How to Use My Aged Care Funding for Fitness & Exercise Physiology in 2026

22 Apr How to Use My Aged Care Funding for Fitness & Exercise Physiology in 2026

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) 2023 report, 1 in 3 Australians aged 65 and over experience at least one fall each year. You probably already feel that staying mobile is the key to staying in your own home longer, yet the rising cost of private sessions or the technical maze of government websites can make it feel out of reach. We understand that you want to feel steady on your feet without the stress of navigating a complex system alone.

The good news is that your government support is designed to help you thrive, not just get by. This guide will show you exactly how to use my aged care funding for fitness and exercise physiology to improve your balance and joint health. We’ll walk you through the specific steps to unlock these benefits, whether you’re starting your journey with the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) or managing a Level 1 to 4 Home Care Package (HCP). By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear, three-step plan to access professional, funded movement programs that help you move better and stay independent.

Understanding My Aged Care Funding for Movement and Health

My Aged Care acts as the central gateway for Australians over 65 to access government-funded support. If you are looking for ways to stay active, understanding how this system works is the first step in your journey to better health. The landscape of aged care in Australia is currently undergoing its most significant reform in decades. By July 2025 and moving into 2026, the new Support at Home program will replace older systems to provide more streamlined access to services. This change aims to reduce wait times and make it easier to understand how to use my aged care funding for fitness and rehabilitation.

The government prioritises what is known as restorative care. This approach focuses on helping you regain or maintain your physical function so you can live independently in your own home for longer. Instead of just providing help with chores, the focus is on your movement and physical resilience. Allied Health is the technical term for the professional health services that make this possible. It includes experts like Exercise Physiologists who use evidence-based movement to treat chronic conditions and improve your quality of life. These services are clinical, meaning they are backed by science and tailored to your specific health history.

CHSP vs. Home Care Packages (HCP)

Currently, you might hold either a Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) grant or a Home Care Package (HCP). CHSP is designed for entry-level support, often offering specific services like a weekly group exercise class or transport. HCPs are divided into four levels, providing a flexible budget for more complex, ongoing health needs. As we move into 2026, these tiers are being simplified into the Support at Home model. This transition ensures you get the right level of help exactly when you need it. You can identify your current tier by checking your latest statement from My Aged Care or your provider.

Can you use funding for a standard gym membership?

A common question is whether you can use your funding for a local 24/7 gym membership fee. Usually, the answer is no. My Aged Care guidelines generally exclude social or general fitness club fees because they lack clinical supervision and evidence-based health outcomes. However, you can use your funding for clinical exercise programs that are part of a treatment plan. This is where Exercise Physiology bridges the gap between a standard workout and medical care. Exercise Physiology is a clinical health service where university-qualified professionals prescribe specific movements to manage medical conditions and prevent injuries. By focusing on clinical outcomes, you can learn how to use my aged care funding for fitness that actually improves your long-term mobility.

Exercise Physiology: The Secret to “Fitness” Funding

Understanding how to use my aged care funding for fitness starts with recognizing the difference between “leisure” and “clinical support.” While My Aged Care rarely covers a standard gym membership or a generic yoga pass, it frequently funds sessions with an Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP). These professionals are university-trained health experts who prescribe movement as a medical intervention. Under the 2026 Support at Home program, AEP services are classified as Clinical Supports. This classification is vital because it moves your physical activity goals from a lifestyle choice to a funded health necessity.

An AEP isn’t a personal trainer. While a trainer focuses on general fitness goals for the healthy population, an AEP specializes in clinical populations. They understand the complex biomechanics of a hip replacement and the specific insulin responses in Type 2 Diabetes. They use movement to treat chronic conditions like heart disease and osteoporosis. By choosing an AEP, you’re accessing a professional who can manage your health risks while helping you get stronger. It’s about a partnership that prioritizes your safety and long term mobility.

• Clinical Expertise: AEPs hold a four year university degree and are registered with Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA).
• Chronic Disease Management: They create programs that lower blood pressure, manage blood glucose, and reduce chronic pain.
• Safety First: Every movement is tailored to your specific medical history to prevent injury.

Building a “Bulletproof Body” for your 70s and 80s

We focus on helping you build a “bulletproof body” so you can thrive throughout your 70s and 80s. This isn’t about high intensity bodybuilding. It’s about targeted resistance training to increase bone density and balance. Statistics from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare show that falls are the leading cause of injury hospitalization for Australians over 65. Our tailored programs differ from generic senior classes because they address your specific weak points. The MoveMed approach ensures you move better so you can perform better in daily life, whether that’s gardening or keeping up with grandkids.

Evidence-based movement as medicine

My Aged Care auditors prefer “evidence-based practice” for funding approval. They want to see that the services you receive lead to measurable health outcomes. Research consistently shows that clinical movement therapy can reduce hospital admissions by up to 18% for individuals with chronic cardiac or respiratory issues. This data makes it much easier to justify your funding. If you want to understand the science behind our methods, you can read our guide on what is exercise physiology for a deeper dive. If you’re ready to see how these services fit into your plan, you can reach out to our team for a friendly chat about your goals.

