Find CHSP providers in Australia

What is the Commonwealth Home Support Programme in Australia?

For many older Australians in Australia, the challenge is not complex medical care. It is the small things that have become harder. The vacuuming is exhausting. Getting to the shops takes twice as long. The garden is getting away from you. These are the kinds of tasks the Commonwealth Home Support Programme was designed to help with.

The Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) is an Australian Government-funded program providing entry-level support services for older people who need some assistance to continue living independently and safely at home. In Australia, CHSP services help older residents (generally 65 years and over, or 50 years and over for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people) maintain their independence rather than having things done for them.

Key Features of CHSP in Australia

• Entry-level support for older Australians
• Focus on maintaining independence and capabilities
• Services are subsidised by the government
• Client contributions expected if affordable
• Available throughout the Australia area

Types of CHSP Services Available in Australia

Domestic Assistance

Help with household tasks like cleaning, laundry, and shopping in Australia. This is one of the most commonly accessed CHSP services and can be the difference between managing at home and needing to move into residential care.

Personal Care

Assistance with bathing, dressing, grooming, and mobility for older residents in Australia. CHSP personal care is designed for people with basic needs. If you require daily personal care support, a Home Care Package may be more appropriate.

Nursing Services

Professional nursing care in your home in Australia, including wound management, medication management, and health monitoring.

Allied Health Support

Access to services like podiatry, physiotherapy, and occupational therapy in Australia.

Meals and Food Preparation

Assistance with preparing meals or delivering pre-prepared meals to your Australia home. Providers can accommodate dietary requirements and cultural food preferences.

Transport Services

Help getting to and from appointments, shopping, or social activities in Australia. CHSP transport can also include help getting in and out of vehicles and carrying shopping.

Social Support

Both individual and group activities to maintain social connections in Australia. This may include companionship visits, group outings, and centre-based social programs.

Home Maintenance and Modifications

Minor repairs, garden maintenance, and simple modifications to keep your Australia home safe. This includes tasks like changing light bulbs, fixing tap washers, and installing grab rails.

Respite Care

Temporary care to give regular carers a break in Australia. CHSP respite can be provided in the home or at a day centre.

How to Access CHSP Services in Australia

1. Contact My Aged Care: Call 1800 200 422 or visit the My Aged Care website
2. Registration: Register with My Aged Care and discuss your needs
3. Assessment: A Regional Assessment Service (RAS) will visit your Australia home to assess your needs
4. Referral: If eligible, you will be referred to CHSP providers in Australia
5. Service Commencement: Choose your preferred provider and begin receiving services

The assessment process is straightforward. An assessor will visit your home, talk to you about what you find difficult, and work out what support would help you stay independent. The whole process usually takes one to two weeks from your initial call.

Client Contributions

CHSP services are subsidised but not free. Most people are asked to make a contribution based on what they can afford. This is typically a small amount per service visit. Your provider will discuss contribution rates with you before services begin, and hardship provisions exist for those who cannot afford to contribute.

The Difference Between CHSP and Home Care Packages

CHSP provides entry-level, specific services for those with basic support needs, while Home Care Packages offer a coordinated package of care for those with more complex needs. Understanding which is right for your situation in Australia is important.

When CHSP is Appropriate

• You need assistance with just one or two specific tasks
• Your care needs are basic and predictable
• You can manage with occasional, planned support
• You are able to coordinate your own services

When a Home Care Package May Be Better

• You need help with multiple tasks across different areas
• Your care needs are increasing or changing
• You need regular, ongoing support several times a week
• You would benefit from a care coordinator managing your services

Many people in Australia start with CHSP and later move to a Home Care Package as their needs increase. The two programs can also work alongside each other for a period during the transition.

The Support at Home Program: What is Changing

The Australian Government is reforming aged care. The new Support at Home program is expected to replace both CHSP and Home Care Packages, combining them into a single, simplified system. For people currently receiving CHSP services in Australia, the key points are:

• Existing CHSP clients will be transitioned to the new program
• The government has committed to ensuring no one loses existing services during the transition
• The new program is designed to be simpler, with less waiting and more flexibility
• More information will be available through My Aged Care as the transition progresses

MD Home Care will continue to connect you with providers who deliver services under whichever program is current.

