Posted in Age care

When navigating the aged care industry, it can be difficult to understand what all the different terms mean. This may leave you feeling confused about which home care services will be best for you. A couple of terms you may come across when beginning your aged care journey is Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) and Home Care Package (HCP). But what exactly are these services?

What is the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP)?

The Commonwealth Home Support Programme is a government program providing support for older Australians requiring assistance to keep 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. Rather than doing things for you, the aim of the CHSP is to work with you to maintain your independence.

What is a Home Care Package (HCP)?

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 and can be tailored to suit your individual needs.

There are four levels of HCP support, and your level will be assessed by a professional assessor using a nationally consistent assessment framework. The four levels are:

  • Level 1 – basic care needs
  • Level 2 – low level care needs
  • Level 3 – intermediate care needs
  • Level 4 – high care needs

What are the similarities between the CHSP and HCP?

Both the CHSP and HCP are funded by the government. This means that if you are assessed by My Aged Care and your care needs meet the criteria, you will receive money from the government to put towards your in-home aged care services.

The services you can receive on the CHSP and HCP are also similar. Depending on your care needs, you may require support in the form of gardening, showering, meal service or transport, for example.

What are the differences between the CHSP and HCP?

The amount of 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 funding is higher.

HCP also has different levels, whereas the CHSP does not have levels.

How do I work out what home care is best for me?

To begin your aged care journey, you will need to organise an assessment with the government agency My Aged Care. My Aged Care will then assess your care needs and determine which level of support will be best for you.

To find out more about the Commonwealth Home Support Programme and Home Care Packages, please contact one of our friendly staff on 6117 3050.

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