For many older Australians, getting to a podiatry clinic is harder than it sounds. Driving may no longer be an option, public transport can be exhausting, and family members are not always free during business hours. Meanwhile, foot problems do not wait — and for seniors, they are directly linked to mobility, balance and independence. That is exactly why mobile podiatry exists. In this guide, the team at People Podiatry explains how a mobile podiatrist for the elderly works, what a home visit includes, what it costs, and the funding options that can reduce or even cover the fee.
What is a mobile podiatrist?
A mobile podiatrist is a fully qualified, AHPRA-registered podiatrist who brings the clinic to you. Home visit podiatry is not a cut-down service: with portable equipment, a mobile podiatrist can deliver almost everything offered in a clinic room, including nail care, corn and callus removal, diabetic foot assessments, footwear advice and mobility support — all from the comfort of your favourite chair.
People Podiatry Australia provides home visit podiatry across Perth for seniors, people with disability, post-surgery patients and anyone who finds travel difficult. We also visit residential aged care facilities and retirement villages — see our aged care podiatry service for details.
Why foot care matters so much for seniors
Feet change as we age. Skin becomes thinner and drier, nails thicken and become harder to cut, circulation slows, and conditions like arthritis and diabetes add extra complications. Left unmanaged, these small changes have outsized consequences:
- Falls risk. Foot pain, long nails and unsuitable footwear all measurably increase the risk of falls — one of the leading causes of injury and loss of independence in older Australians.
- Reduced mobility. When walking hurts, people walk less. Less walking means weaker muscles, poorer balance, and declining health overall.
- Infections and wounds. For seniors with diabetes or poor circulation, a small cut or an ingrown toenail can become a serious wound surprisingly quickly.
- Loss of independence. Something as simple as being unable to trim your own toenails — due to eyesight, flexibility or hand strength — affects dignity and daily comfort.
Regular podiatry visits every six to eight weeks keep these risks under control, and research consistently shows professional foot care helps older adults stay mobile and independent for longer.
What happens during a home podiatry visit?
A typical first visit from a People Podiatry mobile podiatrist runs like this:
1. A relaxed health and foot history
We start by talking — about your general health, medications, any diagnoses such as diabetes or arthritis, previous foot problems, and what is bothering you now. Family members or carers are very welcome to join the conversation.
2. A thorough foot assessment
Your podiatrist examines skin, nails, circulation and sensation, and checks for pressure areas, corns, calluses and any wounds. For patients with diabetes, this includes a structured diabetic foot assessment with monofilament and pulse checks.
3. Treatment on the spot
Most care happens then and there: professional nail trimming and thinning, corn and callus removal, treatment of cracked heels, dressing of minor wounds, and management of ingrown toenails. Everything is done with sterilised instruments, exactly as it would be in a clinic.
4. Footwear and falls-prevention advice
We check that your footwear and slippers actually fit and support you properly — worn, loose slippers are one of the most common fall hazards we see in Perth homes.
5. A simple ongoing plan
Before leaving, your podiatrist recommends a review interval (commonly six to eight weeks for routine care) and writes up notes for your GP or care provider where relevant, so everyone stays in the loop.
What does a mobile podiatrist cost in Australia?
Home visit podiatry in Perth typically costs between $90 and $140 per visit depending on the provider, travel distance and the care required — usually only modestly more than a clinic appointment once travel is factored in. The good news is that many seniors do not pay the full fee out of pocket, because several funding pathways exist.
Funding options that can reduce or cover the cost
Medicare — Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plans
If you live with a chronic condition such as diabetes or arthritis, your GP can prepare a Chronic Disease Management plan (formerly an EPC plan) that provides Medicare rebates for up to five allied health visits per calendar year, which can include podiatry. The rebate covers a significant portion of each visit fee.
Home Care Packages (HCP)
If you receive a Home Care Package, podiatry — including home visits — can usually be paid directly from your package funds as an allied health service. Speak to your package provider or care coordinator; People Podiatry regularly works with Perth HCP providers and can arrange invoicing directly.
The new Support at Home program
As Australia transitions aged care funding to the Support at Home program, allied health services such as podiatry remain a core supported category. Your care coordinator can confirm what applies to your plan.
DVA — Department of Veterans’ Affairs
Veterans with a Gold Card (or a White Card covering relevant conditions) can access podiatry with a GP referral, including home visits where clinically required, fully funded by DVA.
NDIS
For participants whose plans include allied health supports, podiatry home visits can be funded through the NDIS where they relate to plan goals.
Private health insurance
Many extras policies include podiatry. Rebates vary by fund and level of cover, so check with your insurer.
Not sure which of these applies to you or your parent? Call People Podiatry on 0415 708 817 — we help families navigate funding questions every week and can usually point you in the right direction in a single phone call.
How to choose a mobile podiatrist for an elderly parent
If you are arranging care for a parent or relative, a quick checklist:
- AHPRA registration — non-negotiable; verify the podiatrist on the public register.
- Experience with seniors — aged care podiatry requires patience, gentleness and awareness of conditions like diabetes, arthritis and dementia.
- Proper sterilisation — instruments should be sterilised to clinical standards between patients.
- Clear communication — a good mobile podiatrist reports back to family, GPs and care providers when needed.
- Reliable scheduling — regular recurring visits matter more than one-off care for older feet.
Home visit podiatry across Perth with People Podiatry
People Podiatry Australia has built its home visit service around the needs of older Australians: gentle, unhurried appointments, the same podiatrist wherever possible, and clear communication with families and carers. We service homes, retirement villages and aged care facilities across Perth.
To book a home visit or ask about funding, call 0415 708 817, phone the clinic on 08 9297 4800, or use our contact page. You can also read more about the service on our home visit podiatry page.
Frequently asked questions
How often should an elderly person see a podiatrist?
For routine care such as nail cutting and callus management, every six to eight weeks is typical. Patients with diabetes, circulation problems or a history of foot wounds may need more frequent reviews — your podiatrist will recommend the right interval.
Does Medicare cover podiatry home visits for pensioners?
Medicare does not automatically cover podiatry, but with a GP-arranged Chronic Disease Management plan, eligible patients receive rebates for up to five allied health visits a year, which can be used for home podiatry.
Can you cut diabetic patients’ toenails at home?
Yes — and for many people with diabetes, professional nail care is strongly recommended over self-care, because reduced sensation makes accidental cuts both more likely and more dangerous. Every diabetic home visit includes a check of circulation and sensation.
Do you only visit for ongoing care, or can I book a one-off visit?
Both. Some patients need a single visit — for example, to treat an ingrown toenail — while most seniors benefit from regular recurring appointments.