What services are available through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme?
The Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) provides entry-level support services to help older people remain independent and continue living safely at home. Services may include cleaning, meals, personal care, transport, allied health, nursing, social support, respite, equipment and home modifications.
Key points
CHSP provides entry-level support to help older people remain living independently at home.
Services may include cleaning, meals, transport, personal care, nursing and allied health.
Equipment, home modifications, social support and respite services may also be available.
You will only receive services that are approved through your assessment.
People with more complex needs may be better suited to Support at Home.
CHSP is designed for older people who need help with one or a few everyday tasks but can still largely manage independently.
The program offers a broad range of subsidised services that can be tailored to your individual needs and goals. Depending on your assessment and local provider availability, you may be approved for one or several services.
Explore only what you need
Start with the sections that feel useful now. You can come back to the others later.
01Guide sectionDomestic assistance
Help with everyday household tasks such as:
cleaning
laundry
changing bed linen
shopping assistance
light household duties.
02Guide sectionPersonal care
Support with activities such as:
showering and bathing
dressing and grooming
mobility assistance
toileting support
communication assistance.
03Guide sectionMeals and nutrition support
Services may include:
delivered meals
meal preparation support
assistance with shopping and food preparation
support to maintain good nutrition and hydration.
04Guide sectionTransport services
Help to attend:
medical appointments
shopping trips
social activities
community programs.
05Guide sectionNursing services
Clinical services may include:
wound care
medication support
chronic disease management
continence support
health monitoring and clinical interventions.
06Guide sectionAllied health and therapy services
CHSP may provide access to:
physiotherapy
occupational therapy
podiatry
speech pathology
dietetics and nutrition support
other therapies aimed at maintaining independence.
07Guide sectionSocial support services
These services help reduce social isolation and maintain community connections.
Examples include:
accompanied activities
group outings
community programs
visitor programs
support to remain engaged in hobbies and interests.
08Guide sectionRespite services
Respite provides temporary support so that unpaid carers can take a break.
Services may include:
centre-based respite
community respite
cottage respite
flexible respite arrangements.
09Guide sectionHome maintenance and repairs
Help to keep your home safe and liveable, such as:
gardening
changing light bulbs
minor maintenance tasks
small repairs.
10Guide sectionEquipment and products
CHSP may assist with items such as:
walkers
shower chairs
raised toilet seats
mobility aids
safety equipment.
11Guide sectionHome adjustments
Eligible modifications may include:
grab rails
handrails
ramps
bathroom safety modifications
other adjustments to improve safety and accessibility.
12Guide sectionDo I receive every service?
No.
Your aged care assessment will determine:
which services you are eligible for
how many services you need
whether CHSP is the most appropriate program.
If your needs are more complex or require ongoing coordination across multiple services, Support at Home may be more suitable.
13Guide sectionWhat should I do next?
Think about which everyday activities are becoming difficult.
Ask yourself:
Do I need help around the home?
Am I struggling with meals or shopping?
Do I need help with personal care?
Am I becoming socially isolated?
Has a family member become overwhelmed providing support?
Write down the tasks that have become difficult and discuss these during your aged care assessment.
If you are unsure what support may help, complete the Local Home Help Navigator or speak with My Aged Care.
14Guide sectionHelpful Local Home Help resources
15Guide sectionCheck the official guidance
The services available to you depend on your aged care assessment, local provider availability and your individual goals and circumstances.
Official guidance:
https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/aged-care-programs/commonwealth-home-support-program
https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/connecting-commonwealth-home-support-program-providers
My Aged Care provides a full list of CHSP services and explains that people may use one or multiple providers depending on the support they require.
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