What does wellness and reablement mean under CHSP?
Wellness and reablement are approaches used under the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) to help people maintain or improve their independence, rather than simply doing tasks for them. The focus is on helping you continue doing as much as possible for yourself for as long as possible.
Key points
Wellness focuses on strengths and goals rather than limitations.
Reablement aims to restore or maintain independence where possible.
The approach is often described as "doing with" rather than "doing for."
It does not mean support will be denied if assistance is genuinely required.
Maintaining existing abilities can be a successful outcome.
The approach may delay the need for more intensive aged care services.
Wellness and reablement are important principles that underpin the Commonwealth Home Support Program.
Rather than focusing only on providing ongoing assistance, CHSP providers are encouraged to work with you to maintain, restore or improve your ability to live independently.
In simple terms:
Wellness means focusing on your strengths, goals and abilities, rather than your limitations.
Reablement means providing short-term supports or interventions designed to help you regain confidence, skills or function.
The aim is to support you to remain independent and continue living safely at home for longer.
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01Guide sectionWhat does this look like in practice?
Instead of automatically doing everything for you, a provider may encourage and support you to continue participating in activities where possible.
For example:
Traditional approach
Doing all your shopping for you
Preparing every meal
Taking over all household tasks
Providing ongoing mobility support
Wellness and reablement approach
Supporting you to regain confidence shopping independently
Helping you relearn meal preparation skills
Helping you safely continue doing parts of the task
Referring you to physiotherapy to improve strength and balance
The approach is often described as "doing with" rather than "doing for."
02Guide sectionWhy is this approach used?
Research shows that maintaining activity and independence often leads to better outcomes for older people, including:
improved physical health
reduced falls risk
greater confidence
improved mental wellbeing
reduced social isolation
delaying the need for more intensive aged care services.
For many people, even small improvements in strength, mobility or confidence can make a significant difference to everyday life.
03Guide sectionDoes this mean services will be refused?
No.
Wellness and reablement do not mean support will be withheld if you genuinely need assistance.
The approach should always consider:
your preferences and goals
your safety
your health conditions
what is realistically achievable.
For some people, maintaining their current level of independence may be the most appropriate outcome.
04Guide sectionWhat types of services may support reablement?
Examples include:
physiotherapy
occupational therapy
falls prevention programs
exercise programs
mobility aids
confidence-building support after illness or hospitalisation
short-term assistance designed to restore function.
Some supports may only be required for a limited period, while others may continue on an ongoing basis.
05Guide sectionWhat if my condition is progressive?
For people living with dementia, neurological conditions or other progressive illnesses, reablement may focus on:
maintaining current abilities
slowing functional decline
adapting the home environment
supporting carers
maximising quality of life.
Success does not always mean improving function. In many situations, maintaining independence for longer is considered a positive outcome.
06Guide sectionWhat should I do next?
Talk with your provider about your personal goals and ask:
What activities would I like to continue doing myself?
Are there therapies or programs that could improve my independence?
Are there aids, equipment or modifications that may help?
What outcomes are realistic for my situation?
Remember that aged care should be based on what matters most to you, not simply on the services available.
07Guide sectionHelpful Local Home Help resources
08Guide sectionCheck the official guidance
The CHSP Manual states that providers should adopt a wellness and reablement approach that supports older people to maximise independence, build capacity and achieve their personal goals.
Official guidance can be found here:
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