We help people identify, trial and learn to use assistive equipment that supports safer mobility, independence and meaningful participation in everyday life.
Our Occupational Therapists and Physiotherapists complete in-home assessments, recommend clinically suitable equipment and provide ongoing training and review support.
Total Health Choice helps people identify and choose assistive equipment that can support greater independence and mobility.
We mainly prescribe mobility-related equipment, including:
After receiving an enquiry, we arrange an appointment at the person’s home, whether that is a private residence, aged care facility or specialist living accommodation.
Our clinician completes an initial assessment that considers medical history, goals, expectations from the equipment and whether home modifications may also be required.
Following assessment, we recommend equipment that is clinically suitable for the individual.
For many people, assistive equipment can be life changing. It may help someone access the community, meet friends for coffee and optimise their lifestyle, supporting a better quality of life.
Start the process by visiting our referrals or contact pages.
One of our Physiotherapists or Occupational Therapists attends the property to complete an initial assessment and identify equipment requirements.
Where funding is available through a Home Care Package or the NDIS, Total Health Choice prepares the necessary request forms.
We then contact equipment suppliers and organise any additional appointments required.
For some equipment, the supplier may attend the person’s home with our clinician to fit or customise the equipment, such as a wheelchair.
For other items, such as testing a range of beds or choosing an electric armchair, Total Health Choice can attend the supplier with the client.
Equipment is commonly trialled for around two weeks, although this can be shorter or longer depending on the item and individual situation.
When the equipment is clinically suitable and the person is happy with it, they can proceed with purchase through the applicable funding or payment pathway.
We can also provide further Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, reassessments or home modifications to support additional goals, including where someone is moving to a new property.
When someone receives a new mobility aid, they may need training to adjust to their new equipment, mobility and routine.
During the initial assessment, we discuss the likely number of sessions needed for equipment training and outline when reassessment may be appropriate in the future.
This helps make costs clear upfront and reflects one of our core values, trust.
Total Health Choice helps people adjust through regular one-on-one sessions.
For example, learning to control a motorised scooter can be challenging. A person may initially drive at an unsuitable speed, cut corners or have difficulty navigating tight spaces.
Our role is to spend time with the person and compassionately teach them to use the device until they feel confident, safe and comfortable.
Timeframes vary depending on the required equipment.
For a simple, low-cost item such as a walking stick or four-wheel walker, it may be possible to obtain and deliver it within 24 hours.
More complex equipment, such as a specifically fitted wheelchair, may take several weeks so the item can be tailored correctly for the individual.
We work collaboratively with equipment suppliers to identify and fit equipment that supports the best outcome for our clients.
Depending on the situation, suppliers may attend the consultation with us or visit at a separate time.
For example, we prescribed a wheelchair for a person who was leaning to one side due to their condition. We worked with the supplier to customise a back support and cushion that helped them stay upright.
Yes. We have established relationships with equipment companies and home-modification providers.
We can work with our preferred suppliers, or with another supplier requested by the client. Our focus remains on the person’s goals and the most suitable outcome for them.
Both our Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists are experienced in working with assistive equipment.
Where equipment is more complex, a senior Occupational Therapist may be allocated because of their specialist experience in this area.
Review requirements vary according to the person’s goals and any changes in their health or functional status.
The anticipated review period is discussed during the initial assessment.
For some people receiving ongoing Physiotherapy, equipment may be reviewed regularly during weekly or fortnightly sessions. For others, the review interval may be longer.
We supported a person who was initially prescribed a manually operated tilt-in-space wheelchair.
While the wheelchair met the original goals, the family found it cumbersome and difficult to manoeuvre outdoors during the trial period.
After listening to this feedback, we worked to identify a smaller wheelchair that still supported the person’s trunk control.
This made it easier for the family to take their loved one into the community while maintaining the required support.
Our Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists develop foundational equipment knowledge during their studies and through many years of experience working with older adults and people with disability.
Total Health Choice encourages professional development, including attendance at supplier sessions and equipment expos.
Assistive Technology continues to evolve, including options such as wheelchairs that can be controlled using mobile technology. Our team aims to remain informed about available equipment so we can better support clients to achieve their goals.
Total Health Choice supports people through the full equipment journey, from identifying needs and selecting options through to trials, training, reassessment and related home modifications.
Our aim is to help every person access equipment that supports safety, comfort, mobility and independence in their daily life.