Step-by-Step: How to Get Exercise in Your Care Plan

Accessing support should feel like a partnership, not a hurdle. If you are wondering how to use my aged care funding for fitness, the process follows a structured path designed to ensure you get the right level of care for your specific needs. We are here to guide you through each stage of this journey.

• Step 1: Contact My Aged Care. Your first move is to call 1800 200 422 for an initial phone screening. They will ask about your current health and what tasks you find difficult.
• Step 2: The Face-to-Face Assessment. A representative from the Regional Assessment Service (RAS) or an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) will visit you at home to discuss your goals.
• Step 3: Specifically Request Allied Health. During your assessment, clearly state that you want “Allied Health Support” or “Exercise Physiology” to help you stay mobile.
• Step 4: Receive Your Referral Code. Once your plan is approved, you’ll receive a unique referral code or a budget allocation in your My Aged Care portal.
• Step 5: Choose a Provider. Contact a registered provider like MoveMed. We’ll use your code to create a customized plan that fits your lifestyle.

Preparing for the ACAT/RAS Assessment

The assessment is your chance to share your story and your desire for a better quality of life. Focus on how exercise helps you maintain your independence and safety at home. Assessors look for ways to reduce your risk of injury. Use clear phrases like “I want to prevent falls” or “I need help managing my arthritis so I can keep gardening.” You don’t have to do this alone; your GP can provide an Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) or Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plan. This medical documentation provides strong evidence for why you need exercise physiology included in your My Aged Care budget.

Managing your referral codes

Your referral code is the key that unlocks your funding. Once you have this code, it’s vital to choose a provider that understands the My Aged Care portal and the 2026 regulatory requirements. This ensures your sessions are processed smoothly and your funding is managed correctly. Templestowe residents often choose local experts because proximity makes it easier to attend regular sessions. We pride ourselves on being a one-stop-shop that handles the administrative side for you. Understanding how to use my aged care funding for fitness starts with getting your codes into the hands of a team that views your health as a long-term partnership.

Maximising Your Budget: Hydrotherapy and GLA:D®

Stretching your Home Care Package (HCP) or Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) budget requires a strategic approach to service selection. When you understand how to use my aged care funding for fitness, you can prioritise programs that offer the highest clinical return on investment. Group-based therapies are often the most cost-effective way to access expert guidance. You can typically access these specialized sessions using “Social Support” or “Health Support” codes within your funding plan. These categories are designed to keep you connected to your community while improving your physical resilience.

By choosing evidence-based group programs, you benefit from lower per-session costs compared to private consultations. This allows your funding to last longer throughout the year, ensuring consistent support rather than sporadic treatments. We believe in a partnership approach where your budget works as hard as you do to achieve your health goals.

The Benefits of Funded Hydrotherapy

Hydrotherapy is a top choice for seniors dealing with joint pain or limited mobility. The water is typically heated to a soothing 32 to 34 degrees Celsius, which helps relax tight muscles and increase circulation. Because buoyancy supports up to 90% of your body weight, you can perform movements in the pool that might be too painful or difficult on land. This makes it an ideal environment for managing polymyalgia rheumatica and other chronic inflammatory conditions.

• Reduced Impact: Gentle resistance helps build strength without jarring sensitive joints.
• Improved Balance: The viscosity of the water provides a safety net, reducing the fear of falling during balance exercises.
• Pain Management: Warm water immersion can significantly dampen chronic pain signals.

If you’re curious about pool safety or specific water-based exercises, our hydrotherapy guide provides a comprehensive look at what to expect during your first session.

GLA:D®: Avoiding Surgery through Movement

The GLA:D® (Good Life with Arthritis: Denmark) program is a world-class initiative specifically for individuals with hip or knee osteoarthritis. It isn’t just a fitness class; it’s an education and targeted exercise protocol that has helped thousands of Australians reduce their symptoms. Clinical data from the GLA:D® Australia 2022 Annual Report indicates that participants experience an average 27% reduction in pain intensity. This is a significant result for anyone looking to maintain their independence.

Many participants find that after completing the program, they can delay or even entirely avoid joint replacement surgery. Your My Aged Care funding can be used to cover the initial clinical assessment, the two education sessions, and the 12 supervised exercise sessions. It’s a proactive way to build a more resilient body. You can find more GLA:D program details here to help you decide if this structured path is right for your recovery journey.

Partnering with MoveMed: Your Templestowe Aged Care Experts

Finding the right health provider shouldn’t feel like another administrative chore. At MoveMed, we’ve intentionally designed a space that feels like a community hub rather than a cold, clinical office. Our Templestowe clinic offers a non-intimidating, supportive environment where you can focus on your progress without feeling out of place. Our Accredited Exercise Physiologists (AEPs) act as your dedicated guides, helping you understand how to use my aged care funding for fitness to achieve tangible health outcomes. We operate as a comprehensive one-stop-shop for your health, movement, and recovery needs.

