Clear answers for older people, families and providers

Older people may access Bloom through an approved aged care arrangement, a registered provider partnership, private funding or another suitable pathway. Eligibility and available services depend on individual circumstances.

No. Tell Bloom what has changed, what is difficult or what the person wants to keep doing. The team can help identify the most relevant discipline and next step.

Applications for government-funded aged care begin through My Aged Care. You can apply online or call 1800 200 422. The assessment determines eligibility, support needs and approved services.

Yes. Family members and carers can contact Bloom, but the older person’s consent and preferences remain central unless another lawful decision-making arrangement applies.

Timing varies by discipline, postcode, urgency, clinician availability and the funding or provider arrangement. Sharing these details helps the team give a clearer answer.

Include consent, contact details, postcode, goals, relevant health and risk information, preferred appointment setting, funding pathway, provider contact and any reporting deadline.

Support at Home is the Australian Government program for eligible older people who need coordinated services to remain living at home. Approved services and budgets follow an aged care assessment and support plan.

Allied health may be included as a clinical support when it is approved in the person’s support plan and arranged through their registered provider.

Under current Support at Home settings, clinical supports have a 0% participant contribution. Other service categories may attract contributions based on the person’s circumstances. Confirm the current arrangement with the registered provider.

The person’s registered provider oversees the service agreement, care management and delivery or coordination of approved services under the single-provider model.

Potentially. The registered provider may arrange Bloom as an associated allied health provider under an agreed service arrangement. The provider must approve the arrangement before services begin.

The program includes Restorative Care, Assistive Technology and Home Modifications, and End-of-Life pathways. Eligibility and inclusions depend on assessment and individual circumstances.

Private services may be available depending on the discipline and location. Bloom can explain current fees and availability, but cannot guarantee reimbursement by a funder or insurer.

Bloom primarily provides services at home and in community settings. Telehealth may be available where clinically suitable, and clinic appointments may be considered case by case.

Availability depends on the discipline, location, facility requirements and service arrangement. Contact Bloom and the facility or registered provider to confirm access.

Yes, with the older person’s consent and when their involvement supports the goals of the appointment. Private time can also be discussed.

Yes. With consent, Bloom clinicians can share relevant information and collaborate with GPs, specialists, hospitals, pharmacists and other allied health professionals.

The clinician listens to the person’s priorities, reviews relevant health and functional information, assesses what is needed and explains possible next steps.

Sudden or severe symptoms may require urgent medical assessment. Bloom is not an emergency service; call 000 in an emergency or seek prompt medical advice.

OT can support daily activities, home safety, cognition, routines, assistive technology, seating, transfers and home modifications. Recommendations follow individual assessment.

Yes. An OT may assess and trial suitable equipment and document recommendations. Purchasing and funding approval are separate decisions.

Yes, when modifications relate to assessed function and safety. Complex work may also involve builders, suppliers or other professionals.

Bloom clinicians assess and recommend within their professional scope. Supply, installation, building work and funding arrangements must be organised separately.

Physiotherapy commonly addresses movement, pain, injury, balance and rehabilitation. Exercise Physiology focuses on clinically prescribed exercise and longer-term capacity. Some people benefit from both.

Physiotherapy may address strength, balance, mobility and confidence. Falls often have several causes, so a broader medical, medication, vision or home-safety review may also be needed.

An Accredited Exercise Physiologist considers health conditions, symptoms, medications and current capacity before prescribing exercise. Medical information or clearance may be requested.

Not necessarily. Programs can use body weight, household items or simple equipment when safe and appropriate.

Yes. Physiotherapy or Exercise Physiology may support gradual recovery, safe mobility and rebuilding capacity after illness, surgery or hospital admission.

Possible signs include coughing or choking with meals, a wet voice, food remaining in the mouth, recurrent chest infections, weight loss or meals taking much longer. New concerns need medical advice.

After assessment, a speech pathologist may recommend texture-modified food or thickened fluids when clinically indicated. A dietitian can help maintain nutrition and hydration.

It may support communication access, conversation strategies, swallowing and practical education for family or carers. Goals are tailored to the person.

Call 000 in an emergency. Bloom’s enquiry forms and routine appointments are not emergency services.

Persistent low mood, loss of interest or distress should not be dismissed as ageing. A GP can help identify medical contributors and discuss suitable support.

Support may address grief, loneliness, anxiety, health changes, caring roles, relocation, changing independence, relationships and adjustment after hospital or diagnosis.

Psychologists and counsellors explain privacy and its legal and safety limits. Information is shared with others only with consent or where law or immediate safety requires it.

Call 000 if there is immediate danger. For urgent crisis support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the relevant local crisis service.

Consider a referral for unplanned weight change, poor appetite, malnutrition risk, difficulty meeting nutrition needs, chronic-condition management, enteral feeding or complex mealtime needs.

A speech pathologist assesses swallowing safety. A dietitian assesses nutrition and hydration. They often work together when textures or intake have changed.

Yes. The dietitian can assess likely causes and intake, then recommend practical food, supplement and monitoring strategies alongside relevant medical care.

It should. Recommendations are developed with the older person and should consider preferences, culture, routines, dignity, health needs and quality of life.

With consent and within the service scope, the dietitian can provide practical guidance, monitoring priorities and signs that require further review.