Family and Carers: The Heart of Therapy

What happens in the hours between therapy sessions? That’s where the magic really happens. The small moments at home, the support at school, the encouragement in the community – this is where therapy strategies take root and progress comes to life.

At Back to Basics Health Group, we believe families, carers, and support workers aren’t just part of the picture, you’re at the heart of therapy. Together, we can make everyday life easier and celebrate meaningful success.

In this article

Why Family and Carer Involvement Matters

Families and support networks know the person best – their routines, strengths, challenges, and dreams. When you’re involved, therapy goals are reinforced where it matters most: daily life. That consistency is what turns therapy strategies into lifelong skills.

Your role matters in ways big and small: from encouraging independence at home, to communicating with school staff, to sharing important updates with therapists. It’s not just about supporting therapy, it’s about building confidence, safety, and joy in everyday life.

How Families Can Stay Connected to Therapy

We make it easy for families and carers to be part of the therapy team. Here’s how you can help:

  • Join Annual Reviews — every 12 months we meet with you to reflect on progress, refresh goals, and plan for the year ahead.
  • Keep us updated — let us know about any important changes, like new medications, health conditions, family circumstances, or NDIS funding updates.
  • Read your progress notes — after each session, we send you notes with strategies to practise at home, school, or in the community.
  • Share information — give us reports or updates from teachers, doctors, or other providers. Share our reports with them too, so everyone is working together.
  • Practise strategies daily — whether it’s speech exercises at mealtimes, mobility techniques in the community, or calming routines at bedtime, consistency makes the difference.
  • Provide feedback — tell us what’s working well or what needs adjusting. Your insight helps us refine therapy so it truly fits your loved one’s life.

Practical Everyday Examples of Family Involvement

Families and carers play an important role in bringing therapy strategies into everyday life. Here are some examples of how support networks can put therapy into practice:

  • Practising speech during story time — Parents who include speech exercises while reading at bedtime help reinforce skills in a natural, enjoyable way. This gives children more opportunities to practise outside of therapy sessions.
  • Daily mobility support — Support workers who use safe transfer techniques at home provide consistency and help create safer, more independent routines.
  • Building calm in the community — Carers who use relaxation or calming strategies during outings make it easier to practise participation in everyday community activities.
  • Inclusive mealtimes — When siblings or family members use a person’s communication device during meals, it encourages confidence in using the device and helps make family conversations more inclusive.
  • Sharing important updates — Families who notify us about changes such as new medications or NDIS plan adjustments help us adapt therapy planning to stay aligned with current needs.
  • Consistency across settings — When families share therapy reports with teachers or other providers, it helps create consistent strategies across school, home, and community.
  • Supporting safe mealtimes — Carers who follow a personalised mealtime management plan can support safe swallowing practices and make mealtimes more positive.

These everyday examples show how therapy isn’t just about what happens in the session, it’s also about the many moments at home, at school, and in the community where families and carers play a vital role.

Top 5 Ways Families Can Supercharge Therapy

  1. Read session notes — they’re packed with strategies to try at home.
  2. Keep us updated — new meds, health changes, or life events matter.
  3. Join the annual review — your input shapes future goals.
  4. Share reports — keep the whole care team aligned.
  5. Practise daily — small, consistent steps lead to lasting change.

How Back to Basics Keeps You in the Loop

Collaboration is built into everything we do:

  • Annual Reviews — structured meetings with families every 12 months to review progress and set new goals.
  • Internal Multidisciplinary Team Meetings — your Back to Basics therapists meet at least every six months to share expertise and enhance outcomes. Families don’t attend, but we include key updates in your progress notes so you’re always informed.
  • Progress notes after every appointment — practical, easy-to-read strategies you can use straight away.
  • Resources and training — we provide guides, tools, and education to help families and carers feel confident supporting therapy every day.

A Gentle Reminder: You’re Part of the Team

Families, carers, and support workers aren’t bystanders, you’re therapy partners. By reading session notes, keeping us updated, sharing reports, and putting strategies into practice, you multiply the impact of therapy.

Your Next Step

If you’re supporting someone in therapy, here’s how you can help today:

  • Read the progress notes from the latest session.
  • Let us know if there have been any important changes.
  • Share your thoughts and feedback with us.

Because when we work together, progress doesn’t just happen in therapy, it can happen everywhere.