Are you trying to find the right type of Aged Care support but don’t know where to start? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. The Australian Aged Care system is difficult to navigate, which is why it is often referred to as the “Aged Care Maze”.  

People are often unsure about what type of Aged Care service is most suitable for them based on their care needs. Sometimes, they’re already funded but unsure about what type of Aged Care Support they have: Is it funding for the CHSP? Is it a Home Care Package? Is it for a Nursing Home? Or all three!  

Let’s help you through the Aged Care Maze so you understand the three most common types of government subsidised Aged Care support available to you.  

Types of Aged Care 

There are three main types of government-subsidised Aged Care services available for older Australians.  

1. Home Support Program (CHSP)  

The Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) is an entry-level government-funded home support program that supports older Australians who are still managing well at home, but require some limited extra assistance such as gardening, transport, or home maintenance. The service is mostly subsidised by government, but you do have to pay a small amount for each service.  

CHSP funding provides low-level support, and the support is delivered by a government funded provider – it is not consumer directed which means there are limited services, and many people find it hard to find a provider to deliver the services under the CHSP program. 

2. Support at Home

Support at Home is the new, government-funded and consumer-directed program that helps older Australians remain living safely at home with services chosen to meet their goals. Instead of four package levels, Support at Home uses eight classifications with quarterly budgets set at assessment, and care management is delivered by a care partner so you can plan and adjust your supports as needs change.

Support at Home classifications at a glance:
• Classification 1: Light, occasional help to maintain independence at home.
• Classification 2: Regular basic support, adding personal or social assistance.
• Classification 3: Weekly, structured help across hygiene, mobility and household tasks.
• Classification 4: High-frequency personal care plus regular domestic support.
• Classification 5: Daily support that can include basic clinical care and monitoring.
• Classification 6: Comprehensive at-home health support with regular nursing and allied health.
• Classification 7: Intensive, coordinated multidisciplinary care for complex daily needs.
• Classification 8: The highest level of in-home support, including continuous or palliative-focused care.

Assessments now occur through the Single Assessment System using the Integrated Assessment Tool, which sets your Support at Home classification and quarterly budget; participants receive clear monthly statements and services are paid in arrears. If you already receive, were approved for or were waitlisted for a Home Care Package on or before 12 September 2024, you will move into Support at Home on 1 November 2025 under the no worse off safeguard, with services continuing during the transition.

If you have already been approved for Support at Home and are looking for a quality provider in your local area, reach out to CareAbout and we can help you find a great match for your needs.

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3. Residential Aged Care  

At any stage, if living at home becomes too challenging even after receiving the highest Home Care Package support, it might be time to consider moving into a Residential Aged Care or Aged Care Home. Aged Care Homes are often called Nursing Homes and offer care and accommodation for older people who have advanced care needs and require 24/7 care. This can include assistance with activities of daily living, nursing care, medication management, and access to various support services. 

These facilities provide a safe and supportive environment for older Australians who may have complex health conditions, mobility issues, or cognitive impairments. Residential Aged Care Homes vary in size and the services they offer, but they all aim to improve the well-being and quality of life of their residents. An ACAT assessment is usually required to access support in a Nursing Home. 

If you need help finding a quality Aged Care Home based on your loved one needs, reach out to CareAbout. We only work with Quality Accredited Aged Care Homes and can look for vacancies in Homes local to you. 

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Need help finding a quality Aged Care Provider?  

CareAbout is Australia’s leading Home Care placement service. We’ve helped thousands of families choose the right Support at Home provider and Residential Aged Care for their needs and we would love to help you. 

Whether you’re looking for a quality Support at Home Package provider or Aged Care Home in your local area, CareAbout can help.

Speak with a CareAbout Expert today.  

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