Don’t Skip Rehab: A Better Way Into Permanent Aged Care

Why Taking Time to Recover Can Change Life in Aged Care. Even if permanent aged care is the expected discharge destination, short-term rehabilitation can significantly improve a person’s quality of life before they enter care. It’s not just about going home — it’s about entering care with more strength, dignity, and independence.”

Ron’s Story

Ron recently had a hospital admission after breaking his hip. He returned home after a short period of respite care, but didn’t agree to any ongoing home help.

A few weeks later, his family called in a state of despair. Ron had fallen again — this time fracturing the same hip. He required more surgery, and after much discussion, agreed to move into permanent residential aged care.

The hospital was eager to discharge him quickly. A bed was available in a local aged care facility, and the staff were urging the family to accept it immediately.

But Ron’s family had a different vision.

The facility they’d chosen was located opposite a shopping centre — a place Ron loved to visit. With some recovery time, they believed he could regain enough strength to walk over, buy himself a coffee, and enjoy some independence again. But in his current physical state, that goal felt out of reach — and no one seemed willing to prioritise it.

Hospital Pressure Is Common — But You Still Have Options

If permanent care is the long-term plan after a hospital stay, it’s sadly common to feel pressured to move straight in — even before there's been time to recover.

Hospitals are under pressure too. With limited beds and rising demand, discharge planning can become more about logistics than people. But that doesn’t mean you have to skip vital recovery time.

You’re still allowed to prioritise rehabilitation (if it is clinically appropriate and there are rehab goals) even if residential care is on the horizon.

The Importance of Recovery – Even Before Aged Care

Rehabilitation after surgery or illness isn’t just about ticking a box — it’s about restoring as much independence, function, and confidence as possible.

When someone enters aged care without a chance to recover, they often settle into a lower baseline than necessary. That can mean less mobility, more dependence on staff, and reduced quality of life.

Facilities don’t typically offer intensive, daily rehab. Allied health like physiotherapy and occupational therapy is often available only as a “pay-per-service” add-on — not integrated into daily care. And the focus usually shifts to maintenance, not improvement.

How Recovery Can Transform Life in Residential Aged Care

Taking time to recover before entering care can lead to:

·       🚶 Reduced risk of future falls

·       🍽️ Walking to the dining room and social areas

·       🚽 Improved continence through supported toileting

·       ☕ Ability to walk offsite for a coffee or errands

·       🚗 Getting in and out of visitors' cars for outings

·       😊 Greater confidence, comfort, and dignity

Permanent aged care isn’t a jail sentence. With the right support, it can be a place to live, not just stay. Recovery isn’t wasted time — it’s an investment in that life.

But Won’t the Facility Provide Therapy?

It’s a common assumption that once someone moves into aged care, they’ll receive regular rehabilitation and therapy. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case.

Most residential aged care homes offer limited allied health support. Sessions might be short, infrequent, or focused more on maintenance than meaningful progress. This means that someone entering care in a physically deconditioned state is unlikely to receive the intensity or consistency of therapy needed to regain lost function.

🟨 Did You Know?

The Royal Commission into Aged Care recommended residents receive around 8 minutes of allied health care per day.

But recent data shows many are getting 4 minutes or less — barely enough to maintain mobility, let alone improve it.

Allied health professionals like physiotherapists and occupational therapists play a vital role in helping older people stay independent, reduce falls, and improve quality of life. Skipping this support can have long-term impacts.

For someone like Ron, who dreams of walking to the café across the road from his new care home, those lost minutes matter.

What Are the Alternatives to Immediate Permanent Care Admission?

If the goal is to avoid rushing into permanent care, there are options to consider:

·       Inpatient rehabilitation: A hospital-based program focusing on restoring mobility, strength, and function.

·       Transition Care Program (TCP):

o   A short-term support service after hospital that helps people recover while deciding on long-term care.

o   TCP can be delivered either at home with support or in a residential aged care facility.

o   It is designed for people who need time to regain skills before deciding on permanent placement.

o   Accessing TCP requires a referral, often initiated by your hospital discharge team. Both public and private patients are eligible.

·       Short-term return home with supports: Sometimes, returning home temporarily with community services (such as home care or nursing support) allows for rehab in a familiar environment while planning for next steps.

Advocating for Rehab Time — What You Can Say

Families and patients have the right to ask for rehab time and not be rushed into a permanent care decision. Here are some phrases that can help open the conversation:

·       “We’d like to explore rehab options first before a permanent placement.”

·       “Can we discuss a referral to the Transition Care Program?”

·       “We’re not ready to accept a bed today — we want more time to make an informed decision.”

Being clear about your wishes can help hospital staff understand your priorities and may open up access to valuable rehab support.

You Don’t Have to Navigate This Alone

Ron’s family knew what mattered most — giving him the best chance to keep his independence, enjoy the local coffee shop, and feel more like himself.

You don’t have to rush into aged care straight from hospital. Taking time for recovery — even if permanent care is planned — can change the aged care experience for the better.

Rehabilitation helps build independence, reduce risks, and improve quality of life. There are programs and pathways to support this, but you may need to advocate (strongly) for them.

If you or your family are facing these decisions, let’s talk about what’s possible. Together, we can explore options that prioritise recovery, dignity, and the best outcome for your loved one.

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