Understanding government funding
Researching government funding for home care can be quite overwhelming. There are a few different government-funded programs and it's hard to work out which one is best for you or your loved one, depending on their needs.
Here we look at the difference between the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) and Home Care Packages (HCP) and explain how to get the help you need.
What is the Commonwealth Home Support Program?
The CHSP was launched in July 2015 and is the entry level tier of the Commonwealth aged care system.
This means it’s usually considered the first step for older Australians to get some help at home. It’s designed to provide a small amount of funding for people who need a little extra help to live safely at home.
It’s not income or means tested. You or your loved one will need to make a small financial contribution to your service, though, and the government subsidises the rest. You receive services in a care plan and it’s usually limited to a few hours a week.
To be eligible, 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.
Find out more about applying for the Commonwealth Home Support Program.
What are Home Care Packages?
Home Care Packages (HCP) are the second tier of support in the aged care system. They’re designed to provide a coordinated package of services to help you or your loved one live in their home for longer.
There are four levels of support ranging from basic to high care needs. The Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) or Aged Care Assessment Service (ACAS) in Victoria will need to assess you. After your assessment, you will receive a letter advising you whether they have approved you for care and at what level.
Home Care Packages are designed to be flexible. When you receive your assessment, you can then choose a provider like Five Good Friends. We will work with you to understand what you or your loved one needs to be safe and independent in your home and remain connected with your community.
For example, you might need some help with bathing or perhaps a cleaner to come around once a week. You might need someone to take you out to do some shopping or help you attend a community event.
There is a waiting list for accessing HCP so you can use CHSP funding while you wait.
Find out more about applying for a Home Care Package.
What are the differences between CHSP and HCP?
The support provided by the CHSP and Home Care Packages is fairly similar. They both can help you or your loved one with everyday tasks and provide you with support to help you live at home.
The fundamental difference is how much support you need and how long you need it for. If you think you only need one or two services a week, then the CHSP might be a better option for you.
If you think your loved one needs are a bit more complex, it may be best to apply for a Home Care Package.