Home is more than just a place; it's where people feel most themselves
Occupational therapists support people to stay safe at home for as long as possible by focusing on independence, dignity and practical solutions that work in real life.
We work alongside trusted tradespeople, equipment suppliers and community organisations to turn recommendations into meaningful, real-world outcomes — helping people access the right supports without having to manage it all themselves.
We work as a team
Providing high-quality care for older people means working together. We collaborate closely with the client, their family, carers, other health professionals, service providers and organisations involved in their care to ensure everyone is aligned and working toward the same goals.
Clear communication and shared understanding are essential. By staying connected and informed about each other’s roles and involvement, we help create coordinated, consistent support that puts the person — and their goals — at the centre of care.
Funding pathways we work with
We support people accessing services through a range of funding options, including:
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Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA)
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Support at Home (SAH)
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National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
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Private paying arrangements
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WorkCover Queensland
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Other relevant funding bodies
We understand that navigating funding systems and applications can feel overwhelming. Our team can assist with Support at Home referrals and liaison with other health professionals and providers, helping ensure people access the maximum level of support they are eligible for.
Our services
We offer flexible support options, from one-off assessments through to education and training for individuals, families, carers and professionals working in the aged care sector. Services may include:
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Falls prevention assessment and strategies
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Setting up the home environment to support ageing in place, dementia or age-related cognitive changes, and reduce falls risk
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Practical guidance for caring for someone living with dementia
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Recommendations for equipment and home modifications to improve safety, independence and comfort
Support at Home (SAH) – how we can help
Support at Home funding can feel confusing, particularly when you’re trying to work out who provides services and how to access them.
Apricus Health is a private occupational therapy practice, which means we are not directly registered as a Support at Home provider. However, we work in partnership with registered Support at Home providers who can refer clients to us for occupational therapy services.
How this works in practice:
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If you already have a Support at Home provider:
You can ask your existing provider to make a direct referral to Apricus Health for occupational therapy services. We then deliver the OT service as part of your approved supports. -
If you don’t yet have a Support at Home provider:
You’ll need to contact Support at Home to be linked with a registered local provider. Once a provider is in place, they can refer you to Apricus Health for OT services where appropriate.
Support at Home / My Aged Care
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Phone: 1800 200 422
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Website: www.myagedcare.gov.au
My Aged Care can help with:
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Registering for Support at Home
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Arranging assessments
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Linking you with a local provider who can then refer you to Apricus Health for occupational therapy services
If you’d like, our team can also help you prepare for this call and talk through what to ask, so you feel confident taking the next step.
We’re always happy to talk this through and help you understand the next steps. While we can’t manage the funding directly, we work closely with providers to ensure people receive timely, appropriate occupational therapy support.
Supporting families and carers
Families and carers are the glue that holds everything together. We understand how central your role is, and how much responsibility, pressure and emotional load often comes with supporting a loved one at home. That’s why our approach is always collaborative — working with families and carers, not around them.
We take the time to listen, acknowledge what you’re managing day-to-day, and help reduce some of the overwhelm by providing clear, practical guidance. Our goal is for families and carers to feel supported, confident and equipped — not left to navigate complex systems on their own.
Education, training and practical resources
We offer a range of education and training options tailored to families and carers, focused on building confidence and practical skills for everyday support. This may include guidance on safe mobility, equipment use, falls prevention, task modification, fatigue management, and strategies to support independence while reducing risk.
We also provide free, easy-to-use resources that you can download and refer back to at home — helping you feel informed and supported between appointments.
Home-based assessments and local recommendations
We can visit you in your home to complete a general home assessment, allowing us to understand your environment, routines and specific challenges in real-world context. From there, we provide clear, personalised recommendations to help improve safety, comfort and independence.
Where needed, we can also connect you with trusted local providers, services and equipment suppliers — helping you access the right supports without the stress of figuring it all out yourself.
Supporting people living with dementia
Occupational therapy plays an important role in supporting people living with dementia and those who care for them. Alongside prescribed medical treatment, occupational therapy interventions can help reduce distress, support emotional wellbeing and improve day-to-day function — contributing to a better quality of life.
Several of our occupational therapists have a special interest in dementia care and work within evidence-informed dementia rehabilitation frameworks. Our focus is always practical and person-centred, supporting meaningful activities, daily routines and safe environments while preserving dignity and independence.
Our dementia supports are integrated into our broader aged care and community services across Townsville, ensuring care is coordinated, realistic and tailored to each individual and their family.
If you’d like more information about our dementia rehabilitation services, or how occupational therapy can support you or a loved one, please get in touch — we’re always happy to talk things through.
Do I need a referral?
Whether you need a referral depends on how your services are being funded.
Private clients
If you’re paying privately and not accessing government funding, you do not need a referral. Simply give us a call or get in touch to book an appointment with one of our occupational therapists.
My Aged Care / Support at Home (65 years and over)
If you’re aged 65 or over, you are eligible for an aged care assessment through My Aged Care. This government system supports older Australians to access services and funding to help them remain living safely at home.
You can contact My Aged Care directly to arrange an assessment. During your assessment or conversations with your assessor or provider, you can request a referral to Apricus Health for occupational therapy services.
If you already have a community or aged care provider
If you’re currently linked with a community organisation or aged care provider (for example, Anglicare, Bolton Clarke, Right at Home or Ozcare), you can speak with your case manager about arranging a referral to Apricus Health.
Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA)
If you’re a Veteran with a DVA Gold or White Card, your GP or specialist can provide a D904 referral to Apricus Health. Once we receive the referral, our team will contact you to arrange an appointment.
There are a range of funding options available to support older people, and it’s not always clear what you may be eligible for. If you’re unsure where to start, would like more information about our services, or would like us to contact you, please get in touch — we’re happy to help guide you through the process.