An aged care assessment through My Aged Care determines whether CHSP is the right program for your needs.
You may be eligible to be assessed if you:
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The Commonwealth Home Support Program, or CHSP, provides entry-level government-funded aged care services for older Australians who need a little extra help to stay safe and independent at home.
CHSP can support you with approved services such as help around the home, personal care, transport, meals, nursing, allied health and respite.
An aged care assessment through My Aged Care determines whether CHSP is the right program for your needs.
You may be eligible to be assessed if you:
And are finding some everyday activities harder to manage independently.
You can access aged care assessment pathways from an earlier age.
Older people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness may also be eligible.
Your assessment looks at the help you need at home. If your needs are more complex or intensive, you may instead be approved for Support at Home.
CHSP is designed for older people who are generally managing independently but could benefit from a smaller amount of support with everyday activities.
Rather than receiving an individual ongoing care budget, you are assessed and approved for specific CHSP services based on your needs.
CHSP is generally suited to people who need a lower level of assistance rather than regular, coordinated or more complex care.
Depending on your assessed needs, CHSP services may be provided on a short-term, episodic or ongoing basis.
The program is designed to help you continue doing as much as possible for yourself, while providing support where you need it.
The services available to you depend on what has been approved through your aged care assessment and what CHSP services are available in your area.
Domestic assistance, laundry, shopping support, meals, gardening, home maintenance and repairs.
Personal care, transport, social support and community engagement.
Approved nursing, allied health and therapy services, including services such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy and podiatry.
Planned respite services can provide support for you while giving your regular carer a break.
Some assistive technology, equipment, home adjustments and home modifications may also be available where approved.
Start by checking your eligibility and requesting an aged care assessment through My Aged Care.
An assessor will talk with you about how you’re managing at home and identify the types of support that may help.
If you’re approved for CHSP, your Notice of Decision and support plan will outline the services you’re eligible to receive. You may receive separate referral codes for different approved services.
You then need to find a registered provider in your area that is funded to deliver the particular CHSP service you’ve been approved for. You may use different providers for different CHSP services.
CHSP is government subsidised, but it does not necessarily mean your services are free.
CHSP clients are expected to contribute towards the cost of their services where they can afford to do so.
The amount you pay depends on the service and the provider you choose. Providers must explain their contribution policy and agree fees with you before services begin.
Unlike Support at Home, CHSP does not use the same income and assets assessment process to set participant contribution percentages.
If you’re unable to afford the requested contribution, providers have arrangements in place to ensure financial hardship does not automatically prevent access to services.
Both programs help older Australians remain living at home, but they are designed for different levels of care.
| CHSP | Support at Home | |
|---|---|---|
| Type of support | Entry-level support | Ongoing, coordinated or more complex support |
| Funding structure | Approval for specific services | Individual funding classification and budget |
| Funding levels | No individual classification budget | 8 ongoing funding classifications |
| Providers | Providers must be funded for the specific CHSP service in your area | Choose a registered Support at Home provider |
| Costs | Client contributions set by CHSP providers | Participant contributions based on service type and financial circumstances |
| Best suited to | People needing a smaller amount of help | People needing broader, ongoing or higher-level care |
Your needs can change. If you’re receiving CHSP and now need more frequent care, additional services or more coordinated support, contact My Aged Care to discuss whether you should be reassessed.
A reassessment may determine that Support at Home is more appropriate for your current needs.
CHSP can be a great option when you need a smaller amount of help at home. But if your needs have increased, you don’t have to stay with the same level of support. HCA Home Care specialises in Support at Home and can help you understand your options once you’ve been approved for broader government-funded home care.
We’re here to assist you with any inquiries and provide personalised support for your needs.
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