A fundamental shift in aged care philosophy is underway in Australia, with new clinical guidelines rejecting the traditional “managing decline” model in favour of actively restoring seniors’ independence and life skills.
The Restorative Care Pathway Clinical Guidelines, developed by Flinders University’s Caring Futures Institute and released this month, will underpin the federal government’s Support at Home program launching November 1, marking a decisive move toward empowerment-based aged care.
“Unlike traditional aged care models that often focus on managing decline, restorative care actively supports older people to regain and maintain the skills needed for daily life,” says lead author Dr Claire Gough from Flinders’ Caring Futures Institute.
The guidelines represent a complete philosophical overhaul, prioritising goal-setting and skill-building over service dependency.
“This proactive approach places older individuals at the centre of their care, encouraging them to set meaningful goals, rebuild confidence, and stay engaged in the activities they value,” Dr Gough said. “It’s about ‘doing with’ rather than ‘doing for’ and we’ve shown that with the right support, older Australians can reclaim independence, improve their quality of life, and reduce reliance on hospitals and long-term care services.”
The transformation is exemplified in the case of Jacob, an 82-year-old who returned to daily gardening after a fall through targeted multidisciplinary support. His personalised goal plan combined balance training, home modifications, and community connection through a local gardening group, ultimately leading him to join a community exercise class.
Developed through extensive consultation including more than 400 individual responses and four workshops with older Australians, healthcare professionals and care providers, the guidelines emphasise intervention and short-term, goal-oriented support.
Key features include person-centred goal planning, multidisciplinary collaboration, support for mental well-being and cognitive health, and practical exit planning tools to ensure sustained independence.
“This is about changing the way we think about ageing,” said Dr Gough, a physiotherapist and clinical rehabilitation specialist. “Rather than assuming decline is inevitable, we’re equipping people to adapt, recover, and thrive at home with the right support.”
The Support at Home program consolidates the existing Home Care Packages Program and Short-Term Restorative Care Programme, with the Restorative Care Pathway forming one of three short-term care pathways alongside Assistive Technology and Home Modifications schemes and an End-of-Life Pathway.
“Our new guidelines underpin the Restorative Care Pathway, providing a clear roadmap for providers to deliver person-centred, evidence-based care that promotes lasting independence,” Dr Gough said.
“Many families are already navigating aged care, and many more will in the years to come. These guidelines will help shape a future where older people are supported to live the lives they choose—with dignity, purpose, and connection.”
The guidelines were developed by a Flinders University team including Dr Claire Gough, Professor Stacey George, Professor Kate Laver, Dr Heather Block, Xing Lee, Shenelle Fernando, Annabelle Law, and Madi Chapman, with federal Department of Health, Disability and Ageing funding.
Ritchelle is a Content Producer for Healthcare Channel, Australia’s premier resource of information for healthcare.
