From the 1st of November 2025, the Australian Government introduced the Support at Home program to replace the Home Care Package. The aim is simple. It is an update designed to help older Australians get the care that they need while staying safe and independent at home. I noticed working as a podiatrist over the pass year, many people are unfamilar with the new program changes and how podiatry can help with their foot care.
For many Australians, our feet are not the first thought that comes to mind when thinking about health. Healthy feet can help us walk with confidence and 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 one of many podiatrist in Adelaide who provides podiatry home visits for to anyone in need and would want care in the comfort of their own home. No stress on finding transport and easier involvement with parents, children or carers.
I often see how foot pain can affect day to day life. Some people stop walking to their letterbox or work in their garden. Others avoid going out because their nails are too painful or their shoes no longer fit well. Always worrying if they will have a fall. These are just a few small problems at first. Over time, they can become much bigger.
What is the Support at Home Program?
The Support at Home program is part of the Australian Government My Aged Care and it provides funding for eligible assessed older Australians to receive services in their own home. These services are based on each person’s needs and brings together multiple services into one system. The goal is to support independence for as long as possible in the comfort of their own home and help reduced hospital visits or supported care facillties.
Depending on your care plan, services may include:
- Personal care
- Nursing
- Domestic assistance
- Meal preparation
- Allied health services
- Travel
- Everyday living
Your care coordinator works with you to build a plan that is based on your health needs or goals and your daily activity. Over time, your needs can change and the plan can be reviewed and adjusted to reflect this.
For many Australians, regular podiatry can be an important part of this plan. Healthy feet support mobility, confidence and balance. This leads to us to be more active with everyday activities and most importantly, keep our independence.
Helpful Resources
If you would like to learn more about the Support at Home program or aged care services in Australia, the following resources provide clear and up-to-date information:
These websites explain eligibility, funding, available services, and how to access support as you age.
Can I Choose My Own Podiatrist?
In many cases, yes.
Many people believe 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 us, speak with your care coordinator. They can explain what is possible and let you know whether we can be added as your preferred provider.
I have seen this make a big difference for patients. One story that I always think about is a client had been putting off treatment at home, even though it was extremely difficult for her to travel to the clinic, because she thought she had no choice about who could visit. Once she learned she could ask for her preferred podiatrist, she felt more comfortable and more in control of her 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
- Help with heel and foot pains
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. He had tried to manage it himself, but the pain kept getting worse and even stopped him from leaving the house as his home had soft carpet. After treatment and footwear advice, he was able to walk more comfortably again. It was a simple change, but it made a real difference to his everyday life.
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. Home visits remove the need to travel and allows for 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 you specfically. 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.
How to Arrange Podiatry Through Support at Home
If you already receive Support at Home funding and would like podiatry to provide your foot care, the process is simple.
Speak with your care coordinator and let them know you would like podiatry services to care for your feet due to your health conditions or mobility. If your provider requires onboarding or getting your podiatrist or me to become a partner, I am happy to supply the information and documentation needed to complete the process to be see by All Needs Podiatry.
If you are unsure how to get started, I 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, my 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. With the right care, many foot problems can be managed well. Sometimes the change is small. Sometimes it is life changing.
When was the last time you gave your feet the attention they deserve?
Credit and thanks to Vitaly Gariev (2), Age Cymru (1 & 3) and Mobio Marketing (3) for the Images on Unsplash.