What Happens During an Allied Health Assessment at Home?

If you’ve been referred for an allied health assessment at home, it’s natural to wonder what will actually happen and what it means for your care. An allied health assessment is a collaborative conversation and observation designed to better understand how you’re managing at home and what support could help you stay safe, confident, and independent.

What is an Allied Health Assessment?

Allied health assessment at home is completed by a qualified health professional, such as an occupational therapist, physiotherapist, or other allied health clinician, depending on your needs.

The purpose is to understand:

• How you are getting around and managing daily activities
• Any challenges or risks you may be experiencing
• What supports, exercises, equipment or changes could help

Importantly, the assessment looks at you in the place where you feel most comfortable such as in your home (not in a clinic) where real-life challenges are easier to identify.

What Will the Clinician Look at?

Every assessment is individualised, but it may include:

Your daily activities

• Getting in and out of bed or chairs
• Showering, dressing and toileting
• Moving safely around your home
• Managing tasks like cooking or shopping

This helps to identify where support would be need now or in the future.

Your movement and strength

• Walk short distance
• Stand up from a chair
• Demonstrate the movements you do every day

This isn’t about performance. It’s about understanding what feels easy, difficult or unsafe.

Your home environment

• Layout and flooring
• Bathroom and kitchen setup
• Stairs, entrances and pathways
• Lighting and space

Small changes can often make a big difference to safety and confidence.

What You Won’t be Asked to do

An allied health assessment is not:

• A pass-or-fail process
• About forcing unwanted changes
• About removing your choices

You’re always involved in the conversation, and every recommendation is made together with you.

What Happens After the Assessment?

Following the assessment, the clinician may recommend:

• Exercises or therapy to support strength, balance, or mobility
• Assistive technology or equipment
• Home modifications
• Changes to existing supports
• Referral to other healthcare services

These recommendations are shared with you and your care team, so decisions are made together.

Why Allied Health Assessments Matter

Allied health assessments support:

• Early identification of risks
• Prevention of falls or injury
• Helping you stay independent for longer
• Adjusting care as needs change

They play an important role in restorative care, helping people stay active and engaged in daily life.

Your Rights During an Assessment

You have the right to:

• Ask questions
• Understand why recommendations are being made
• Be involved in decisions about your care
• Decline or delay supports you’re not comfortable with

Allied health assessments are about empowering you with information, not taking control away.

Support Beyond the Assessment

Allied health is most effective when it’s part of a coordinated care approach. Your care team can help ensure recommendations are followed through, reviewed, and adjusted as your needs change.

Want to learn more?

Learn more about Allied Health and how it supports independence, safety and wellbeing at home by contacting your local office.

Right at Home Australia is a leading provider of quality in-home care. Our mission is to improve the quality of life for those we serve, ensuring the Right Care, Right at Home™.  We support people living with complex and post-operative care needs, dementia and cognitive decline, seniors, and adults living with a disability, including NDIS participants. Our tailored services help clients to remain safe and independent in their homes. We are an Approved Provider under the Aged Care Act, meaning we can provide quality support at home under a government-funded home care package. We also offer private pay arrangements for those who do not have government funding or who wish to pay privately for top-up care. Right at Home is all about you. We are available 24/7, so contact your local office today. You can also call our national number on 1300 363 802. 

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