Getting older does not mean you have to give up your independence or move into residential aged care. If you’re 65 or over and finding daily tasks more challenging, the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) is exactly what you need to stay comfortable in your own home.
Many Australians don’t realize that government-subsidized aged care extends far beyond nursing homes. The CHSP helps thousands of seniors across the country maintain their independence while getting practical support with everyday activities.
At Wallsend Healthcare, we provide guidance and support for seniors and their families to access CHSP services smoothly. Our team can help you understand eligibility, connect you with local providers, and ensure you receive the right care at home.
Need help arranging affordable aged care through CHSP? Call Wallsend Healthcare today or Book Online to get started.
What Is the Commonwealth Home Support Programme?
The CHSP is the Australian Government’s way of helping older people stay at home longer. Instead of moving to an aged care facility, you get targeted support for the specific things you’re finding difficult.
Think of it as a helping hand rather than full-time care. You can’t manage the weekly grocery shop anymore, or cleaning the house has become too much. Perhaps you need transport to medical appointments because you’ve stopped driving.
The programme covers these practical needs so you can focus on enjoying life in your own space.
The best part? The Australian government subsidises most of these services, making them affordable for pensioners and low-income seniors who might otherwise struggle to afford private help.
Who Can Access These Aged Care Services?
You’re eligible for CHSP support if you’re:
- 65 years or older (or 50+ if you’re Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander)
- Living in your own home – whether you own it, rent, or live with family
- Needing help with basic daily activities but not requiring intensive clinical care
- Assessed as suitable for community-based support rather than residential care
Your financial situation doesn’t matter for the basic daily fee, but don’t let cost concerns stop you from applying. The government funds most services, and fee assistance is available for those who need it.
Mary, a 72 year old living alone in Newcastle, worried she couldn’t afford help with her groceries and cleaning. Through CHSP, she now pays just $10.50 per hour for domestic assistance far less than private services would cost.
Types of Care and Services Available
The CHSP isn’t one-size-fits-all. Services offered depend on what you actually need help with:
Home Maintenance and Domestic Help
- Light cleaning and housework
- Laundry assistance
- Simple home repairs and yard work
- Grocery shopping or help with shopping
Personal Care Support
- Showering and dressing assistance
- Medication reminders (not clinical care)
- Basic foot care and grooming help
Social Activities and Community Connections
- Transport to social activities
- Community centre programs
- Volunteer visitor programs to reduce isolation
- Group activities and outings
Practical Day to Day Support
- Transport to medical appointments
- Help with banking and bill paying
- Meal preparation or delivered meals
- Technology support (like using smartphones or tablets)
The key difference from residential aged care is that you’re still living independently. These services just fill in the gaps where you need a hand.
How Much Does Government-Funded Aged Care Cost?
Here’s where many people get pleasantly surprised. Because the Australian Government subsidises these services, the basic daily fee is much lower than private aged care services.
Standard costs include:
- Basic daily fee: $10.50 per hour (as of 2024)
- Income-tested care fee: May apply depending on your financial situation
- Some services: Completely free, like volunteer visitor programs
The Department of Health uses a fee estimator to work out what you’ll pay based on your income and assets. Many pensioners find they qualify for reduced fees or fee assistance.
Important: You’ll never pay the full cost of services. The government contribution covers the majority of expenses, making this affordable aged care option accessible to most seniors.
At Wallsend Healthcare, we guide seniors and their families through the CHSP application step by step. Whether it’s home help, transport, or respite care, our team is here to make the process easier. Call us or book your consultation online today.
CHSP vs. Other Aged Care Options
Understanding your options helps you make the right choice for your situation:
CHSP vs. Home Care Packages
- CHSP: Basic support, lower cost, easier to access
- Home Care Packages: More comprehensive care, higher government funding, longer waiting lists
CHSP vs. Residential Aged Care
- CHSP: Stay at home, maintain independence, lower accommodation costs
- Residential care: 24/7 support available, higher level of clinical care
CHSP vs. Private Services
- CHSP: Government subsidised, standardized quality, affordable
- Private: More expensive, immediate availability, wider service options
Most people start with CHSP and move to other options only if their care needs increase significantly.
Real Stories: How CHSP Changes Lives
Frank’s Story (Age 78, Hunter Valley): After his wife passed away, Frank struggled with cooking and cleaning. He was considering moving to an aged care facility until his daughter learned about CHSP. Now he gets domestic help twice a week and meal delivery three times a week. “I’m still in my own home, still independent, but I don’t have to worry about the things I can’t manage anymore.”
Patricia’s Experience (Age 69, Wallsend): Patricia stopped driving after a minor accident, but didn’t want to become isolated. Through CHSP, she gets transport to her medical appointments and weekly social activities at the community centre. “It’s given me my social life back. I was becoming quite lonely before.”
These aren’t unusual stories. Across Australia, CHSP helps maintain the quality of life for thousands of seniors who want to stay home.
Step by Step: How to Apply for CHSP
Getting started is simpler than many people expect:
Step 1: Initial Contact
Call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 or visit myagedcare.gov.au. This is the single entry point for all Australian government aged care services.
Step 2: Phone Assessment
A trained assessor will talk to you about your daily activities and what support you need. This usually takes 30-45 minutes and can be done over the phone.
Step 3: Service Matching
Based on your assessment, you’ll be connected with local service providers in your area who can deliver the specific help you need.
Step 4: Service Agreement
You’ll discuss costs, schedules, and exactly what support you’ll receive. Everything is documented in a service agreement before services begin.
