How long can respite last?

Duration depends on assessment and funding allocation.

Can respite be planned regularly?

Yes, some families schedule regular respite to contribute to overall health and outcomes.

What if I need urgent support?

Crisis services may be available through providers.

Can respite prevent residential care?

In many cases, structured respite delays the need for permanent placement.

Home Help & Domestic Assistance at Home

Home help services support everyday household tasks that may become difficult with age, illness, or reduced mobility. For many people, this is the first type of support they seek. Small practical assistance can significantly improve safety, comfort, and
independence at home.

What Is Included?

Home help and domestic assistance may include:

Vacuuming and mopping
Bathroom and kitchen cleaning
Dusting and general tidying
Laundry and changing bed linen
Meal preparation
Shopping assistance
Light gardening and basic home maintenance

These services are intended to maintain hygiene, reduce fall risk, and support daily living — not to provide large-scale renovations or deep commercial cleaning.

The exact tasks approved depend on your care plan.

Who Is This Service Suitable For?

Home help may be appropriate if you:

Feel physically fatigued by household tasks
Are at risk of falls while cleaning
Have arthritis or mobility challenges
Are recovering from illness or surgery
Want to remain living independently

Often, families notice the need for home help before the person themselves recognises it.

Home Help & Domestic Assistance Covered by Support at Home?

Yes. Cleaning services typically fall under Everyday Living services within Support at Home.

This means:

The government subsidises part of the cost

A personal contribution may apply

The service must align with your approved support plan

Full pensioners typically contribute 17.5% toward Everyday Living services. Part pensioners and self-funded individuals may contribute more depending on assessment.

Is It Covered by CHSP?

Yes, domestic assistance is commonly funded under CHSP for people with lower-level support needs.

However:

Availability varies by region
Some providers may have waiting lists
Frequency may be limited

If you cannot access CHSP cleaning services, private options may be available while waiting.

How Often Can Cleaning Be Provided?

Frequency depends on:

Your assessed care needs
Your funding level
Your available budget
Local provider availability

Some people receive weekly assistance, others fortnightly.

Your provider will help determine a reasonable schedule within your funding allocation.

What Is Not Usually Covered?

Home help funding generally does not cover:

Full house spring cleaning
Renovations
Major yard landscaping
Paying family members without approval
Regular grocery costs

Services must support safety and independence — not general lifestyle upgrades.

Can I Choose My Own Home Help Provider?

This depends on how your funding is managed.

Provider-managed:
Your approved provider arranges and delivers services.

Self-managed:
You may have flexibility to engage local cleaning or home help providers directly, as long as services align with your care plan.

If unsure, confirm your arrangement before booking services.

Is It Covered by CHSP?

Yes, domestic assistance is commonly funded under CHSP for people with lower-level support needs.

However:

Availability varies by region
Some providers may have waiting lists
Frequency may be limited

If you cannot access CHSP cleaning services, private options may be available while waiting.

What If I Don’t Have Funding Yet?

If you are:

Waiting for funding
Not yet assessed
Or needing urgent help

You can arrange private home help while beginning the assessment process through My Aged Care.

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