Commonwealth Home Support Programme

Not everyone accessing home care requires high-level support, some people may simply need some help with challenging chores – like gardening, or keeping on top of the vacuuming and washing.

If this sounds like you, you may be best suited to home care supports offered through the Government’s entry level Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP).

The CHSP is a national program, meaning it is available in all States and Territories. The services offered as part of CHSP are there to support you if you are mostly able to care for yourself but need some help with certain small jobs.

It is also a great option if you are experiencing a setback and need short-term support to help you get back on your feet.

If you need support to live independently at home or remain socially active in your community, the CHSP can be a great home care option. The CHSP aims to provide extra assistance to help you manage at home, but also provides support using a wellness approach that builds on your strength, which will both maintain your independence and develop your abilities.

There is a large range of different services available that can assist you in your home. Every service you receive should benefit you positively and target your individual needs.

The CHSP services you can expect to receive from providers to help you manage your day-to-day activities can include:

◆ Transport

◆ Domestic help such as house cleaning and laundry

◆ Personal care such as help with showering, dressing and undressing

◆ Home maintenance such as changing light bulbs and gardening

◆ Home modifications such as installing a grab rail

◆ Aids and equipment such as a shower chair, raised toilet seat and mobility aids

◆ Help with meals and/or food preparation

◆ Nursing care and managing medications

◆ Allied health

◆ Social support such as accompanied activities and group excursions

◆ Respite

CHSP is usually the entry point to home care services for a lot of people and provides basic services such as help with shopping or meal preparation, keeping the house clean, and low level personal care.

CHSP services enhance the independence and wellbeing of older people who want to remain living at home and in their community for longer, but need that little bit of extra help to do that.

Independence is different from person to person, which is why individualised CHSP services are tailored to your needs. This could take different forms, like in an ongoing support capacity or short term assistance for recovery after an accident or illness.

Tailored services

Access to CHSP services is only available through a Government assessment to work out what services you need, and if in fact CHSP is the best fit for you.

Supports offerend through CHSP are entry-level supports, and if you have more complex care needs, a Home Care Package may be better suited to you and your needs. More information on HCPs can be found on page 113 and eligibility and assessments on page 117.

If you find yourself in the situation where you have an urgent need for home support services, and your safety would be at risk if those needs were not immediately met, you may be able to start receiving CHSP services before you have been assessed.