How Our Occupational Therapy Services Work

For CHSP Clients

Talk Health Therapy provides Occupational Therapy (OT) services under the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP). This page explains how our OT services work, what you may need to get started, and what to expect along the way.

Step 1: Getting Started With My Aged Care

To receive Occupational Therapy services, you must be registered with My Aged Care.

If you have been asked to call My Aged Care, or are unsure what to do next, please contact them on:

📞 My Aged Care: 1800 200 422

My Aged Care will provide you with the referral codes needed for the services you are requesting.

Step 2: Referral Codes – What You May Need

The referral code you need depends on what you would like help with from the Occupational Therapist.

Equipment and Products

You will need an Equipment and Products referral code if you are seeking:

• Mobility aids
• Assistive equipment
• Daily living aids

Home Adjustments

You will need a Home Adjustments referral code if you are seeking:

• Grab rails
• Ramps
• Other changes to your home

✅ You may only receive one referral code, and that is fine as long as it matches the service you wish to receive.

✅ You do not need an Occupational Therapist referral code — this has already been accepted.

Step 3: Once We Receive Your Referral

When Talk Health Therapy receives your referral from My Aged Care, we will contact you by text message.

Initial Contact

You will receive the following message:

Hello this is Talk Health Therapy. We have received a referral from My Aged Care for Occupational Therapy services. If you are still seeking this service, please note there is an out‑of‑pocket copayment of $120 for the initial 1.5 hour in‑home assessment. If you would like to proceed please reply YES to this message. If we do not receive a response within 24 hours, the referral will be returned to My Aged Care for future use. Thank you.

To continue with the service, simply reply YES.

If We Don’t Hear From You

If we do not receive a response within 24 hours, your referral will be returned to My Aged Care. You will then receive this message:

Good morning Talk Health Therapy here. We previously contacted you regarding a referral for an Occupational Therapist. As we did not receive a reply from you we have sent the referral back to My Aged Care. If you are still seeking an Occupational Therapist please reach out to My Aged Care 1800 200 422 to have the referral reissued.

Step 4: If Referral Codes Are Missing

Sometimes we are unable to view your referral codes in the My Aged Care system. If this happens, we will ask you to contact My Aged Care again.

You may receive a message similar to this:

Hello again, depending on what you are requesting from the Occupational Therapist there are referral codes that are required. We are unable to see your codes on My Aged Care. You will need to call My Aged Care 1800 200 422 and ask for the following –
If you are seeking mobility aid or equipment aids – Ask for an Equipment & Products Code
If you are seeking grab rails or ramps etc. – Ask for a Home Adjustments Code
We do not need an Occupational Therapist referral code as we have already accepted that.

Step 5: Fees and Financial Hardship Support

Your initial Occupational Therapy appointment includes:

• A 1.5‑hour in‑home assessment
• A $120 out‑of‑pocket co‑payment

Financial Hardship

If you are unable to afford this fee, please let us know. We can discuss Financial Hardship support with you.

You will be asked to complete a Financial Hardship form. Depending on your circumstances, the fee may be halved or waived by the Director.

Additional Appointments and Services

Falls Alarm Setup

If you would like help setting up a falls alarm (watch or pendant), this is not included in the initial assessment.

• A second appointment is required
• 1 hour duration
• $80 co‑payment

Does a Falls Alarm Need Wi‑Fi?

This depends on the type of alarm chosen.

Some alarms have a built‑in mobile connection and do not require Wi‑Fi. These alarms use the mobile network to contact your nominated support person.

Home Modifications and Installation

If home modifications are recommended, your Occupational Therapist will organise a registered service provider to complete the work.

• Costs vary between providers
• CHSP is a subsidised program, so an out‑of‑pocket cost usually applies
• You will receive a quote before any work begins, and you can decide whether to proceed