You can find our most frequently asked questions about what to expect, what to bring and how much an appointment will cost below. If you cannot find what you’re after feel free to contact us via the form on this page or Contact Us. We are here to help!
From 1 July 2025, the NDIA will reduce the amount therapists can claim for travel to support you. This means providers will only be reimbursed 50% of the therapy rate for travel time – a change that will significantly impact access to in-home, school-based, and regional services.
To find out how to voice your concern, see this page.
Let’s ensure the NDIS hears directly from the people affected; everyone deserves access to the supports they need – no matter where they live.
Yes. We provide physiotherapy services under NDIS, iCare Lifetime Care, and iCare Workers Care across regional NSW. Our experienced physiotherapists support clients in Tamworth, Gunnedah, Armidale, Narrabri, and nearby areas.
Absolutely. Our team offers home and community-based physiotherapy for people with complex injuries, including stroke, brain injury (TBI), spinal cord injury (SCI), and orthopaedic trauma. We bring rehab to you.
We provide mobile Exercise Physiology services across regional NSW. Not all the towns we service have access to a hydrotherapy pool, or even a heated pool.
When we receive a referral for water-based treatment, we begin with an initial assessment to explore suitability, available options, and to develop a personalised plan in collaboration with the participant and their family. This planning takes into account many factors, including:
- Pool availability
- Travel requirements
- Participant goals
- Sensory needs
- Mobility and access (e.g. whether the pool has a hoist)
Hydrotherapy is defined as a structured, therapist-delivered treatment in a purpose-built hydrotherapy pool, usually with a water temperature between 32°C and 34.5°C. The warm water helps with muscle relaxation, pain relief, and movement.
In towns where a hydrotherapy pool is not available, or travel to such a facility is not feasible, we may offer water-based exercises instead. These are still beneficial and designed by an Exercise Physiologist, but are conducted in a standard pool and are not classified as hydrotherapy due to differences in pool temperature and environment.
No matter the setting, our team works with each person to deliver safe, effective, and goal-based programs to support movement and participation.
No, we don’t provide these services.
There are other OT providers in each town that provide these services.
Yes, we do charge for travel. We have to charge for travel to be viable withour mobile services in rural NSW.
We do our very best to always be sharing travel costs to reduce the costs on all participants.
We are able to offer telehealth or in clinic appointments (Gunnedah) based if this is the most suitable option for the participant and the referral.
We strongly believe it is best practice for adult OT services to observe and assess participants in their own environments. This way we can explore recommendations that suit the environments and the participants needs.
Here are some signs to watch out for:
Poor eating habits: If someone with a disability isn’t eating well, it could be a sign they need some extra help. This might mean they’re skipping meals, not eating enough, or making unhealthy food choices due to their disability.
Participant lacking energy: A dietitian helps people with disabilities lacking energy by assessing their diet, identifying barriers, and recommending energy-dense foods and meal timing strategies. They provide education and support to empower individuals and caregivers in making informed dietary choices, ensuring consistent energy levels and overall well-being
Physical function concerns: A dietitian supports individuals with physical impairments, such as amputees and those with spinal injuries, by offering practical solutions for meal preparation and addressing eating challenges. They provide personalized guidance on nutrition to support muscle health, energy levels, and overall well-being, while advocating for accessible resources and technologies to enhance independence and quality of life.
Enteral feeding: People with disabilities who rely on enteral feeding through a tube might need guidance to ensure they’re getting all the necessary nutrients to support their unique needs.
Chewing and swallowing issues: Difficulty chewing or swallowing can be common among people with disabilities and can make it hard for them to eat a balanced diet. A dietitian can help find ways to make eating easier and more enjoyable.
Fussy eating or restricted diets: Some people with disabilities may have sensory issues or preferences that lead to picky eating or following restricted diets. A dietitian can help ensure they’re still getting all the nutrients they need despite these challenges.
Weight issues – underweight: If someone with a disability is underweight, they may need special help to gain weight in a healthy way that takes into account their specific circumstances and needs.
Symptom-based concerns: Issues like diarrhea or constipation can affect people with disabilities and may be related to diet. A dietitian can help identify foods that might be causing problems and suggest alternatives tailored to their disability.
Diabetes with people with an intellectual disability: Managing diabetes can be more complex for people with intellectual disabilities. A dietitian can provide personalized advice to help manage blood sugar levels while considering their unique needs and challenges.
Planning a menu: Whether it’s for a supported home or individual meals, planning a menu that meets the dietary needs of people with disabilities can be challenging. A dietitian can help create balanced and nutritious meal plans that accommodate their specific requirements.
Weight loss advice for people with disabilities: If someone with a disability needs to lose weight, a dietitian can provide personalized advice, support, and education tailored to their disability. They can also help with practical aspects like grocery shopping and meal preparation.
Wound healing: Whether it’s a new wound or a chronic one, nutrition plays a crucial role in the healing process for people with disabilities. A dietitian can recommend foods and supplements to support wound healing and prevent complications, considering their disability-related needs.
Remember, everyone’s needs are unique, so if you notice any of these signs in someone with a disability, it’s worth considering a referral to a dietitian who can provide personalized support and guidance tailored to their individual circumstances.
