Chiropractic Treatment for Aged Care - A Guide For Seniors to have Chiropractic Care included in AgedCare Program

As we age, our bodies naturally become less resilient - muscles lose mass, bones become less dense, and joints become stiffer.

To help older Australians maintain physical independence and live more comfortably, the Australian Government provides aged care subsidies through the Support at Home program (previously the Home Care Packages program and Commonwealth Home Support Program).

Aged care subsidies can be used to access chiropractic care to assist with age-related functional issues, manage pain, and promote greater independence. This guide covers the eligibility of chiropractic treatment for older individuals, the type of chiropractic care covered, and how seeing a chiropractor care can help.

Is Chiropractic Care Safe for Seniors?

Yes - when provided by a qualified chiropractor, chiropractic care for seniors is safe and effective, including manual adjustments and spinal manipulation.

While it’s true that chiropractic care tailored to older individuals will involve more gentle movements and consideration of preexisting musculoskeletal conditions, the research shows that chiropractic care is less likely to result in injury compared to care from a primary physician. 

A 2015 study involving individuals aged 66 to 99 years showed that those who visited a chiropractor for a neuromusculoskeletal problem were 76% less likely to suffer an injury to the head, neck, or trunk within 7 days, compared to those who saw a primary care physician. ^[1]

Which Chiropractic Treatments Are Eligible for Aged Care Subsidies?

Chiropractic treatment is covered under the Support at Home program, which provides funding for eligible Australians over the age of 65, as well as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals over the age of 50. 

However, the inclusion of chiropractic care under Support at Home funding will depend on each individual's care plan. If chiropractic care is identified as part of your assessed needs, Support at Home funding can be used to access chiro treatment. 

Where eligible, the type of chiropractic treatment for aged care includes:

• Assessment of spinal and musculoskeletal conditions (e.g. neck or back pain, sciatica, disc herniation, tension headaches, arthritis)
• Spinal manipulation and adjustment for pain relief and management
• Development of care plans for pain management, falls prevention, or enhanced mobility

Chiropractic treatment programs also aim to provide older individuals with skills and knowledge to manage their own condition and promote independent recovery. 

How To Access Chiropractic Treatment With Aged Care

To access chiropractic treatment with Support at Home funding, it must be listed in your care plan. If chiropractic care is not covered under your current care plan, you can apply for a reassessment of your care needs. 

The reassessment will consider whether chiropractic treatment is clinically justifiable for addressing your conditions and add it to your revised care plan if so. You may need a referral letter from your doctor indicating a recommendation for chiropractic care. 

Individuals who are already eligible for Support at Home funding and have chiropractic care listed in the care plan can access treatment with a qualified and registered chiropractor like Spinal Works Chiropractic. We have chiropractic clinics in Townsville and Cairns, which are registered and qualified to accept patients funded by the Support at Home program (previously the Home Care Packages program and Commonwealth Home Support Program).

Sources

1. Whedon, J. M., Mackenzie, T. A., Phillips, R. B., & Lurie, J. D. (2014). Risk of traumatic injury associated with chiropractic spinal manipulation in Medicare Part B Beneficiaries aged 66 to 99 years. Spine, 40(4), 264–270.