Australia’s National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) has significantly improved access to support for individuals with disabilities. However, workforce shortages, particularly among allied health professionals like occupational therapists, have led to extended wait times for essential services, including home modifications. Physiotherapists, with their expertise in movement and function, are uniquely positioned to bridge this gap.​

Current Wait Times for Occupational Therapy Services

Wait times for occupational therapy services within the NDIS sector vary across Australia, with some regions experiencing particularly long delays:​

• National Average: The peak body for occupational therapists reports that, on average, individuals with low-needs are waiting approximately six months for services. ​physiotherapyboard.gov.au
• Victoria: Data indicates that residents in areas such as Burwood, Carrum Downs, and Bendigo are waiting an average of 273 days for speech therapy, the longest in the country. Geelong residents face an average wait of 190 days to see a psychologist.​
• South Australia: Conversely, South Australia reports some of the shortest wait times, with individuals waiting an average of 22.2 days for occupational therapy services.​

These disparities highlight the urgent need for innovative solutions to address service gaps and reduce wait times.​

Impact of the New Support at Home Program on Wait Times

The Australian Government’s introduction of the Support at Home program, set to replace the existing Home Care Packages (HCP) Program and Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC) Programme from 1 July 2025, aims to streamline aged care services. However, the program’s constraints on approved practitioners for providing home modifications may inadvertently exacerbate existing wait times. By limiting the pool of qualified providers, the program could lead to increased demand on those eligible, potentially resulting in longer delays for assessments and implementation of necessary modifications. ​Health and Aged Care Australia

The Potential of Physiotherapists in Home Modifications

Integrating home modification assessments and interventions into physiotherapists’ scope of practice offers a promising approach to alleviate current challenges:​

• Workforce Optimization: Physiotherapists’ involvement in home modifications can distribute the workload more evenly, reducing pressure on occupational therapists and other professionals. This collaboration can lead to more efficient service delivery and shorter wait times for clients.​
• Enhanced Access: In regions facing significant shortages, physiotherapists can provide timely assessments and implement modifications, improving access to necessary services. This approach is especially beneficial in rural and remote areas where allied health professionals are scarce.​
• Comprehensive Care: Physiotherapists’ expertise in movement and function allows them to design modifications that enhance mobility and safety, contributing to clients’ independence and quality of life.​

Regulatory Support for Physiotherapists’ Extended Scope of Practice

The Physiotherapy Board of Australia outlines that a physiotherapist’s scope of practice is defined and regulated by their education, training, clinical experience, registration standards, positions of employment, clinical protocols and guidelines, and related federal, state, and territory legislation. This comprehensive framework ensures that physiotherapists are competent and qualified to undertake roles beyond traditional boundaries, including home modification assessments and interventions. Implementing extended-scope physiotherapy initiatives has been shown to enhance service delivery, particularly in areas facing workforce shortages. ​

The Final Word

By expanding physiotherapists roles to include home modification services, could play a crucial part in addressing workforce shortages and improving service delivery within the NDIS and community aged care sector. This strategic shift not only optimizes existing resources but also ensures that individuals with disabilities receive timely, effective support tailored to their needs. It is essential for policymakers to consider the implications of program constraints on approved providers to prevent exacerbating wait times. Embracing the extended scope of practice for physiotherapists aligns with regulatory standards and offers a sustainable solution to current service delivery challenges.