Nutritional support for symptom-based concerns- issues like Diarrhea, vomiting, constipation
Nutritional support for weight concerns – weight loss advise if overweight or underweight.
Fussy eating or restricted diets.
Nutritional enhancement menu planning.
Nutritional support for wound healing/management.
Nutritional support relating to chewing or swallowing issues.
Nutrition risks such as Malnutrition & weight loss.
Enteral (tube) Feeding.
Chronic Disease Management, Diabetes management, blood glucose management, hypertension, respiratory concerns etc.
Simply complete the online referral form or download and fill out the PDF, then send it on to our team.
The referral is reviewed, a decision on acceptance is made and the referral is then prioritised.
An assessment and report is completed and funding approval will need to be confirmed.
A confirmation referral is sent to the referral source or participant, and the assessment will then commence.
If you need any assistance with the referral process please contact our customer support team – 0493 133 667.
Currently we cover Tamworth, Gunnedah, Armidale, Narrabri, Manilla, Quirindi, and all towns in between.
We are covering Armidale from June 2023 and are excited to service this area.
The areas we cover may change and we are more than happy to discuss options.
At Focus on Function, we require a minimum of 24 hours’ notice for all appointment cancellations. If an appointment is canceled with less than 24 business hours’ notice or if you do not attend without prior notice, a cancellation fee of 100% of the hourly rate for the scheduled appointment will apply.
We strive to provide you with at least 24 hours’ notice if we need to cancel or reschedule your appointment.
To cancel your appointment, please contact our Customer Service Team at 0493 133 667 between 9am and 4pm, Monday to Friday. Please do not contact clinicians directly, as their time will be billed accordingly.
Example: To cancel a Monday 10am appointment, we require notice by Friday 10am.
At this stage we do not provide OT paediatric ongoing therapy services.
The only OT paediatrics services we may consider is equipment prescription and home modifications. If you have a request specifically for this service, please complete the required referral form and submit accordingly. A member of our team will be in contact with you to ensure we are the best service to assist.
We will generally accept referrals for young adults form approx 16 years and above for OT services. We are keen to ensure we are the best provider for the participant so we appreciate information on the referral form regarding the situation and goals of OT.
Our dietitian services is assisting with children and adult requests. Our dietitian can assist with a variety of childrens dietitian related needs, including fussy eating, weight management, tube feeding.
At this stage, we do not provide services under aged care packages. We apologise for the inconvenience.
Focus on Function regrets not being able to assist with your request for Occupational Therapy Services. We have developed the below list to hopefully provide some direction in who best to contact for your request.
We have a team of icare approved case managers, managing catastrophic injuries in the community.
Case management is a professional service that helps individuals access and coordinate the care and support they need to achieve their personal health, recovery, and life goals. It involves a dedicated case manager who works closely with clients, their families, and healthcare providers to ensure the best possible outcomes.
A case manager assesses the individual’s needs, creates a personalised care plan, and manages resources such as medical treatments, therapy services, and community support. They also monitor progress and ensure the person receives timely, appropriate care while navigating complex systems.
The goal is to improve overall health outcomes, streamline services, and empower individuals to maintain independence and improve their quality of life.
A dietitian specialising in spinal cord injury (SCI) plays a vital role in helping individuals manage their nutrition to support recovery, prevent complications, and improve quality of life. After a spinal cord injury, energy needs often change due to altered physical activity and mobility. A dietitian can assess your individual needs and adjust your calorie intake to prevent unwanted weight gain or loss, ensuring that your body receives the proper nutrients for healing and maintaining optimal health.
One key area where a dietitian can provide support is managing bowel function. A well-planned diet can help reduce bowel accidents and improve digestive health, a common concern for individuals with SCI. Dietitians also focus on enhancing skin integrity by recommending foods rich in essential nutrients, which can support wound healing and reduce the risk of pressure sores.
Additionally, a dietitian can help manage secondary conditions associated with spinal cord injury, such as obesity, hypertension, and diabetes, through tailored dietary advice. By educating patients on making nutritious food choices, managing portion sizes, and understanding how SCI impacts digestion and metabolism, dietitians help individuals with SCI maintain a healthy weight and improve energy levels.
We are a trusted iCare provider in regional NSW, offering comprehensive case management and therapy services for individuals with serious injuries or disabilities. Our services include expert support for clients with lifetime care and support needs, focusing on improving health outcomes and daily living. As an experienced team of dietitians, occupational therapists, and case manager, we tailor our services to meet the unique needs of iCare clients, offering personalised, high-quality care.
Some of the iCare services we provide in [Your Area] include:
- Personalised Occupational Therapy: Supporting clients with injury recovery, independence, and daily function.
- Comprehensive Case Management: Coordinating all aspects of care, including medical services, rehabilitation, and support.
- Dietitian Services: Specialised nutrition advice for clients with specific medical needs.
- Assistive Technology Solutions: Evaluating and recommending the right equipment to enhance independence and quality of life.
Our team works closely with iCare and other providers to ensure the highest standard of care and support for our clients. Whether you need ongoing rehabilitation, home modifications, or assistance with navigating the iCare process, we’re here to help.