Allied Health Assistant Program
What is an Allied Health Assistant?
Allied Health Assistants (AHAs) are important members of our Physiotherapy team. They work alongside your child’s Physiotherapist to help deliver therapy programs and support your child’s development.
AHAs provide support by delivering therapy activities they have been specifically trained to carry out. These activities are carefully planned and delegated by your child’s Physiotherapist, and are delivered under either direct or indirect supervision.
For families, this means your child is supported by a team. While the AHA may work closely with your child during sessions, all clinical decisions about your child’s care are made by the Physiotherapist.
AHAs are trained and skilled team members, but they are not fully qualified Physiotherapists. Your Physiotherapist designs the therapy plan, and the AHA helps deliver that plan through regular, guided practice.
What is the Allied Health Assistant Program for?
Our AHA program allows our Physiotherapy team to provide high-quality therapy more often and in a more flexible way.
AHAs support Physiotherapists by delivering therapy sessions they are trained and competent to provide. This can allow for increased session frequency, helping your child practise important skills more regularly while also supporting more families to access care.
Within our service, AHAs may assist with:
- One-on-one sessions in the clinic, following a program set by your Physiotherapist
- One-on-one hydrotherapy sessions, guided by your Physiotherapist
- Group Physiotherapy sessions and intensive therapy programs
In some cases, working with an AHA can also be a more cost-effective option. Your Physiotherapist will always ensure this approach is safe, appropriate, and suited to your child’s needs.
What Does the Service Involve?
We have AHAs who work at two levels:
Level I:
The AHA works under direct supervision from a Physiotherapist.
Level II:
The AHA may run sessions more independently, with Physiotherapist supervision happening behind the scenes.
At both levels, there are clear processes in place to ensure safe and effective care. Your child’s Physiotherapist will provide guidance, training, and ongoing support to the AHA.
To maintain a high standard of care with our AHA program, both in establishing this support and during ongoing care, time is required for:
- Planning and preparing therapy sessions
- Communicating between the AHA and Physiotherapist
- Reviewing and updating your child’s program
This work may involve billable time, as it is an essential part of delivering safe, effective therapy. Before starting in the AHA program, we will provide clear information so you understand how services are delivered and funded.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will AHA sessions be as effective for my child as Physiotherapy sessions?
A:It’s completely natural to wonder about this. Your child’s Physiotherapist carefully decides which parts of the therapy plan can be delivered by an AHA. These are activities the AHA is trained and confident to provide safely. Your Physiotherapist remains closely involved and will update the program as needed. In many cases, AHA sessions allow for more frequent practice, which can support progress toward your child’s goals. Our team works together to ensure sessions are both effective and enjoyable, whether delivered by an AHA or Physiotherapist.
Q: If I have concerns about my child’s program, can I discuss this with my AHA?
A:Yes, absolutely. You are welcome to speak with your AHA, your Physiotherapist, or our admin team at any time. If you share concerns with your AHA, they will pass this information on to the supervising Physiotherapist to discuss further with you. AHAs are not responsible for making changes to therapy plans, but they play an important role in communicating with the team so your child receives the best possible support.
Q: Can my child continue with only the AHA without Physiotherapist involvement?
A:We understand that families and children often build strong, positive relationships with their AHA, which is wonderful to see. We work hard to ensure our AHAs are well trained and supported, so they are delivering therapy support at a high level. However, Physiotherapists are responsible for overseeing your child’s care. Ongoing involvement from your Physiotherapist is essential to ensure therapy remains safe, appropriate, and effective.
Your Physiotherapist will:
- Review your child’s progress (both behind the scenes and in person)
- Update therapy programs in joint sessions
- Support the AHA in delivering care
The level of Physiotherapist involvement will depend on your child’s needs, as well as any questions or concerns from you or the AHA. Working together as a team, with open communication, helps achieve the best outcomes for your child.
How to make an appointment
Easy!
- Call us on 0422 229 971 or fill in the enquiry form below.
- Our team will arrange an initial chat
- Your treating Physiotherapist can help guide referral into our AHA program as appropriate and provide you with further information relating to this program
WE'RE CREATIVE
WE'RE PASIONATE
WE CARE
Contact us
Call Us
Our Location
Suite 1/66 Jessica Boulevard
MINYAMA QLD 4575
(In shared rooms with Orthotic Solutions)
Open Hours
Monday 9am – 5pm
Tuesday 9am – 5pm
Wednesday 8am – 5pm
Thursday 8am – 5pm
Friday 8am – 12noon