADVERTISING FEATURE: Helping you stay independent

FOR many older Australians, a fall, illness or change in mobility can make everyday tasks harder and put independence at risk.

A new short-term support option from the Australian Government’s Support at Home program aims to help people recover and stay independent.

The Restorative Care Pathway provides short-term, focused support to help people stay independent at home.

A team of allied health professionals and nurses works with each person to set goals, like improving strength, recovering after a hospital stay, or adjusting to a new health condition.

Restorative care differs from ongoing care because it typically lasts up to 16 weeks.

During this time, people get targeted clinical support, regular check-ins, and a personal plan to help them reach their goals in daily life.

The main goal is early support, giving people the help they need before problems get worse.

This approach builds confidence, helps people regain abilities, and lets them keep doing what they enjoy for as long as possible.

Karen Christensen, Allied Health Manager at ADSSI Limited, a Central Coast and Hunter-based group of home care services, said the program works closely with people after they have an aged care assessment.

“We often see people at a point where they’ve had a setback in their health or mobility, and they’re worried about losing their independence,” she said.

“Restorative care gives them access to targeted support from allied health and nursing professionals, with a clear goal of helping them regain confidence and function so they can continue living safely at home,” Ms Christensen said.

To access the Restorative Care Pathway, people need an aged care assessment.

During this process, an assessor talks with the person to understand their needs and see if restorative care can help them reach their goals.

Referrals to the program depend on the assessment, with assessors and providers working together to ensure people receive the right support when they need it.

For local communities across the Hunter and Central Coast, the introduction of this pathway represents an important shift in how care is delivered, moving away from simply managing decline, towards actively supporting recovery

and independence.

If you or someone you care about has had a recent change in mobility, health, or daily activities, consider asking about restorative care at your next aged care assessment.

With the right support, many people can regain confidence, feel better, and keep living safely and independently at home.

To learn more about aged care services, contact My Aged Care at myagedcare.gov.au or 1800 200 422, or talk to an ADSSI service today at adssilimited.com.au or 1300 227 344.

ADSSI Limited is a leading provider of aged and disability home care services in the Hunter and Central Coast regions.

It operates multiple community care brands committed to delivering high-quality, personalised care.

ADSSI Limited trades as Adssi In-home Support, Beresfield Community Care, Dungog and District Neighbourcare, and Maitland Community Care Services.