The Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) is an entry level care program to support older Australians requiring assistance to keep living independently at home and active in their community.

Completing everyday tasks can become more difficult as you age, and we all need a little help from time to time around the home. If you qualify for CHSP, our caring hands can help you with basic tasks around the home.

We work with you, as opposed to doing things for you, so that you can maintain your independence.  It’s your care, your way.

Reach out for a free consultation

How does it work?

Firstly, you will need to be assessed and approved for home care services, either by an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) or Regional Assessment Service (RAS).

A home care provider, like Southcare, will then contact you to deliver the services and products you need based on your assessed and approved care needs.

Everyone’s needs are different and at Southcare we get to know you to gain a better understanding of your needs and work with you to develop the best care plan to suit you.

As always, you are in control of your care so have choice and flexibility in the way your support services are delivered.

It’s your care, your way.

How much does it cost?

Southcare’s fee structure is simple and transparent with no exit fees, putting you in total control.  The amount spent depends on how much and how often you use our caring hands and the products you need.

We offer flexible service times and costs include wages, travel time, mileage, training and development and other administration costs.

Download the CHSP fee schedule

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Commonwealth Home Support Programme and Home Care Packages?

The Commonwealth Home Support Programme is an Australian Government program providing support for older Australians requiring assistance to remain living independently at home and in their own community. The CHSP is designed to provide entry level support to those who may find themselves seeking a little bit of help with some everyday tasks.

Home Care Packages on the other hand are designed to support those who require more complex aged care needs that go beyond what the Commonwealth Home Support Programme can provide. Home Care Packages offer a coordinated approach to the delivery of your in home care services and can be tailored to suit you, in line with your assessed and approved care needs.

There are four levels of HCP support, and your level will be assessed by a professional assessor using a nationally consistent assessment framework to determine which services you are eligible for.

The amount of government funding you receive to put towards your home care differs between the CHSP and HCP. As the CHSP is designed for those who have lower care needs, the funding is less. As HCP are designed for those who have an increased level of care needs, the package funding is higher.

What are the similarities between Commonwealth Home Support Program and Home Care Packages?

Both the Commonwealth Home Support Programme and Home Care Packages are funded by the Australian Government. This means that if you are assessed by My Aged Care and your approved care needs meet the criteria, you will receive money from the government to put towards your aged home care services. These home care package funds can be used to pay for a wide range of home care support services, such as nursing care, jobs around the home, wound care, meal preparation and more.

The range of services you can receive on the CHSP and HCP are also similar. Depending on your assessed and approved care needs, you may require assistance in the form of gardening, personal care, occupational therapy, meal service, transport or assistance with Allied Health Services, for example.

What Services does Commonwealth Home Support Programme Provide?

The CHSP offers a wide range of home/community care services including:

  • Social Support and Activities
  • Transport
  • Domestic Assistance
  • Personal care
  • Home Maintenance
  • Nursing Care
  • Respite Care
  • Food Services
    Who is eligible for Commonwealth Home Support Programme?

    Eligibility for the CHSP is based on your support needs and age. Your financial situation doesn’t effect your eligibility. To be eligible for the CHSP program you must be aged:

    • 65 years or older (50 years or older for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people), or
    • 50 years or older (45 years or older for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people) and on a low income, homeless, or at risk of being homeless.

    Check your eligibility online and find out what aged care services you could receive based on your needs.

    What in-home care or support do you need the most?

    Reach out for a free consultation on options or a tailored care plan and let our caring hands help you stay healthy and independent in your own home.

    If you currently receive services from another provider, we’re happy to provide a free comparison to ensure you are getting the best care and value for money.

    Simply complete the form below and we’ll be in touch.