With the federal government's new Support at Home program launching on November 1, Flinders University researchers have been instrumental in developing new guidelines underpinning independence and support for older Australians.
Released this month, the Restorative Care Pathway Clinical Guidelines marks a crucial step in reshaping the way we support older people in the community.
Developed by Flinders' Caring Futures Institute, with input from older people, their support networks, healthcare professionals and care providers, the guidelines are aimed at maintaining older people's independence, preventing functional decline and ensuring a more sustainable aged care system.
"Unlike traditional aged care models that often focus on managing decline, restorative care actively supports older people to regain and maintain the skills needed for daily life," says lead author of the guidelines Dr Claire Gough from Flinders' Caring Futures Institute.
"This proactive approach places older individuals at the centre of their care, encouraging them to set meaningful goals, rebuild confidence, and stay engaged in the activities they value.
"It's about 'doing with' rather than 'doing for' and we've shown that with the right support, older Australians can reclaim independence, improve their quality of life, and reduce reliance on hospitals and long-term care services."
Created through extensive collaboration between researchers, health professionals, aged care providers, and older Australians themselves, the guidelines are based on more than 400 individual responses, four workshops, as well as advisory input from consumers, clinicians and aged care experts.
The guidelines emphasise early intervention and short-term, goal-oriented support that boosts autonomy and dignity. Key features include:
- Person-centred goal planning
- Multidisciplinary collaboration across health and care professionals
- Support for mental wellbeing, nutrition, falls prevention, and cognitive health
- Practical tools and exit planning to ensure sustained independence
Included in the guidelines are practical example case studies to outline how the pathway can work. One example featured is Jacob, an 82-year-old participant who undergoes restorative care after a fall.
With targeted support from a multidisciplinary team-including physiotherapists, occupational therapists, dietitians and social workers-Jacob set a personal goal to return to gardening. His goal plan was tailored around this aspiration, combining balance training, home modifications, and community connection through a local gardening group. By the end of the program, Jacob was confidently tending his garden daily and had joined a community exercise class to stay active.
"This is about changing the way we think about ageing," said Dr Gough, a physiotherapist and researcher who specialises in clinical rehabilitation. "Rather than assuming decline is inevitable, we're equipping people to adapt, recover, and thrive at home with the right support."
Rolling out later this year, the Support at Home program, which includes a Restorative Care Pathway, combines the existing Home Care Packages Program and the Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC) Programme to ensure consistent delivery of restorative care interventions.
The Restorative Care Pathway is one of three short-term care pathways being introduced within the program, alongside an Assistive Technology and Home Modifications scheme and an End-of-Life Pathway.
"Our new guidelines underpin the Restorative Care Pathway, providing a clear roadmap for providers to deliver person-centred, evidence-based care that promotes lasting independence," says Dr Gough.
"Many families are already navigating aged care, and many more will in the years to come. These guidelines will help shape a future where older people are supported to live the lives they choose-with dignity, purpose, and connection."
The guidelines were written by Dr Claire Gough, Professor Stacey George, Professor Kate Laver, Dr Heather Block, Xing Lee, Shenelle Fernando, Annabelle Law, and Madi Chapman, with funding from the federal government's Department of Health, Disability and Ageing.
The team extends their gratitude to the consumer and community members who contributed to the guidelines by providing feedback through surveys and participating in focus groups. They also thank The Plug In at the Council on the Ageing (COTA) South Australia for convening and facilitating these focus groups.
The guidelines can be read here.