Our approach is built on a partnership. We don’t just give you a list of exercises; we embark on a journey with you. This journey begins with a detailed assessment and leads toward our core philosophy: move better, feel better, and perform better. Whether you’re looking to improve your balance, manage chronic pain, or simply regain the confidence to walk to the local shops, our team is here to support your specific goals with evidence-based care.

Navigating the paperwork for you

The administrative side of Home Care Packages (HCP) can often feel overwhelming for families. Our team takes the lead by working directly with your Case Manager or Home Care Package manager to streamline the process. We assist clients across Templestowe Lower by answering complex funding queries and ensuring every session aligns with your government-approved care plan. Being a local, community-focused clinic means we value face-to-face connection. We handle the reporting and invoicing requirements required by your provider, allowing you to focus entirely on your physical well-being. We ensure your funding is utilised efficiently to maximise your quality of life.

Start your journey today

Your first Exercise Physiology consultation is the foundation of your success. During this initial meeting, we listen to your story and conduct a thorough clinical assessment of your mobility and strength. We then create a customized, evidence-based management plan that explains exactly how to use my aged care funding for fitness sessions that deliver results. This plan isn’t a generic routine; it’s a tailored roadmap designed to help you thrive in your own home and community. We believe in empowering you to take control of your health through movement. If you’re ready to start feeling stronger and more capable, Book an appointment at our Templestowe Lower clinic today. Let’s work together to build a more resilient you.

Take Charge of Your Health Journey in 2026

Your health is your most valuable asset as you navigate the aged care landscape in 2026. Understanding how to use my aged care funding for fitness means looking beyond basic home help and focusing on proactive physical health. By integrating Accredited Exercise Physiologists into your care plan, you’re choosing a path of independence and strength. Whether you’re managing osteoarthritis through the evidence-based GLA:D® program or seeking a tailored hydrotherapy routine, these clinical services are designed to help you thrive at home.

Our team at MoveMed brings deep expertise in My Aged Care and NDIS funding to ensure your budget works harder for you. We don’t just provide exercises; we partner with you on a journey to move better and feel better. It’s time to stop letting your funding go underutilised when it could be building a more resilient version of yourself. Take the first step toward a more active and empowered life with specialists who understand your unique needs and goals.

Book your initial Exercise Physiology assessment at MoveMed today to start your personalised movement plan. We’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my Home Care Package for a gym membership?

No, you generally can’t use Home Care Package funding for a standard, unsupervised gym membership. Government guidelines updated in 2024 specify that funds must be used for clinical services delivered by qualified professionals. You can, however, use your package for individual or group Exercise Physiology sessions at a facility like MoveMed. This ensures your program is safe, evidence-based, and tailored to your specific health goals.

How much does Exercise Physiology cost under My Aged Care?

Exercise Physiology sessions under My Aged Care typically cost between A$140 and A$190 per hour depending on the complexity of your needs. These rates align with the current NDIS price guide which many providers use as a benchmark for allied health services in 2025 and 2026. If you have a Home Care Package, your provider pays these fees directly from your budget so there’s often no out-of-pocket expense for you.

Do I need a GP referral to use My Aged Care funding for exercise?

You don’t strictly need a GP referral to use Home Care Package funding for exercise, but it’s highly recommended for your initial assessment. Your package provider simply needs to see that the service aligns with the goals in your care plan. If you’re accessing the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP), you’ll need a specific referral code generated by My Aged Care before you can start your journey with us.

Can I access hydrotherapy if I only have a CHSP referral?

Yes, you can access hydrotherapy under the CHSP if your referral includes “Allied Health and Therapy Services” or “Exercise Physiology.” You must ensure your My Aged Care support plan explicitly mentions these services to claim the subsidy at a clinic or pool. We can help you check your referral codes to ensure you have the right approvals to start building a bulletproof body in a supportive aquatic environment.

What happens if my My Aged Care assessment didn’t include exercise?

If your assessment didn’t include exercise, you’ll need to contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 to request a support plan review. You should explain that you want to focus on strength and balance to maintain your independence at home. This process usually takes about 2 to 4 weeks, and it’s a vital step in learning how to use my aged care funding for fitness and clinical rehabilitation effectively.

How long does it take to get approved for Exercise Physiology?

Approval typically takes between 3 and 10 business days if you already have a Home Care Package with available funds. Your provider just needs to review our proposed clinical plan and confirm it fits your budget. If you’re waiting for a new CHSP referral from My Aged Care, the wait time can extend to 6 weeks depending on assessor availability in your local area.

Can MoveMed help me talk to my Home Care Package provider?

Yes, we act as your partner and can speak directly with your Home Care Package coordinator to streamline the process. We provide the professional documentation and clinical justification they require to approve your funding. Our team makes it simple by explaining how to use my aged care funding for fitness and tailored exercise physiology so you can focus on your recovery and health journey.