Step 5: Regular Reviews
Your needs will be reviewed regularly to make sure services still meet your requirements.
The whole process typically takes 2-4 weeks from initial contact to services starting.
Managing Accommodation Costs While Aging at Home
One major advantage of CHSP over residential aged care is avoiding high accommodation costs. When you stay home, you’re not paying aged care facility fees that can reach hundreds of dollars per day.
Your existing housing costs (rent, mortgage payments, rates) continue as normal, but you avoid:
- Daily accommodation payments to facilities
- Additional service fees charged by residential providers
- Bond payments (which can be substantial)
For many seniors, this makes CHSP the most financially sensible aged care option.
What CHSP Doesn’t Cover
It’s important to understand the limits of these aged care services:
Not included:
- Complex clinical care or nursing
- 24/7 supervision or emergency response
- Major home modifications or equipment
- Intensive personal care needs
- Accommodation or housing costs
If you need these types of support, you might be better suited to Home Care Packages or residential aged care. However, CHSP can often be a stepping stone that delays the need for more intensive services.
Working with Healthcare Providers
Many GPs and healthcare professionals recommend CHSP to their patients as a way to maintain independence while ensuring adequate support.
If you’re already receiving medical care, your healthcare team can provide valuable input during the CHSP assessment process. They understand your health conditions and can help assessors determine which services would be most beneficial.
This collaboration ensures your aged care services complement your medical treatment rather than working in isolation.
Family Support and CHSP
If you’re an adult child concerned about your parents’ well-being, CHSP can provide peace of mind while respecting their independence.
Common family concerns CHSP addresses:
- “Mum isn’t eating properly” – meal services and grocery assistance
- “Dad’s house is getting cluttered” – domestic support services
- “They’re becoming isolated” – social activities and transport
- “I worry about them managing medications” – reminder services
CHSP allows families to provide emotional support while professionals handle practical needs. It’s often less stressful for everyone involved than family members trying to provide all care themselves.
Community Connections Through CHSP
One unexpected benefit many people discover is the social aspect of CHSP services. Transport to community activities, group programs, and regular contact with support workers can significantly reduce social isolation.
Research shows that social connections are crucial for mental health and cognitive function as we age. CHSP services naturally create these connections while addressing practical needs.
Planning: When to Consider CHSP
Don’t wait until you’re struggling with daily tasks. Consider applying if:
- Simple activities are becoming more tiring
- You’re avoiding certain tasks (like cleaning or shopping)
- Family members are expressing concern about your independence
- You want to prevent small problems from becoming bigger issues
Early intervention through CHSP can help you maintain independence longer and potentially delay the need for more intensive aged care services.
Technology and Modern Aged Care
Many CHSP providers now incorporate technology to enhance services:
- Online booking systems for appointment scheduling
- Digital check-ins for social support programs
- Telehealth connections for remote health monitoring
- Smartphone apps for service coordination
Don’t worry if you’re not tech-savvy – support workers can help you learn to use these tools if you’re interested.
Making the Right Choice for Your Future
Choosing aged care services is a personal decision that affects your independence, social connections, and financial situation. CHSP offers a middle ground between complete independence and residential care.
The programme works best for people who:
- Want to stay in their own homes
- Need help with specific tasks rather than comprehensive care
- Value maintaining their existing routines and social connections
- Prefer affordable, government-supported services
If this sounds like your situation, CHSP could be the perfect solution to help you age comfortably in place.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
The Commonwealth Home Support Programme has helped thousands of Australians maintain their independence while getting the support they need. Whether you’re exploring options for yourself or a loved one, don’t let uncertainty prevent you from accessing available help.
Remember that applying doesn’t commit you to anything – the assessment process will help determine if CHSP is right for your situation, and you can always decline services if they don’t meet your needs.
Ready to arrange affordable aged care support at home?
Wallsend Healthcare is here to help. Call us on [Phone Number] or click below to book your appointment online. Our team will guide you through eligibility and services so you or your loved one can live comfortably at home.
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1. How quickly can I access CHSP services after applying?
Most people start receiving help within 2–4 weeks of contacting My Aged Care. Urgent cases may be prioritised, while regular requests follow the standard process. An assessment is usually completed within a week, and then services begin based on provider availability.
2. Can I choose which provider delivers my CHSP support?
Yes. You can select from local providers who offer the services you need. If you’re not satisfied with your current provider, you can request a change through My Aged Care, giving you control and flexibility.
3. What fees will I need to pay under CHSP?
Most people pay a basic daily fee (around $10.50 per hour). An additional income-tested fee may apply if your income or assets are above a certain limit. This ensures services remain affordable for everyone.
4. Can I get CHSP services if I’m still working part-time?
Yes. Your employment status doesn’t affect eligibility. The program is designed for older Australians (65+) who need support with daily tasks, whether they’re retired, working, or volunteering.
5. Will CHSP affect my pension or other benefits?
No, receiving CHSP services won’t reduce your pension. Only your financial details may be reviewed during fee assessments, but most pensioners don’t see any change in their payments.
6. What happens if my needs change after starting CHSP?
Your support plan is reviewed regularly (about every 12 months or earlier if needed). If your needs increase, you may qualify for more services or even a Home Care Package. If your needs decrease, your services can be adjusted.
7. Are CHSP services available across Australia, including rural areas?
Yes, CHSP operates nationwide. Seniors in rural and remote communities also have access, though options may be more limited. The government provides extra funding to ensure services reach even remote areas.