Home Visits

If getting to a clinic is difficult, a home visit may be an option worth discussing. But having a physiotherapist visit your home can raise a few questions: what should you prepare, what might the assessment involve, and do you need any equipment?

The Physio House offers home-visit physiotherapy across Townsville and nearby suburbs. This guide explains the general approach and what to check before arranging your first appointment.

Before booking: check the practical details

Start by contacting our team with your suburb, what you would like help with and any access needs. Let us know about stairs, entry instructions or anything else that could affect the visit.

Ask about appointment availability, suitability and costs before confirming. Travel charges apply, so check the consultation fee and travel charge together. If you plan to use funding, ask what information or documentation is needed rather than assuming the visit will be covered.

You can find more information on our home-visit physiotherapy page.

Think about what matters to you

Before the appointment, write down the everyday activities you would most like help with. This could be getting out of a chair, moving between rooms or returning to an activity you enjoy.

Specific examples give the physiotherapist a useful starting point. You do not need to know which treatment to request. Describing what feels difficult, when it happens and what you want to work towards is enough to begin the conversation.

It is also helpful to have a short list of your symptoms, medicines, other treatments and questions ready.

What might the first assessment involve?

A first appointment generally includes a discussion about your health, current concerns and goals, followed by an assessment appropriate to your needs.

Depending on your situation, this may involve looking at movement, walking or how you manage an everyday task. The assessment will vary between people; there is no single routine that suits everyone.

Ask what each part of the assessment is for, and let the physiotherapist know if you are uncomfortable or need a break. You can also ask about the options being discussed and how they relate to your goals.

Preparing your space

Choose a place where you feel comfortable talking and where there is room to move safely. If practical, move loose items out of the immediate area and keep pets away from the assessment space.

There is no need to turn your home into a treatment room. Before the visit, ask whether any particular space or items will be needed. Avoid buying equipment just for the appointment without discussing it first.

Wear comfortable clothing that allows movement. If you have concerns about privacy, clothing or access, mention these when arranging the visit.

Can someone join the appointment?

If you would like a family member, carer or support worker present, discuss this with the team beforehand.

Think about how you would like them involved. You might want help remembering questions or explaining an everyday difficulty, while still having time to speak for yourself. Let the physiotherapist know your preferences.

Questions to ask before the visit finishes

Your first appointment is also an opportunity to understand the proposed next steps. Useful questions include:

• What are we working towards?
• What should I do between appointments?
• If exercises are suggested, how should I do them?
• What should I do if an activity feels unsuitable?
• When should we review the plan?

If something is unclear, ask for another explanation or demonstration. The aim is to leave with a clearer understanding of the advice and the next step being proposed.

Arranging a home visit in Townsville

The Physio House is accepting new clients. Home visits are available across Townsville and nearby suburbs, subject to suitability and appointment availability. Travel charges apply.

We are an unregistered NDIS provider supporting self-managed and plan-managed participants only. We do not accept NDIA-managed participants. Contact the team to discuss your circumstances and check the arrangements before booking.

To enquire, contact The Physio House, call 0418 974 910 or email admin@thephysiohouse.com.au. Tell us your suburb, what you would like help with and any access requirements.