From the 1st of November 2025, the Australian Government introduced the Support at Home program to replace the Home Care Packages Program. The aim is simple. It is designed to help older Australians get the care they need while staying safe and independent at home.
For many people, foot care is part of that. Healthy feet help you walk with confidence. They can also reduce the risk of falls and make daily tasks easier. That is where podiatry can make a real difference.
All Needs Podiatry is a local podiatrist in Adelaide. We provide podiatry home visits for older adults who want care in the comfort of their own home.
In my work as a podiatrist, I often see how much foot pain/discomfort affects day to day life. Some people stop walking to the letterbox. Others avoid going out because their nails are too painful or their shoes no longer fit well. These are small problems at first. Over time, they can become much bigger.
What is the Support at Home Program?
The Support at Home program provides funding for eligible older Australians to receive services in their own home. These services are based on each person’s needs. The goal is to support independence for as long as possible.
Depending on your care plan, services may include:
- Personal care
- Nursing
- Domestic assistance
- Allied health services
- Podiatry
- Physiotherapy
- Occupational therapy
Your care coordinator works with you to build a plan that suits your needs. That plan should reflect your health, your goals, and the support you need to stay well at home.
Can I Choose My Own Podiatrist?
In many cases, yes.
Many people think they must use the podiatrist suggested by their aged care provider. That is not always the case. Depending on your funding arrangement and your provider’s process, you may be able to request your preferred podiatrist.
If you already see a podiatrist you trust, or if you would like to receive care from All Needs Podiatry, speak with your care coordinator. They can explain what is possible and let you know whether All Needs Podiatry can be added as your preferred provider.
I have seen this make a big difference for patients. One client I visited had been putting off treatment because they thought they had no choice about who could see them. Once they learned they could ask for their preferred podiatrist, they felt more comfortable and more in control of their care.
Why Regular Podiatry Matters
Our feet carry us through every stage of life, yet they are often overlooked until a problem develops. Regular podiatry helps keep your feet healthy, reduces pain, and supports your mobility so you can stay active and independent.
Regular podiatry can help:
- Keep toenails healthy and comfortable
- Treat corns and calluses
- Monitor diabetic foot health
- Reduce pressure areas
- Provide footwear advice
- Help lower the risk of falls
- Support safe and comfortable walking
Early treatment often prevents small problems from becoming larger ones. That is something I see often in practice. A sore toe, a cracked heel, or a pressure area may seem minor at first. But if it is left alone, it can lead to pain, infection, or difficulty walking.
One patient I treated had been limping for weeks because of a painful corn. They had tried to manage it themselves, but the pain kept getting worse. After treatment and footwear advice, they were able to walk more comfortably again. It was a simple change, but it made a real difference to their day.
Home Visits Make Foot Care Easier
Travelling to a clinic is not always easy. Health conditions, reduced mobility, pain, or a lack of transport can make appointments difficult.
All Needs Podiatry provides professional podiatry care in the comfort of your own home across Adelaide. Home visits remove the need to travel and allow treatment in a familiar environment.
During a home visit, we take the time to assess your feet, discuss any concerns, and provide treatment that suits your needs. We can also see things that may not be obvious in a clinic setting. For example, I often notice how a person walks around their home, what shoes they wear most often, and whether there are any hazards that may affect their balance. That extra context helps guide care.
I remember visiting one patient who had been struggling with repeated foot pain. In the clinic, the issue might have seemed straightforward. But at home, I could see that their favourite shoes were worn down on one side and that they were walking on a hard floor surface without support. Once we addressed both the foot problem and the footwear, their symptoms improved.
Working With Your Care Team
Good communication helps you receive the best care.
When appropriate, All Needs Podiatry can work with your GP, care coordinator, nurses, and other health professionals involved in your care. This helps everyone stay informed and supports a coordinated approach to your health.
This is especially important for people with diabetes, poor circulation, or complex health needs. In those cases, foot care is not just about comfort. It is part of overall health management.
I often send notes or updates when a patient needs follow-up, footwear changes, or review by another health professional. That shared approach helps reduce delays and keeps care on track.
How to Arrange Podiatry Through Support at Home
If you already receive Support at Home funding and would like All Needs Podiatry to provide your foot care, the process is usually simple.
Speak with your care coordinator and let them know you would like All Needs Podiatry as your preferred podiatry provider. If your provider requires onboarding, we are happy to supply the information and documentation needed to complete the process.
If you are unsure how to get started, our team can explain the process and answer your questions. Many people feel unsure at first, especially if they have never arranged allied health services through aged care before. That is normal. A clear explanation can make the process much easier.
Supporting Your Independence
Looking after your feet is an important part of staying active and independent.
As a local Adelaide podiatrist, our goal is to provide calm, reliable care that supports your mobility and helps you continue living safely at home.
In my experience, people often wait too long before asking for help. They think foot pain is just part of getting older. It is not. With the right care, many foot problems can be managed well. Sometimes the change is small. Sometimes it is life-changing.
To learn more about our home visit podiatry services or to book an appointment, visit our website or contact All Needs Podiatry by phone or email. We are happy to answer your questions and explain how we may be able to help.
Credit to Vitaly Gariev (2), Age Cymru (1 & 3) and Mobio Marketing (3) for the Images on Unsplash.
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