By the KMW Podiatry team. Last reviewed November 2026.
Healthy feet make a big difference to staying independent at home. Painful nails, corns or poorly fitting shoes can make walking harder and increase the risk of falls. Since 1 November 2025, the Australian Government’s Support at Home program has replaced Home Care Packages and Short-Term Restorative Care. This guide explains how podiatry fits into Support at Home and how to arrange it in Adelaide.
What is Support at Home?
Support at Home funds services that help older people live safely at home, including clinical supports, personal care, help around the house and allied health such as podiatry. Access is through My Aged Care, which arranges an assessment. If you are approved, you are given one of eight ongoing classifications with a quarterly budget, or a short-term pathway such as the Restorative Care Pathway, and you choose a registered provider to manage your services.
People who were already on a Home Care Package when the program started have generally moved across to Support at Home with their existing funding level. The Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) continues separately for people with lower-level needs.
Is podiatry included?
Yes. Podiatry is listed as a clinical support under Support at Home and can be funded when it is part of your care plan. There is no participant contribution for clinical supports such as podiatry, while some other service types, such as help around the house, do attract contributions. Your provider can confirm how this applies to your situation.
How to get podiatry through Support at Home
1. Talk to your provider. Tell them you would like podiatry, and why, for example difficulty cutting your toenails, painful corns, diabetes or a recent fall.
2. Ask them to add podiatry to your care plan. Your provider will include it and arrange payment from your budget. If you already receive podiatry through another government program, such as a GP chronic condition management plan, your provider may ask you to use that first.
3. Choose a podiatry provider. Your provider may already work with a podiatry service, or you can ask for one you prefer. KMW Podiatry can work with your Support at Home provider to arrange clinic or home visits across Adelaide and Gawler.
4. Book a clinic visit or a home visit. If travel is difficult, a podiatrist can visit you at home. Let us know your Support at Home provider’s details when booking so we can arrange billing.
If you are not yet assessed, contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 (Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm, Saturday 10am to 2pm) or visit the My Aged Care website.
What happens at a podiatry visit?
At the first appointment your podiatrist will usually:
- ask about your health, medicines, falls and mobility
- check circulation and sensation in your feet
- look at your skin, nails and footwear
- provide treatment such as nail care and gentle reduction of corns and callus
- give practical advice, for example on footwear, moisturising or simple exercises
Your podiatrist will agree a review interval with you based on your needs. Some people need regular visits for nail and skin care, while others only need an occasional check.
Preparing for a home visit
To help the visit go smoothly:
- choose a well-lit spot with a firm chair and space for the podiatrist to sit in front of you
- have your medicines list and any recent letters from your GP or specialist ready
- keep the shoes and slippers you wear most often nearby
- let us know about pets, parking or access issues in advance
- a family member or carer is welcome to be present
Read our full home visit preparation checklist.
Foot problems worth mentioning to your provider
- toenails that are thick, curved or hard to cut
- painful corns or hard skin
- swollen feet or ankles
- numbness, tingling or cold feet
- a sore, blister or wound that is slow to heal
- unsteadiness or recent falls
If you live in residential aged care
Podiatry for residents of aged care homes is arranged through the home rather than Support at Home. KMW visits residential aged care homes across Adelaide.
Other funding options
If podiatry is not in your Support at Home plan, you may be able to use a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan, DVA, private health extras, or pay privately. Our team can help you work out which option suits you.
Frequently asked questions
Do I pay anything for podiatry under Support at Home?
There is no participant contribution for clinical supports, and podiatry is a clinical support. The cost comes from your Support at Home budget. Your provider’s agreement will set out prices and any other charges, so ask them if anything is unclear.
Can I choose my own podiatrist?
You can ask your provider to arrange a podiatrist you prefer. Your provider will need to be able to work with that podiatry service.
What if I am still waiting for my Support at Home services?
You may be able to use other options in the meantime, such as a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan, DVA funding, private health extras or a private appointment.
Can a family member arrange podiatry for me?
Yes, with your consent a family member or carer can contact your provider and our team, and can be present at the visit.
Arrange podiatry under Support at Home
Read more about Support at Home podiatry, book online or call KMW on 1800 962 113. We can liaise with your provider and arrange a clinic or home visit.
This article is general information only and is not medical advice. Aged care program rules change from time to time; check My Aged Care or speak with your provider for current details. KMW Podiatry’s podiatrists are registered with the Podiatry Board of Australia through Ahpra.
