What should I do if my needs become urgent while waiting for CHSP services?

Commonwealth Home Support Programme
Navigating CHSP
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In short...
If your needs become urgent while waiting for CHSP services, contact My Aged Care as soon as possible and explain what has changed. You may be eligible for an urgent reassessment, additional referrals or temporary support services.
The details...
What should I do if my needs become urgent while waiting for CHSP services?
Waiting for CHSP services can sometimes become difficult if your health, living situation or support arrangements suddenly change.
You should contact My Aged Care immediately if there has been a significant change in circumstances, particularly if there is now a risk to your health, safety or ability to remain living at home.
Examples of urgent changes may include:
a fall or injury
discharge from hospital
worsening mobility or health
sudden memory decline or confusion
inability to shower, dress or prepare meals safely
medication management concerns
the loss or illness of a family carer
carer burnout or an unexpected breakdown in support arrangements
concerns about living alone safely.
What can happen if my situation becomes urgent?
Depending on your circumstances, My Aged Care may consider:
issuing additional referrals to other providers
arranging an urgent assessment
prioritising your assessment or review
referring you for urgent CHSP services
considering other aged care pathways that may better meet your needs.
The urgency of your situation will be assessed individually.
Urgent support may be particularly important where delaying services could create a significant risk of harm.
Should I contact my provider as well?
Yes.
If you are already on a waiting list with one or more providers, let them know your circumstances have changed.
Providers may:
review your priority on the waiting list
advise of alternative services
notify My Aged Care if they believe your circumstances have become more serious.
What if I have been discharged from hospital?
If you are leaving hospital and cannot safely manage at home, tell:
hospital staff
discharge planners
your GP
My Aged Care.
Additional short-term services or alternative pathways may be available depending on your circumstances.
Do not assume that existing waiting arrangements remain appropriate after a hospital admission.
What if my carer can no longer help?
A sudden loss of family support can significantly change your situation.
Tell My Aged Care if:
your spouse has become unwell
your family member is experiencing burnout
your regular carer is temporarily unavailable
you are now without essential support.
This information may affect the urgency of your assessment or referrals.
What if the situation is an emergency?
CHSP services are not emergency services.
Call 000 immediately if there is:
an immediate threat to life or safety
severe illness or injury
serious concerns about neglect or abuse
inability to remain safely at home.
For urgent health advice, you may also contact:
your GP
Nurse-on-Call or equivalent state health services
your local hospital.
What should I do next?
If your situation has changed, call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 and clearly explain:
what has changed
why your current situation is unsafe or unsustainable
whether you are without meals, personal care or supervision
whether you have recently been in hospital
whether your family support has broken down.
It can help to use direct language such as:
"My circumstances have changed significantly and I am concerned about my safety while waiting for services."
Keep a record of:
who you spoke with
the advice you received
any provider waiting lists
changes in your health or support arrangements.
Helpful Local Home Help resources
Check the official guidance
The Australian Government encourages people to contact My Aged Care if their circumstances change while waiting for services, particularly where there may be an increased risk to health or safety.
Official guidance:
The CHSP Manual also allows for urgent referrals in circumstances where delaying support may place a person at significant risk of harm.
Takeaways
Contact My Aged Care if your circumstances change while waiting.
Urgent reassessments or referrals may be available.
Inform providers if your situation has become more serious.
Carer breakdown and hospital discharge can significantly change priority.
CHSP is not an emergency service; call 000 if immediate assistance is required.
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Independence Statement
Our independence Local Home Help is designed to help families navigate the often confusing world of home support and aged care services. The platform aims to present information in a clear and balanced way so families can better understand the types of help available and where to find it. While providers may appear on the platform, Local Home Help does not recommend one provider over another. The decision about which service may be suitable will always depend on individual circumstances. Families are encouraged to contact providers directly, ask questions and make their own enquiries before making a decision. Our focus is to make the process of understanding and finding support at home easier. Local Home Help does not accept payment of any kind in exchange for provider visibility, ranking, or shortlist placement, and never will. Any future revenue Local Home Help generates will come from sources entirely separate from how providers are matched to consumers.
Quality Signals
What to look for when choosing a provider ​ Finding the right support service can take time. When considering a provider, families may wish to look for signs of quality such as: Clear information about services offered Transparent pricing or funding options Experience supporting older people at home Relevant professional qualifications where appropriate Positive feedback or reputation in the community Willingness to answer questions about care and services It is often helpful to speak with more than one provider before making a decision. Local Home Help aims to provide a starting point for exploring services, but the best choice will depend on the needs and preferences of the individual receiving support.
About the Author
Local Home Help Editorial Team
This article was created by Local Home Help to help Australian families better understand aged care and home support options in plain English.
Our content is based on publicly available information from:
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My Aged Care
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Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
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Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission
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Provider pricing schedules and operational experience within the aged care sector.
Local Home Help is an independent consumer information platform and does not provide medical, legal or financial advice.
Important information
Aged care rules, fees, eligibility requirements and program arrangements can change. The information on this page is general guidance only and may not apply to every person or situation.
Before making a financial, legal or care decision, check the latest information with My Aged Care, Services Australia, the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, or another appropriate official source.
Local Home Help does not provide legal, financial, medical or clinical advice.
Source data
Last reviewed
20/7/26, 9:08 pm