Commonwealth Home Support Programme vs Support at Home

The Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) and Support at Home (SAH) are two key government initiatives designed to help older Australians live independently in their own homes for as long as they can.

What’s the difference between them? Well, they differ in terms of their scope, funding and the level of care they provide. Let’s break down each program to help you understand which might be the best fit for you.

Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP)

Entry-level support for daily activities

CHSP is designed for older Australians who are mostly independent but require some assistance with everyday tasks. It’s an entry-level program offering subsidised services to help with:

• Household chores – cleaning, laundry and other light housework
• Personal care – assistance with bathing, dressing and grooming
• Meals and food preparation – help with cooking or meal delivery services
• Respite care – short-term relief for primary caregivers
• Home maintenance – basic repairs and garden upkeep
• Transportation – rides to appointments or social activities

Assessment and access

To access CHSP services, you’ll need an assessment by the Regional Assessment Service (RAS). This evaluation determines your eligibility and identifies the types of services you would benefit from.

Cost and funding

While the government subsidises a significant portion of the costs, individuals are expected to contribute if they’re able.

Good to know: The CHSP offers a fixed menu of services with limited flexibility in choosing providers.

Support at Home (Formerly Home Care Packages) Program

More comprehensive, tailored support

For those with more complex or higher-level care needs, Support at Home (SAH), formerly only a four-tiered level program called Home Care Packages (HCP), offers a comprehensive, eight-tiered level solution. To see what’s changed since Home Care Packages, simply see our guide to Support at Home changes here.

This program offers eight classification levels, which you can explore in more depth here, where each classification is corresponding to the intensity of care required:

• Classification Level 1: Minimal Support for Independent Living
• Classification Level 2: Light Personal and Social Support
• Classification Level 3: Moderate Assistance with Daily Living
• Classification Level 4: High-Frequency Personal and Domestic Support
• Classification Level 5: Daily Support with Health Monitoring
• Classification Level 6: Comprehensive Health and Clinical Care
• Classification Level 7: Intensive Daily Multidisciplinary Care
• Classification Level 8: Highest Level of In-Home and Palliative Care

Explore each Support at Home classification level in depth here.

Personalised care plans

One of the key advantages of Support at Home is the ability to develop a personalised care plan tailored to your specific needs and preferences. This includes a broader range of services beyond what’s offered in CHSP, such as:

• Nursing care – medical support like wound care or medication management
• Allied health services – access to physiotherapy, occupational therapy or dietary advice
• Assistive technology – devices and/or modifications to enhance safety and mobility at home

Flexibility and choice

Support at Home is care recipient-centric, meaning you have greater flexibility in choosing your service providers and tailoring services to your needs. You work with your chosen provider to decide how to best use the funding allocated to you; to ensure this arrangement best covers your needs.

Assessment and eligibility

To access Support at Home, you need to be assessed by the Aged Care Assessment Team. This is known as an ACAT Assessment and it’s more comprehensive than the RAS assessment for CHSP – learn more about how to navigate an assessment (and reassessment if needed) here.

Cost and funding

Eligible care recipients of Support at Home receive a greater government subsidy than CHSP recipients, but the exact amount depends on the Support at Home Classification Level that you’re allocated. You may still be required to contribute to the cost, based on your financial situation.

Good to know: Due to high demand, there can be lengthy waiting periods until you’re allocated Support at Home funding.

What are the key differences between CHSP and HCP?

• Level of support: CHSP offers entry-level assistance for those needing minimal help, while Home Care Packages cater to individuals requiring more comprehensive and ongoing support.
• Flexibility: Home Care Packages provide greater flexibility and choice in services and providers compared to the more fixed structure of CHSP.
• Funding and control: Home Care Packages receive more funding and allow for personalised care plans. In contrast, CHSP services are generally delivered by specific providers and offer less individual control.

Tips for choosing the right program

• Assess your needs: Consider both your current and future care needs. If you anticipate requiring more extensive support down the line, applying for a Home Care Package might be the best option.
• Understand the costs: While both programs are subsidised, be aware of any out-of-pocket expenses and assess what you can afford.
• Plan ahead: Given potential wait times for Home Care Packages, it’s important to start the application process early if you think you’ll need higher-level support.

Navigating aged care options can be complex, but understanding the distinctions between CHSP and Home Care Packages is a crucial first step in making informed decisions that deliver the best outcomes for your individual needs.

CareAbout can help

Finding an accredited Home Care Package provider is not easy. To help simplify the process, we can match you with a quality provider in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Canberra, Adelaide and across Australia. Contact us today and get free, no-obligation advice from our expert team of Care Advisers.