Aged Care Reform: What Clinicians Need to Know About Chronic Oedema Management
Understanding the changes to care pathways, funding and clinical responsibilities for older Australians
Presented by Kerryn Tutt, Physiotherapist and Lymphoedema Practitioner
Australia’s aged care reforms are changing how older people access services, how clinical interventions are funded and what providers must demonstrate about the care they deliver.
For clinicians managing chronic oedema and lymphoedema, these changes have direct implications for assessment, treatment, compression therapy and continuity of care.
In this November LES clinical learning feature, Kerryn Tutt, physiotherapist, lymphoedema practitioner and experienced aged care executive, examines the reforms and what they mean for everyday clinical practice.
Her central message is that effective oedema management depends not only on sound clinical reasoning, but also on understanding the aged care system, documenting clinical needs and working collaboratively to ensure recommendations are implemented.
Part 1: Home-Based Aged Care
Approx. 22 minutes
Care pathways, funding, compression products and reassessment.
Part 2: Residential Aged Care
Approx. 17 minutes
Provider responsibilities, allied health, compression safety and clinical practice.
Presentation notes and additional resources
To accompany Kerryn’s two-part presentation, we’ve prepared a downloadable four-page reference highlighting the key information and practical considerations for clinicians managing chronic oedema and lymphoedema.
The notes distinguish between home-based and residential aged care, outlining the implications for service access, funding, compression therapy and clinical responsibilities. They also include practical questions to support clinical decision-making, along with links to government guidance, relevant reports and further reading.
Listen to the accompanying podcast episodes
Maree O’Connor and Kerryn Tutt explore the practical challenges of managing chronic oedema and lymphoedema under Australia’s aged care reforms, using two clinical scenarios.
Episode 17: Aged Care Part 1 | Navigating Oedema Care in the Community
Using the example of Betty, they discuss access to specialist care, funding for treatment and compression, and navigating Support at Home. Episode available from Tuesday 3 November 2026
Episode 18: Aged Care Part 2 | Managing Chronic Oedema in Residential Aged Care
Using Bill’s case, they explore provider responsibilities, compression funding, specialist intervention and improving everyday care. Episode available from Tuesday 17 November 2026
Listen to both episodes of Lymphoedema Insights for Health Professionals available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts
Acknowledging our Industry Partners
LES acknowledges and thanks Essity, Haddenham Healthcare, Lohmann & Rauscher and Medi-Rentfor supporting the development of this resource and ongoing clinical learning. Inclusion does not imply endorsement, and clinicians are encouraged to apply their own professional judgement in all aspects of patient care.
