Can Osteopathy Be Covered Under Support At Home | Mobile Osteopathy

Can Osteopathy Be Covered Under Support At Home?

As people age, managing pain, mobility issues, and reduced independence can become increasingly challenging. Many older Australians receive support through Support At Home, which is designed to help them remain living safely and comfortably at home.

A common question families and care coordinators ask is:

Can osteopathy be included as part of Support At Home?

The short answer is — in many cases, yes, particularly when osteopathy is used as part of an allied health approach to support mobility, pain management, and functional independence.

What Is Support At Home?

Support At Home is government-funded support for older adults who need assistance to continue living at home. Packages range from Level 1 (basic care needs) through to Level 8 (high care needs).

These packages can be used for a range of services, including:

• Personal care

• Nursing

• Allied health services

• Mobility and independence support

The exact services available depend on the individual’s care plan and provider.

Is Osteopathy Considered Allied Health?

Osteopathy is classified as an allied health profession in Australia. Osteopaths are university-trained and registered with AHPRA, and their role often overlaps with other allied health providers such as physiotherapists and exercise physiologists.

For older adults, osteopathy may be included in Support At Home when it is used to:

• Manage chronic musculoskeletal pain

• Support mobility and balance

• Reduce stiffness and joint discomfort

• Assist with functional movement for daily activities

Approval ultimately sits with the Support At Home provider, but osteopathy is increasingly recognised as a valuable option within multidisciplinary care.

How In-Home Osteopathy Works for Older Adults

Mobile osteopathy allows treatment to take place in the comfort of the client’s home, removing the need to travel to a clinic.

Sessions are adapted specifically for older adults and may include:

• Gentle soft tissue techniques

• Joint mobilisation (within safe limits)

• Stretching and range-of-motion work

• Simple movement or exercise guidance

• Advice to support posture, mobility, and comfort at home

Treatment is always adjusted to suit medical history, mobility levels, and individual goals.

Who May Benefit Most from Osteopathy at Home?

In-home osteopathy may be particularly helpful for older adults who:

• Experience ongoing back, neck, hip, or joint pain

• Have reduced mobility or difficulty travelling

• Are recovering after a hospital stay or fall

• Have arthritis or age-related stiffness

• Want to maintain independence and confidence with movement

For many people, regular gentle treatment can help improve comfort and confidence with daily activities.

How Families and Care Coordinators Can Organise Osteopathy

If you’re considering osteopathy under Support At Home:

1. Speak with your care coordinator or provider

2. Discuss allied health options that support mobility and pain management

3. Confirm whether mobile osteopathy can be included

4. Arrange referrals or service agreements if required

Clear communication between families, providers, and practitioners helps ensure care is aligned with the client’s needs.

Supporting Older Adults at Home with Mobile Osteopathy

At The Moving Osteo Co, we provide gentle, in-home osteopathic care tailored to older adults, including those supported by Support At Home. Our focus is on improving comfort, movement, and quality of life — all within a safe and familiar environment.

If you’re exploring osteopathy as part of an aged care plan, we’re happy to discuss how in-home treatment may fit within existing supports.