The Commonwealth Home Support Programme offers practical help to older Australians who want to stay independent at home. Many people choose CHSP services because the support focuses on simple daily tasks that make life safer and easier. The program aims to maintain confidence, reduce pressure on families and keep people connected with their communities. Each service is designed to help people continue living in their own homes with comfort and stability. This makes CHSP an important early step in planning long-term support.
What You Can Expect from CHSP Support
CHSP offers a range of entry-level services that support daily routines. The aim is to help people manage everyday tasks while staying in control of their choices. Here are the main types of support you can expect:
- Personal care. Help with showering, grooming and dressing.
- Domestic assistance. Support with cleaning, laundry and meal preparation.
- Transport help. Travel assistance for medical visits and community activities.
- Social support. Friendly visits or group activities to reduce loneliness.
- Home maintenance. Basic tasks that improve safety around the home.
These services work together to make daily life more manageable. They also reduce stress for family members who may find ongoing support hard to maintain on their own.
Assessment and Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility for CHSP depends on age, living arrangements and daily needs. The program aims to support people who need a small amount of help to remain safe at home. Before services begin, My Aged Care carries out a simple assessment to understand the person’s situation. The main factors assessed include:
- Age. Most people must be 65 or older. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people may qualify from age 50.
- Residency. The person must live in Australia and meet residency rules.
- Screening call. A short phone screening identifies the level of support needed.
- Home support assessment. An assessor visits the home to review daily needs.
- Service matching. The assessor recommends suitable help based on current challenges.
These steps ensure that the support provided suits the person’s lifestyle and health needs. Assessments also allow the support plan to change if needs increase over time.
Preparing for Ongoing Support Needs
Some people may rely on CHSP for many years. Others may find that their needs become more complex over time. Early planning can make future decisions easier to manage. One helpful tool in this stage is advanced care plans. These plans let people record their wishes for future support so their families understand what matters most. When health needs change, advanced care plans provide clear guidance for the person and their care team. This reduces confusion and keeps the person in control of their long-term choices.
Conclusion
CHSP provides simple and practical help that supports safe and independent living at home. It offers a wide range of essential services that ease daily routines and improve well-being. Eligibility is based on age, living needs, and a short assessment through My Aged Care. With the right planning and guidance, CHSP can be a helpful first step in organising long-term support in a safe and stable way.