If you’re finding everyday tasks a little harder, or feel that some extra support could improve your health and wellbeing, you may benefit from an aged care assessment. This assessment can help determine whether you are eligible for in-home support through the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP).
To qualify, you must be aged 65 or older, or be an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person aged 50 or older. People aged 50 or over who are homeless or at risk of homelessness may also be eligible.
CHSP provides entry-level support to help you remain living independently at home. Services can include nursing care, personal care (such as assistance with showering), physiotherapy or occupational therapy, and social support. These services are subsidised by the Government, making them more affordable through approved aged care providers.
After your assessment, you will receive a letter outlining any services you have been approved for. If CHSP services are recommended, you’ll be given a unique referral code for each type of service. In some cases, your assessor may share these codes with providers, who may then contact you directly. Alternatively, you may need to contact providers yourself to find one that services your local area and has availability.
Currently, it can be challenging to find CHSP providers with capacity to take on new clients. If you’re comfortable using the internet, the My Aged Care “Find a Provider” tool is a helpful place to start. It lists local providers you can contact to check availability. Alternatively, we recommend calling My Aged Care and asking them to provide the contact details for providers who may have availability in your area. We recommend taking a proactive approach as availability can change frequently, so it’s worth checking in with providers regularly (for example, every couple of weeks).
While you are waiting, you may wish to explore other options, such as paying privately for services or seeking support from family and friends. We understand that these options may not be available to everyone, but they can provide short-term support while you secure CHSP services.
