Did You Know? OT is a Clinical Support (And What That Means for Your Fees)

Ever been told you could benefit from occupational therapy but didn’t go ahead because of the cost? You’re not alone. For many older Australians, there’s been no doubt OT could help, but there are often questions about how it might fit within a care budget.

If that’s you and you’re aged 65 or over, there’s good news. Under the new Support at Home program, cost barriers for occupational therapy at home have largely been removed. Occupational therapy (OT) is now classified as a clinical support. This means eligible people can access OT services with 0% participant contribution. In other words, occupational therapy is now fully government funded for many older Australians.

This change enables people to access the clinical support they need to stay safe and independent at home for as long as possible.

What has changed under the Support at Home program?

One of the most important changes is a clearer distinction between everyday living supports and clinical care. Previously, many people had to draw on the same funding pool for cleaning, transport, personal care, and allied health. That could mean making difficult choices between services or even delaying much-needed therapy. Now, services like occupational therapy are recognised as essential and funded separately – with no out-of-pocket costs to you.

Occupational therapy is included on the Support at Home clinical supports list, alongside other medical and allied health services such as physiotherapy, exercise physiology, dietetics and nursing. Because of this classification, eligible clients do not have to pay My Aged Care participant contributions for OT services.

This change is part of a move toward fully funded aged care services that focus on prevention, safety, and independence.

What does ‘clinical support’ mean?

When something is classed as a clinical support, it means the government recognises that it is an essential healthcare service. Clinical supports are designed to maintain your health, prevent deterioration, and reduce your risk of hospitalisation or needing higher levels of care.

For occupational therapy, this classification reflects evidence that timely OT support helps older adults stay safe at home, maintain their independence, and avoid costly health complications[i],[ii]. By funding OT as a clinical support, the new system enables people to act early, rather than waiting until small issues turn into more serious problems.

This means access to free occupational therapy for pensioners and other eligible older Australians – without the need to dip into budgets for things like personal care, cleaning, home maintenance or social support. These are now funded separately under ‘independence’ and ‘everyday living’ categories.

What is occupational therapy?

How occupational therapy helps older adults

Occupational therapy can help people with a wide range of needs that are common as we get older. Examples include physical issues (such as arthritis, reduced vision/hearing, fatigue or the effects of a stroke), cognitive changes (such as memory loss or difficulty concentrating), and environmental challenges (such as stairs or uneven ground) that can affect safety and independence.

With free occupational therapy for pensioners, an older woman wearing a white top and beige cardigan is working with an OT to gain upper body strength with dumbbell exercises at home.

Practical examples of how OT could help you

Occupational therapy is not just for people who’ve experienced a dramatic change in their function or independence, such as a fall or serious illness. In fact, it can work best when it deals with the small daily challenges that can reduce your confidence over time. These issues may not seem serious, but they can affect your safety, independence, and wellbeing if they are not managed.

For example, an older adult with Parkinson’s disease who is starting to feel unsteady while they’re standing at the kitchen bench may begin to avoid preparing meals. An occupational therapist can assess bench height, posture, and movement patterns, then recommend simple adaptations such as a kitchen stool, non-slip mat, or keeping frequently used items within easy reach. These changes can reduce fatigue and fall risk while allowing the person to continue cooking independently.

Another common scenario involves getting in and out of bed or chairs. If your mobility is limited, these movements can become more difficult. An occupational therapist may suggest modifications such as bed or chair height adjustments or arm supports. Combined with education on safer movement techniques, these changes can reduce strain and increase independence with daily transfers.

For someone who feels unsteady in the bathroom, an occupational therapist may recommend grab rails, a shower chair, or a hand-held showerhead. These modifications can reduce fall risk and allow you to continue showering independently.

For someone experiencing chronic fatigue or joint pain, OT can help you reorganise daily routines to conserve energy and reduce load on affected joints. Treatment might include pacing strategies, adaptive equipment, or changes to how you perform tasks.

If memory or cognitive changes are affecting daily life, occupational therapists can recommend strategies such as visual cues, routine planning, and assistive technologies.

OT support can also be invaluable for people coming home from hospital. An occupational therapist can review the home environment to identify any risks and provide therapy to gradually rebuild independence.

These are just a few examples of the practical, personalised supports occupational therapy can offer – and that are now accessible without financial stress under the Support at Home program.

An older man facing the camera is doing side bend exercises in his lounge room, led by an occupational therapist who is facing away from the camera in front of him.

What this means for Active Ability’s clients

At Active Ability, we’re happy that occupational therapy has been recognised for its essential role in supporting the wellbeing and independence of older adults. If you’ve been wondering whether occupational therapy could help you – or putting off an assessment – now is a good time to revisit that idea.

With OT now included on the Support at Home clinical supports list, eligible Active Ability clients can access occupational therapy with 0% participant contribution. That means assessments, recommendations, and support can focus entirely on what will help you live safely and confidently at home – not financial constraints.

Our caring occupational therapists work closely with you, your family and your care team to provide practical, tailored support. We’re here to help you get the therapy you need, when you need it – whether it’s a home safety assessment, treatment after illness or injury, or advice to make everyday life easier.

Not sure whether occupational therapy is right for you? Our helpful team can discuss your needs and help clarify your options. You’re welcome to call us on (02) 8678 7874, email [email protected] or complete our contact form to find out more.