Finding CHSP Providers in Australia

MD Home Care helps connect you with providers who offer services that fall under CHSP, including home modifications and maintenance, respite care, house cleaning, and more. You can also find CHSP providers through:

• My Aged Care “Find a provider” tool
• Local councils and community health centres in Australia
• Specialized providers like Vision Australia for specific needs
• Broader aged care organizations operating in Australia

“I was struggling with the housework and my daughter was worried about me. She called My Aged Care and within two weeks I had an assessment. Now I have someone come fortnightly for cleaning and once a month for the garden. My daughter found the cleaning provider online, and they have been wonderful. It is just enough help to keep me comfortable in my own home.” - Joan W., Australia

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for the Commonwealth Home Support Programme?

To be eligible for CHSP, you generally need to be 65 years or older (50 years or older for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people), living in Australia, and needing some help to continue living independently at home. You must be assessed through My Aged Care. There is no income or assets test for eligibility, though your financial situation may affect the client contribution you are asked to make.

How much do CHSP services cost?

CHSP services are heavily subsidised by the government. You will be asked to make a client contribution, which is typically a small amount per visit. The exact amount varies by provider and service type, but it is usually between $5 and $20 per visit for most services. If you cannot afford to contribute, hardship provisions are available.

Can I receive CHSP and a Home Care Package at the same time?

In some cases, yes. If you are currently receiving CHSP services and have been approved for a Home Care Package, you may continue to receive CHSP services until your HCP is fully set up. However, once your Home Care Package is active, any overlapping services will generally transfer to the HCP. Your provider can help you manage this transition smoothly.

What happens if my needs increase beyond what CHSP can offer?

If your needs grow beyond what CHSP can support, your provider or My Aged Care can arrange a more comprehensive assessment through an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT). This assessment may result in approval for a Home Care Package, which provides a higher level of coordinated support. You do not have to stop CHSP services while waiting for a Home Care Package.

How is CHSP different from the new Support at Home program?

The Support at Home program is the Australian Government’s planned replacement for both CHSP and Home Care Packages. It aims to simplify the aged care system into a single program. Current CHSP recipients will be transitioned to the new program, and the government has stated that no one will lose their existing services during this change. Specific transition timelines are available through My Aged Care.

If you are an older resident in Australia needing assistance to stay in your own home, MD Home Care can help you find providers who offer CHSP services and complementary supports to help you maintain your independence.

CHSP providers in major Australian cities

CHSP coverage is densest in metropolitan areas. If you live in or near a capital city, you usually have a wider choice of providers and shorter wait times. The pages below cover the main metro markets, with sub-pages for individual suburbs:

• CHSP providers in Sydney — see CHSP providers across NSW
• CHSP providers in Melbourne — wider choice across inner and outer suburbs
• CHSP providers in Brisbane — covering the Brisbane region and Moreton Bay
• CHSP providers in Perth — see Perth metro options
• CHSP providers in Adelaide — Adelaide metro CHSP coverage
• CHSP providers on the Gold Coast — Gold Coast and northern NSW border
• CHSP providers in Canberra (ACT) — see ACT CHSP options
• CHSP providers in Hobart and Tasmania — see Hobart and Launceston

Outside the capital cities, CHSP is still funded but the provider list is shorter. Regional and rural participants often access CHSP through Country Care, Community Home Australia, or local councils. Call us on 1800 953 253 and we will check current availability in your specific area.

How CHSP fits with other aged care funding

CHSP is the entry-level option. If your needs are higher, the right pathway is usually a Home Care Package (now transitioning to Support at Home). For the full picture of how the aged care funding pathways compare, see our aged care roadmap.

If you are a veteran, you may be eligible for DVA-funded home care instead of CHSP. The eligibility criteria are different and the entitlements can be broader.