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The Hidden Gap in Respite Aged Care: Why Private Physiotherapy is Essential



As a physiotherapist who worked in multiple aged care facilities across the country, I’ve witnessed a troubling trend when it comes to respite care. Respite is designed to provide temporary relief for caregivers and short-term accommodation for older adults. However, while these stays offer great benefits like 24-hour nursing care, regular meals, and social interaction, one critical aspect is often overlooked: physiotherapy.


Many people assume that because a facility employs physiotherapists, residents coming in for respite will automatically receive the same level of care as permanent residents. This assumption can lead to serious consequences for those who have specific rehabilitation or physical maintenance needs during their stay. Let’s explore why that is, and why arranging private physiotherapy should be a priority for anyone seeking respite care.


The Stories of Bob and Mary: How Respite Care Can Fall Short


Imagine Bob, who is coming to a care facility for two weeks while his wife, who is his primary caregiver, takes a much-needed break. Bob has Parkinson’s disease, and while he is used to staying active and mobile at home, the change in environment at the respite care reduces his physical activity. Without regular movement and tailored exercises, Bob grows weaker during his stay. By the time his wife returns, she faces a more fragile, less mobile husband who is now at a higher risk of falls, ultimately increasing her caregiving stress rather than relieving it.


Now take Mary’s case. She recently had a neck of femur fracture from a fall and was undergoing rehabilitation at the hospital. Due to safety concerns, she wasn’t able to return home and was placed in respite care while her family sorted out her long-term plans. In the hospital, Mary was making slow but steady progress in her recovery. However, once she arrived at the care facility, her rehab stopped. The on-site physiotherapists were focused on permanent residents, so weeks passed, and Mary’s recovery stalled. She lost the ability to walk and became reliant on a wheelchair. Had her family organised private physiotherapy, Mary could have continued her rehab and maintained her mobility.


Why This Happens—and How It Can Be Prevented


In most aged care facilities, the on-site physiotherapists are dedicated to permanent residents. Their focus is on maintaining the well-being of long-term residents, ensuring they have the regular treatments needed to stay mobile and independent for as long as possible. Respite residents, on the other hand, are often seen as temporary, and their needs can fall through the cracks, particularly when it comes to ongoing rehab or physical therapy.

This gap in care can have profound consequences. Older adults who are accustomed to regular physical activity or are recovering from injuries require continuity of care. A two-week break in physiotherapy might not seem like much, but for someone like Bob or Mary, it can mean the difference between continued independence and losing critical physical functions.

The good news? This can be easily avoided by arranging for private physiotherapy services the moment respite care is booked.


Why Private Physiotherapy in Respite Care is a Game-Changer


If families pre-arrange private physiotherapy for their loved ones in respite care, it ensures that rehab or exercise plans continue uninterrupted. This is especially vital for individuals recovering from injury, stroke, surgery, or dealing with chronic conditions like Parkinson’s, arthritis, or dementia.


Here’s how private physio can make a difference:

  1. Continuity of Care: Rehab doesn’t stop when your loved one enters respite care. They’ll continue to strengthen muscles, improve balance, and work towards their physical goals.

  2. Tailored Treatment: A private physiotherapist will design a program specific to the resident’s needs, whether it’s post-operative rehab or managing a long-term condition. This ensures they don’t regress while staying in a new environment.

  3. Long-Term Benefits: Maintaining strength, mobility, and balance reduces the risk of falls and injuries, ensuring that when your loved one returns home, they are still capable of moving about independently. This also reduces the physical and emotional burden on caregivers when respite ends.

  4. Holistic Wellbeing: Physiotherapy isn’t just about physical health; it promotes mental well-being too. Regular movement and engagement can lift the mood, boost confidence, and reduce anxiety, which is especially important in a new or unfamiliar setting.


Conclusion: A Call to Action


Respite care is a fantastic service that can provide relief for caregivers and offer a safe space for older adults to stay while their families take a break. But without addressing the gap in physiotherapy services, there’s a real risk of residents becoming weaker, more dependent, and more prone to injury.

Don’t let your loved one’s physical progress take a step back during their stay in respite. Private physiotherapy should be seen as an essential part of the care plan, ensuring that even during temporary stays, their physical health continues to improve, not deteriorate.

So, the next time you’re booking respite care, make physiotherapy part of the plan from day one. Because everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive—whether it’s for two weeks or a lifetime.


At Project Physio, we bring years of expertise working in the aged care sector, both in residential settings and within the community. Our deep understanding of the unique needs of older adults allows us to tailor our approach to enhance their physical capabilities and quality of life. We are committed to ensuring that every individual receives the personalised care they need to maintain their strength, independence, and well-being, no matter where they are on their journey. Contact us today


David Dimech

Project Physio

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