Dr Claire Gough, Research Fellow, Caring Futures Institute, Flinders University
This month marks a significant milestone in Australia’s aged care reform journey with the release of the Restorative Care Pathway Clinical Guidelines. These evidence-based guidelines are designed to help providers not just manage functional decline in older people, but to actively prevent it—supporting older Australians to live independently, confidently, and with purpose.
Restorative care is a proactive, person-centred approach that aims to enhance the physical, functional, and cognitive abilities of older people. It supports them to maintain or regain independence, live safely in their own homes, and continue engaging in meaningful roles and activities in their communities. The benefits are wide-reaching—greater confidence, reduced symptoms of depression, and improved social connection, all contributing to better health and wellbeing outcomes.
The development of these guidelines was a collaborative process that reflected the passion and insights of those working across aged care. Providers, clinicians, researchers, and individuals with lived experience came together to shape a resource that is practical, adaptable, and focused on what matters most to older people. This strong sector-wide engagement reinforces the importance of restorative care and the shared commitment to lifting the standard of care for all.
While restorative care may require more time investment initially, the long-term benefits are clear. When delivered well, it can reduce reliance on ongoing care services and support individuals to reclaim or maintain their independence. For aged care teams, this means shifting focus from tasks and routines to goals and outcomes—working collaboratively to help people do more for themselves.
It’s important to remember that these guidelines are general in nature and must be applied using sound clinical judgment and a person-centred lens. The guidelines emphasise that the restorative care pathway must “adopt a person-centred approach to meet the unique needs, preferences, and circumstances of every participant.” To do this well, providers will need to build and support multidisciplinary teams of skilled professionals. These teams must work in partnership with older people and their families to co-design personalised, goal-driven care plans. These plans should evolve over time, with regular assessment, clear communication, and the flexibility to respond to changing needs.
The release of the guidelines is just the beginning. The challenge now lies in bringing them to life—in translating intention into practice. This will require training, leadership, ongoing evaluation, and most importantly, a shared vision across the sector to reimagine aged care as a place of possibility and independence.
The Restorative Care Pathway is a sign of commitment to doing things differently—and doing them better. If we get it right, we can create a future where older Australians are supported to live better lives, with greater choice, dignity, and connection.
Let’s get to work.
The views and opinions expressed in Knowledge Blogs are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of ARIIA, Flinders University and/or the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing.