A structured frailty program
for your ACT patients.

Free.

Summit Strong is a DHDA-funded, 12-week allied health program that reduces frailty, prevents avoidable hospitalisation, and supports independence — delivered in your patient's home.

Refer a Patient

Program Detail

ABOUT SUMMIT STRONG

A structured program to reduce frailty and support independence.

Summit Strong is delivered by Summit Health Solutions Act and funded by the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing (DHDA) through Capital Health Network (CHN). It supports ACT residents aged 65 and above — or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 50 and above — who are frail or pre-frail.

 

Over 12 weeks, participants receive evidence-based, coordinated support from physiotherapists, allied health assistants, a dietitian, and a social worker. The program aims to prevent avoidable deterioration, reduce preventable hospital presentations, and help people live safely and independently at home for as long as possible.

 

"Commissioned to support healthy ageing, strengthen chronic disease management, and reduce pressure on local health services."
— DHDA funding objectives
 

The program runs in cohorts four times per year, with all coordination handled by our team after referral. There is no cost to the patient or the referring practice.

PROGRAM AT A GLANCE

WHO IT'S FOR

ACT residents 65+ (or Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander 50+), frail or pre-frail
Title

PROGRAM LENGTH

12 weeks per cohort
Title

COHORT FREQUENCY

4 cohorts per year
Title

WEEK 1

Physiotherapist home assessment
Title

WEES 2-12

Weekly 1:1 allied health home visits
Title

ONLINE GROUP SESSION

2× per week group exercise sessions
Title

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT

Dietitian & social worker group-based education sessions
Title

COST TO PARTICIPANTS

DHDA Funded

THE 12-WEEK JOURNEY

How the program is delivered.

Every referral is followed up by our team. After intake, the program runs as follows.

01
WEEK 1
Physiotherapist Assessment
A qualified physiotherapist visits to assess strength, balance, mobility, and frailty level. This assessment shapes each participant's individual program plan.
02
WEEKS 2–12
Weekly 1:1 Home Visits
An allied health assistant visits once per week for a personalised, guided exercise session — right in the comfort of home. Sessions are practical and encouraging.
03
2× PER WEEK
Group Telehealth Sessions
Twice a week, participants join a friendly group video session for guided movement, peer connection, and motivation — no travel required.
04
AS NEEDED
Dietician & Social Worker Support
Where additional support is helpful, participants can access group-based education sessions with a dietitian for nutrition guidance and a social worker for broader wellbeing needs — all within the program.

WHO SUMMIT STRONG IS FOR

What the program provides.

Summit Strong is suitable for patients who would benefit from a structured, evidence-based frailty intervention — delivered in their home, at no cost.
Physiotherapy-led: every participant starts with a clinical assessment to ensure the program is safe and appropriate.
Allied health delivered: weekly 1:1 support from a qualified allied health assistant in the participant's home.
Fully funded: there is no cost to the participant or the referring practice. The program is government-funded.
Cohort-based: structured in groups of 20–25 to foster peer connection alongside clinical outcomes.
Additional support: dietitian and social worker group-based education sessions are available within the program where clinically indicated.
Eligibility criteria
  • ACT resident
  • Aged 65 years or older (or 50+ for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people)
  • Identified as frail or pre-frail by a GP or health professional
  • Has a current GP who can provide a referral
  • Able to participate in supervised exercise (as assessed by physiotherapist)
  • Access to a device for video calls (or willing to learn)

Tap a criterion to see more detail

Quick eligibility check

Toggle each criterion your patient meets:

ACT resident
Aged 65+
Frail or pre-frail
Has a GP
Can do supervised exercise
Can access video calls
✓ Likely eligible. Your patient meets all criteria. Please submit a referral through your usual GP referral pathway.
◑ Partially meets criteria. Some criteria are not yet confirmed. Review remaining items before referring.
✗ May not be eligible. This patient does not appear to meet the required criteria at this time.
⚠ Not eligible for self-enrolment.
All referrals must come through a GP or qualified health professional. If you or a family member is interested, please speak with your GP about Summit Strong.

REFERRALS & ENQUIRIES

Ready to refer?

Referrals are straightforward — our team handles all coordination after submission. There is no cost to the patient or your practice.

How to Refer

Referring to Summit Strong is straightforward. The program is free to patients and your practice, and our team handles all coordination after referral.

Identify a patient who is aged 65+ (or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander aged 50+), an ACT resident, and frail or pre-frail using a recognised clinical tool (e.g. FRAIL scale, Fried criteria).

Complete the Summit Strong referral form via our secure online portal — link below.

Submit via the portal. Our coordinator will contact the patient within 2-5 business days to confirm enrolment.

We will send a progress update at Week 1 (post-assessment) and at program completion.

Go to Referral Portal →

GPs and health professionals can submit referrals through our secure, password-protected online referral page.
 

Contact our team to receive access credentials for the referral portal.

Have questions? 

 

You're welcome to contact our team directly to learn more about the program before speaking with a GP.


📞 1300 315 315  ·  

✉️ admin@summithealthsolutions.com.au

COMMON QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions

If you can't find what you're looking for, please reach out to our team directly.

Who can refer a patient to Summit Strong?

Referrals can only be made by a GP or qualified health professional. The program is not open for self-enrolment. If a patient or their family is interested, they should speak with their GP who can assess eligibility and submit a referral.

Is there a cost to the patient or the referring practice?

No. Summit Strong is fully government-funded. There is no cost to participants, their families, or the referring practice. All program activities — including home visits, telehealth sessions, and allied health support — are provided free of charge.

What does "frail or pre-frail" mean for referral purposes?

Frailty refers to reduced physical reserve and resilience commonly associated with ageing. For referral purposes, GPs can use recognised clinical tools such as the FRAIL scale or the Fried Frailty Criteria. If you're unsure, contact our team — we're happy to discuss suitability before a formal referral is submitted.

How long does the program run and when do new cohorts start?

Summit Strong runs in 12-week cohorts, four times per year, with 20–25 participants per cohort. Contact our team to find out when the next cohort intake opens and whether places are currently available.

Does the patient need their own device for video sessions?

Participants will need access to a device capable of video calls (smartphone, tablet, or computer) for the group telehealth sessions. Our team can provide basic support to help participants get comfortable with the technology before sessions begin.

What happens after the 12 weeks?

At the end of the program, participants will have a clear exercise plan and healthier habits to continue independently. Our team will provide a summary to the referring GP. If ongoing support is needed, we can discuss appropriate referral pathways at that time.

Get in touch with our team

Whether you're a GP ready to refer a patient, a family member with questions, or a health professional wanting to learn more — we'd love to hear from you.

CALL US

1300 315 315

Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm AEST

EMAIL US

admin@summithealthsolutions.com.au

We aim to respond within 2 business days

REFERRAL FORMS

Download or request by email

GPs can also fax referrals
⛰️
SUMMIT STRONG
Building Strength. Sustaining Independence.

A government-funded 12-week health program supporting ACT residents aged 65+ (or Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people aged 50+) to build strength, eat well, and stay connected — from the comfort of home.

🏃 Build Strength 🥗 Nourish Well 🤝 Stay Connected
GPs & Professionals
Online referral only · GP or health professional required
Families & Carers
No self-enrolment · Referral through GP required
Funded by
Department of Health, Disability and Ageing (DHDA) Commissioned and delivered through Capital Health Network (CHN) · ACT PHN
Funded by PHN ACT — Capital Health Network

This service is supported by funding from the ACT PHN through the Australian Government's PHN Program.

© 2025 Summit Health Solutions Act. All rights reserved. Summit Strong is a funded program of Summit Health Solutions Act · Canberra, ACT