Problem
The department of health on the 22nd of November released a “clarification” that allied health professionals with limited registration could no longer provide treatments for residents in pain. There is a chronic shortage of allied health professionals in aged care esp regional areas. Limited registration therapists are already licensed by professional registration board (AHPRA) as qualified to provide these services. This change will lead to residents in pain not being treated, therapists losing their jobs and facilities losing vital funding leading to cuts in staff and services.

Solution
The department of health needs to reconsider and confirm immediately that a therapist that is registered by AHPRA is eligible to work in aged care with those in pain.

Personal story
My name is Alwyn Blayse I’ve been a physio in aged care for 20 years esp in rural and regional qld. Its not a “sexy” career path but I was drawn to it because I love working with elders, hearing their amazing life stories and encouraging healthy ageing. I found other allied health therapists who shared my passion for Aged Care and started Allied Aged Care. We are a family business that employs mostly Australian fully registered therapists but also relies on therapists with limited registration to work in regional areas. Our motto is more care because that’s what we and anyone working in aged care should try to provide.

This change affects the most vulnerable in our society and limits the care they will receive. I’m starting this petition on behalf of my therapists their clients and the facilities they work at. You will see several real elder residents working with limited registration therapists in the video. Please don’t let the government stop this important work that we and many other allied health professionals do.