What is the Difference Between the Commonwealth Home Support Programme and Home Care Packages?

Is your family exploring aged care options for an elderly loved one? In Australia, the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) and Home Care Packages offer vital support for older individuals wanting to live independently in their homes. While both programs aim to help seniors, they serve different levels of need and provide varying degrees of assistance.

In this blog, we will explore these two key programs, breaking down their specific services, eligibility criteria, and how they differ in terms of costs. Whether you're seeking basic assistance to maintain independence at home or a more comprehensive care package to address complex needs, this guide will help you decide which support is best for you or your loved one's situation.



Understanding the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP)

The Commonwealth Home Support Programme offers entry-level support for older Australians who need assistance to stay at home. In this program, CHSP service providers work closely with seniors to maintain their independence and enhance their quality of life. 



Who is Eligible?

The Commonwealth Home Support Program is designed for frail older individuals who need assistance to live independently at home and meet one of the following criteria:

• Aged 65 or over (50 or over for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander individuals) with functional limitations requiring assistance, or
• Prematurely aged (50 or over; 45 or over for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander individuals) on a low income, who are either:
• Homeless or at risk of homelessness due to housing instability or lack of secure accommodation, or
• Living with hoarding behavior or in unsanitary conditions, which put them at risk of homelessness or limits their access to essential aged care services

The CHSP also supports carers by offering planned respite services for its clients, giving carers the opportunity to take a break from their caregiving responsibilities.

CHSP Services

The support provided can cover a range of CHSP services, including help with daily tasks like: 

• Personal care assistance with showering and personal grooming
• Domestic assistance such as help with cleaning, grocery shopping, and meal preparation
• Social support such as participation in social groups and activities, or one-on-one support
• Home maintenance tasks such as gardening and other home upkeep tasks
• Home modifications to improve safety, transportation for appointments and social activities
• Allied health support services such as physiotherapy and podiatry
• Nursing care includes wound care, medication assistance, and health education
• Provision of mobility aids and other necessary equipment
• Transport assistance with transportation needs



CHSP Costs, Contributions and Fees

CHSP providers receive government funding through grant agreements to deliver subsidised services to older Australians. Clients are required to make a contribution or fee, which varies among providers, towards the cost of the services. This contribution is based on their ability to pay, though clients are not expected to cover the full cost. Nonetheless, any fees must be mutually agreed upon by the client and the service provider before services begin.



Furthermore, providers are required to have a publicly available client contribution policy that explains how the fees are set. And if a client is unable to contribute financially, they will still receive the services they need. Providers have systems in place to assist those who have difficulty paying for their care.

Understanding Home Care Packages

Home care packages assist older individuals with complex care needs to live independently in their own homes. The program employs a consumer-directed care approach to ensure that the support provided is tailored to meet each person’s specific needs and goals.



Who is Eligible?

The program is eligible to older individuals aged 65 years and above and with more complex needs in remaining at home. To qualify, they must:

• Register with My Aged Care
• Undergo an assessment to determine eligibility

If eligible, the individual will be informed of the Home Care Package level they have been approved for.

Home Care Services

Home Care Packages Costs, Contributions and Fees

When you receive a Home Care Package, you’re given a budget that varies with your level of care and includes both your contributions and government funding.

Government Contribution

The Australian Government’s financial support for each package level is outlined below:

Fees

Your contribution to your Home Care Package may include Basic daily fees, Income tested care fees, and additional service fees. While Home Care Packages are based on an individual's financial means, those on a full pension or with an income up to $32,331.00 are exempt from contributing to their care. To help you calculate your costs, My Aged Care offers a fee estimator on their website.



Takeaway

When supporting older Australians, both the CHSP and Home Care Packages are essential programs that address different levels of care needs. The CHSP provides entry-level services to help those with lower care requirements stay independent in their homes. On the other hand, Home Care Packages offer a more comprehensive solution for individuals with complex and ongoing care needs.

By understanding the differences between these programs, individuals and families can choose the right support and guarantee that care is tailored to their elderly loved one's needs. At Focus Connect, we support older individuals by offering specialised care designed to maintain independence and enhance quality of life. Our tailored solutions ensure that each person receives the appropriate level of support based on their unique circumstances and requirements. Get in touch with us today to learn more about how we can assist you or your loved ones.