In-home Aged Care Services: Home Care Package vs CHSP

May 5th 2023

What’s the difference between Home Care Packages and Commonwealth Home Support Programme?

As we get older, we may require more help at home and choose to access in-home aged care services. However, this doesn’t mean giving up our independence. Getting some help with daily tasks can be the way to stay at home for as long as possible, especially for older Australians who prefer to live in their own home or apartment or with their family, rather than enter residential aged care.

My Aged Care helps older people and their families access and navigate government-funded aged care services. One of these forms of care is in-home aged care, which includes Commonwealth Home Support Programme or CHSP and Home Care Packages or HCP.

Commonwealth Home Support Programme

The Commonwealth Home Support Programme is great for those who need low-level care.

This type of support is recommended to those who only require one or two entry-level support services.

If you are able to manage to live independently and only require help with a few tasks, CHSP can support you.

Home Care Packages

However, if your needs are more complex, or you need a lot of support for everyday tasks on an ongoing basis, Home Care Packages may be the better answer to your needs.

HCPs give you access to a package of coordinated care and services that go beyond what the Commonwealth Home Support Programme can provide.

Learn more: Understanding Home Care Packages

In-home aged care services

You can access a wide range of different services through Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) and Home Care Package (HCP).

This includes:

Personal care, e.g. bathing, hygiene, grooming
Nursing
Meals and food preparation
Podiatry, physiotherapy and other therapies
Domestic assistance, e.g. cleaning, laundry and other household chores
Mobility aids and other assistive tech
Help to access the community, e.g. transport assistance and support during social outings
Home or garden maintenance
Home modifications, to help you move around safely and independently

Can you get Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) and Home Care Package (HCP) services at the same time?

Generally, no. You can get approved for funding under one in-home aged care program only. This ensures that services reach as many people as possible.

There are some special circumstances where you can access short-term CHSP services while receiving Home Care Package, but speak to your assessor first to hear about your options. You may also call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422.

In-home aged care reforms

Home Care Package - Subash and Client Barbara

The Australian Government is committed to deliver a reformed and improved in-home aged care program by 1 July 2025.

In-home aged care services delivered through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) or the Home Care Packages (HCP) Program will remain in place.

We’ve previously written about the Home Care Package price caps on certain fees that came into effect on 1 January 2023.

You can visit the Reforming In-Home Aged Care webpage to follow the updates or get involved as a member of our community.

Looking for a Home Care Package provider?

Afea is an approved Home Care Package provider.

We always say there is no substitute for experience. Afea has been operating for 15 years in the industry. Our compassionate Afea Carers will help you maintain your independence in your own home and you will have ongoing support from a dedicated care team. Contact us now and we’ll develop a care plan designed just for you.