Who Does What in Allied Health? Understanding Each Role in Your Care Team

When most people think of allied health, their first thought is often physiotherapy. But allied health is a much broader space—especially when it comes to mobile or in-home care.

For NDIS participants and others with chronic conditions, disability, or age-related needs, a mobile allied health team can be life-changing. But to make the most of it, it helps to understand the different types of professionals involved, how they work together, and when you might benefit from their expertise.

In this article, we break down what each service actually does in real life, how it applies to different client situations, and why seeing a mobile team that communicates and collaborates can dramatically improve outcomes.

 

What Is Allied Health, Really?

Allied health refers to a group of qualified professionals who aren’t doctors or nurses but who provide essential therapeutic support across a wide range of health conditions. This includes physiotherapists, occupational therapists (OTs), podiatrists, and dietitians, among others.

In a mobile setting, these practitioners come directly to your home, making therapy more accessible, consistent, and integrated into your daily life. This approach removes the need for travel, reduces missed appointments, and allows the clinician to assess your real-world challenges in context.

 

When It’s Not Just Physio: The Full Team Explained

NDIS Provider In Home Care

1. Occupational Therapy (OT)

Occupational therapists focus on helping people do the things they need and want to do—from showering and cooking to returning to work or participating in hobbies.

In a mobile setting, OTs:

  • Assess the safety and functionality of your home environment
  • Provide equipment recommendations (e.g., rails, seating, adaptive tools)
  • Help build independence in personal care, kitchen tasks, and more
  • Support sensory and cognitive needs in clients with neurodivergence or brain injuries
  • Assist with NDIS documentation and functional reports

OT is especially vital for clients with stroke recovery, neurodegenerative conditions like Parkinson’s, physical disabilities, or complex chronic illnesses.

 

2. Podiatry

Mobile podiatrists focus on foot and lower limb health—a critical area for people with diabetes, limited mobility, or neurological conditions.

A mobile podiatrist may provide:

  • Nail and skin care to prevent complications like ulcers
  • Footwear assessments to reduce fall risk
  • Gait and balance assessments
  • Support for clients with arthritis, circulatory issues, or foot deformities
  • Custom orthotics (with in-home fitting and follow-up)

Many clients who cannot reach a clinic for regular foot care benefit significantly from in-home visits, especially when they’re managing multiple health issues.

 

3. Dietetics

Accredited Practising Dietitians (APDs) help clients understand and improve their nutrition to support long-term health, healing, and energy.

In a mobile allied health setting, dietitians can:

  • Review current dietary habits and medical conditions
  • Provide tailored advice for weight management, diabetes, gastrointestinal issues, and more
  • Educate carers and families on safe and appropriate meal planning
  • Help with mealtime routines and texture-modified diets

This service is especially beneficial for clients with complex feeding needs, dementia, or those transitioning home after hospital stays.

 

4. Physiotherapy (Still essential!)

While this article aims to shine a light beyond physio, it remains a core part of any mobile allied health team.

Mobile physiotherapists:

  • Help with strength, balance, and mobility
  • Support rehab after surgery, injury, or hospitalisation
  • Provide fall prevention strategies
  • Treat pain and musculoskeletal issues
  • Build tailored exercise programs for home use

The magic happens when physios work side by side with OTs, dietitians, and podiatrists to deliver whole-person care.

 

Why Team-Based Allied Health Works

Many clients don’t just need one type of service. A person recovering from a stroke, for example, may need:

  • A physio to regain mobility
  • An OT to help adapt their home and rebuild independence
  • A podiatrist to monitor foot health due to reduced sensation
  • A dietitian to ensure they’re getting the nutrition needed to rebuild strength

By choosing a provider like Team Rehab Solutions, who offers mobile allied health under one umbrella, you reduce gaps in care. Communication is streamlined. Goals are shared. And sessions can be scheduled to avoid overlap or fatigue.

 

Client Success Stories That Show the Difference

“I am a T2/3 paraplegic… I began my journey with Joe at TRS after a severe rotator cuff injury. At that time I was feeling very frustrated… With the support of my growing team I’ve progressed from the recovery phase to building strength. This has given me more independence… I’m so grateful to Joe, Jimmy, Emily B, and Mitch… I wouldn’t be where I am today.”

“I have been using the services of Team Rehab Solutions following major spinal surgery… Joe has been coming to my home and guiding me through a series of exercises to strengthen my muscles and overcome nerve damage… Joe has impressed with his knowledge and skills…”

“A massive thankyou to Josh who is helping my brother Keith who suffers from Parkinson’s Disease… His manner and gentle persuasion is helping Keith keep up his physical ability to be able to stay in his home.”

These are just a few examples of how coordinated, home-based allied health can improve outcomes and quality of life.

 

When to Consider a Mobile Allied Health Team

Women Clinician With Long Blonde Hair In A Pony Tail Sitting At A Glass Table With A Laptop With Women Patient Who Has Blonde Hair And Wearing A Purple Patterned Top, On The Laptop The Clinician Is Going Through Paper Work

If you or someone you care for:

  • Is under the NDIS and needs ongoing support
  • Has a disability, chronic illness, or injury affecting mobility or independence
  • Struggles to attend in-clinic appointments due to transport or fatigue
  • Needs more than one type of allied health service
  • Would benefit from therapy in the comfort and familiarity of home

Then it may be time to reach out.

 

Why Team Rehab Solutions

TRS brings together mobile physiotherapy, occupational therapy, podiatry, and dietetics under one banner—with a team that works collaboratively and tailors care to each client’s situation.

Servicing the Gold Coast, Brisbane, and surrounds, TRS is NDIS-registered and highly experienced in both disability and ageing-related needs.

 

Need coordinated allied health care at home?

Call Team Rehab Solutions on (07) 5597 6544 or get in touch online to book an initial consultation.

We’ll help you find the right combination of support to live more independently and confidently—in the comfort of your own home.