Transition Care Program (TCP)


The Northern Health Transition Care Program provides care and assistance with recovery for older people who have been in hospital. It is a Commonwealth and State funded short-term 12-week program.

The program is goal-based and can be delivered in the home (home based) or in a residential care setting (bed based). It is possible to transfer between one care setting to another during an admission to the program.

The Program is designed to assist people who can achieve further improvements in function with the view of returning home more independently, or, assisting with determining long term care needs and supporting the older person, family, carers and decision makers in planning for long term accommodation needs.


What to expect from the service?

When commencing the program, a care coordinator will meet with the older person, family, carers, and decision makers. Together developing a care plan that supports achieving the identified goals. The care plan will also outline any services to be provided.

Care co-ordinators are there to assist and guide with:

  • Current and future care planning organising services
  • Monitoring the achievement of goals
  • Helping with the residential aged care process if needed.

There are various allied health professionals that can help you to achieve your goals.

The allied health services may include:

Physiotherapy
The physiotherapist will complete an assessment of your mobility, physical strength and function after you have started the program. The physiotherapist will make recommendations as required and provide a program of individual exercises and therapy.

Occupational Therapy
The occupational therapist may complete an assessment if needed to address any equipment or therapy needs.

Price information

Transition Care Program fees are set by the Commonwealth and adjusted twice yearly aligning to the aged pension.

  • 17.5% of the basic, single aged care pension for home-based services
  • 85% of the basic, single aged care pension for bed-based services

The Northern Health Transition Care Program has 24 residential/bed-based packages located at two Commonwealth Accredited residential care sites in our region, and 45 community/home-based packages.

To be eligible for the Transition Care Program โ€“ the older person must be currently admitted in a hospital โ€“ the treating medical inpatient team will be able to support in referring to Northern Health Transition Care Program (TCP) via My Aged Care for an Aged Care Assessment (ACA).

Direct enquiries can be made by contacting the team who may be able to assist with the referral process, during working hours 8.30am to 5pm Monday to Friday.


Contact us

Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5pm.


Resources


Last edit: 23/04/2026

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