by Amy Cheng January 19, 2022
Government releases overview of new home care program
The Support at Home program will bring all in home aged care providers under one funding model, a new paper has revealed.
The Federal Government has released its Support at Home Program Overview paper, which outlines what the program design could look like, including assessment, services, funding arrangements and care management.
The new program will start in July 2023 and will replace the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) Home Care Packages (HCP) Program and Short Term Restorative Care (STRC) Programme.
It was created as a response to the findings in the aged care royal commission.
According to the paper, Support at Home providers will be paid on a fee-for-service basis.
“Payments would be made based on the agreed prices for the service list, once services specified in a person’s support plan have been delivered,” the paper said.
A Point of Delivery Payment Platform is currently being developed and will enable providers to receive payments in real time, from both government and senior Australians.
“The platform would also assist in capturing information from providers about service delivery and their clients, automating reporting on service provision,” the paper said.
Under the new program, providers and senior Australians will not be able to accrue unspent funds because providers will be paid as services are delivered. “For example, if a person goes on holiday and does not require their cleaning services, the provider would not receive payment for them, and the senior Australian would not accrue their entitlement,” the paper said.
Note Changes above: from July 2023.
---------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------
Understanding aged care costs
Last Updated at December 3rd 2021
If you are looking into aged care services, your first question is likely to be, 'how much is this going to cost?
Basic home care - changes Entry level home care delivered under the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) is largely funded by the Australian Government, however, you will be asked to contribute to the cost of the care and services you receive.
Services among basic home care providers differ between providers, and how much you contribute will be dependent on your income and the services you require.
Smaller, less intensive jobs like cooking meals will be a minimal cost compared to nursing care.
You will need to discuss how much it will cost with your provider and agree to the fees they are setting before you receive services.
If you cannot afford to contribute to CHSP services you need, you will still be able to access services but may receive financial hardship assistance.
https://www.agedcareguide.com.au/information/understanding-aged-care-costs
Note Changes above: from July 2023.
Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP)
https://communitycarereview.com.au/2021/06/15/funding-boost-for-chsp/
The CHSP provides entry-level home support to Australians aged 65 years and over (or 50 years and over for Indigenous Australians) living at home and in their own communities.
There are currently 1,400 CHSP providers in Australia, of which 70 per cent are not-for-profit.
A key question to ask when looking for aged care services is: What will this cost me? To answer this, there are a few different factors to consider.
How much you pay for aged care services depends on:
How do aged care costs work? All the providers listed on this website, in the Find a provider tool, can provide you with government-subsidised care. This means the government will pay part or all of your costs, making it more affordable for you.
Different providers have different charges, and there are various costs and fees for each type of care. So, it’s important to understand how all the costs and fees work together and how to compare provider costs. This will help you choose the provider that works best for your budget and care needs.
Depending on which aged care service you wish to access, you may need to get an assessment of your income, or income and assets (means assessment).
What if I can't afford it? If you’re worried that you may not be able to afford your home care, residential respite care or permanent residential care costs, you can ask to be considered for financial hardship assistance. If you are eligible, the Australian Government will pay some or all of your aged care costs.
If you are receiving care through another aged care program, please speak to your provider.
Learn more about financial hardship assistance.
Can I seek financial advice? Yes, you can. In fact, it is recommended that you seek independent financial advice before deciding how to pay for your aged care.
Services Australia’s Financial Information Service (FIS) is a free service available to everyone. FIS officers can show you how to make informed financial decisions and help you to understand the financial implications of your aged care costs. They can also help you understand how different payment methods for residential care may affect your pension and aged care costs if you ever need to move into an aged care home.
To find out more about FIS, or to make an appointment, call 132 300 and say “Financial Information Service” when asked why you are calling.
For more information and guidance on financial matters, you can also visit our financial support and advice page.
A key question to ask when looking for aged care services is: What will this cost me? To answer this, there are a few different factors to consider.
How much you pay for aged care services depends on:
How do aged care costs work? All the providers listed on this website, in the Find a provider tool, can provide you with government-subsidised care. This means the government will pay part or all of your costs, making it more affordable for you.
Different providers have different charges, and there are various costs and fees for each type of care. So, it’s important to understand how all the costs and fees work together and how to compare provider costs. This will help you choose the provider that works best for your budget and care needs.
Depending on which aged care service you wish to access, you may need to get an assessment of your income, or income and assets (means assessment).
= = = = = = = = = = = = =
June 10, 2021 NEWS HEALTH & CARE
Exclusive: $112 million boost to home support services for senior Australians
The Morrison Government is helping strengthen the delivery of entry-level aged care services with a $112.1 million investment via the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP).
Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services, Richard Colbeck, said the latest allocation will provide better access to:
“Support for aged care providers to deliver additional CHSP services to senior Australians will help address key demand pressures.”
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Posted 1 week ago
by Liz Alderslade
The Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) will receive additional funding assistance of $124.4 million across 2020-21 and 2021-22 financial years, ensuring older Australians can live independently at home for longer.
Posted 2 days ago https://www.agedcareguide.com.au/talking-aged-care/additional-financial-boost-for-commonwealth-home-support-programme
by Liz Alderslade
More than 1,400 organisations are receiving funding to deliver CHSP home support services to nearly 840,000 older people.
The federal government has announced an additional $112.1 million for the provision of Commonwealth Home Support Program services.
Richard Colbeck The funding will be made available over two years to 141 providers who apply through the CHSP Targeted Growth Funding Round.
Aged care services minister Richard Colbeck says the funding will help providers deliver additional entry level CHSP services including meals, transport, social support, respite, gardening and cleaning.
More money for home delivered meals
It comes after the government last month said it would provide $7 million to the CHSP to increase the minimum meals unit price to $7.50 to assist providers in delivering meals to clients. The mechanism will increase the minimum $4.90 unit price paid to providers by $2.60.
The changes are expected to be implemented over the course of upcoming financial year, the government says. The CHSP provides entry-level home support to Australians aged 65 years and over (or 50 years and over for Indigenous Australians) living at home and in their own communities.
There are currently 1,400 CHSP providers in Australia, of which 70 per cent are not-for-profit. The government funds 571 meals providers to deliver 11.5 million meals a year across the country.
Read more about what researchers have discovered about the CHSP program.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
There are Government supports are for older people who wish to move out of their residential aged care facility and into the community to be with their family if they have concerns around COVID-19.
There will be an additional $71.4 million for the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) to assist older people moving into the community.
https://www.agedcareguide.com.au/talking-aged-care/government-commits-further-funding-to-aged-care
As announced last week, Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) service providers are now able to use unspent 2019‑20 funding to purchase up to $1000 worth of personal monitoring technology for their vulnerable clients in need of this support during COVID-19. This is important for older Australians and their informal carers and family who are self-isolating to protect themselves from exposure to COVID-19, thereby reducing their support and social connectedness.
A range of technology options are available in the private market, and the Department does not recommend any particular brand or device. CHSP service providers will need to source the monitoring equipment themselves with a view to accessing equipment that best meets the needs of the client. The Department of Health notes that in Australia the relevant Standard for personal monitoring technology is AS 4607 (personal response systems). This Standard specifies the minimum performance, design and operation requirements for telecommunications based personal response systems.
CHSP providers, funded to provide social support individual or group, can use grant funds to purchase IT, such as tablets, smart devices, and internet subscriptions to help connect older people to their family, carers and social groups under existing CHSP grant rules. This is not an option at the moment for CHSP providers not funded to provide social support.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------- --
"I’m approved for more than one service. Do I need to get them all from the same provider?" No. If you require more than one service through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme, you can use a different provider for each service.
Read more
The purpose of this NATIONAL GUIDE TO THE CHSP CLIENT CONTRIBUTION
https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2019/12/national-guide-to-the-chsp-client-contribution-framework.pdf
The Guide has been developed for providers to help with the establishment of client contribution arrangements that align to the CHSP Client Contribution Framework (the Framework). Clients can also use the Guide to understand the CHSP Client Contribution arrangements. There is no ‘one size fits all’ approach to client contribution arrangements across the CHSP and providers can flexibly implement the Framework to best meet their clients and their organizational needs.
The Guide outlines key areas of consideration that providers can address when establishing their client contribution arrangements. The Guide should be used in conjunction with the CHSP Manual (in particular Chapter 4 which details the Framework) to assist providers setting their contribution arrangements and for consumers to better understand contribution arrangements when choosing a service provider.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------- --
https://communitycarereview.com.au/2020/03/27/home-community-providers-to-benefit-from-support-package/
New measures against COVID-19 have been unveiled for the aged care sector including a $235 million staff retention bonus for residential and home care providers.
Making the announcement last Friday, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said an additional $92.2 million would be provided for home care and CHSP providers, including services like Meals on Wheels.
The government will also provide $12.3 million to My Aged Care to respond to increasing demand.
“This additional funding is being focussed on those who are most vulnerable, to get them the additional support so they can get access to the essential things they need, particularly through things like Meals on Wheels and home care support and the other things older Australians will need going through this time,” the PM told a media conference.
Home care providers and organisations that deliver CHSP, including services such as shopping and meal delivery for people in self-isolation, will get an additional $92.2 million.
If you are eligible for CHSP services you will be expected to pay your provider for the services you receive at a subsidised rate, if you can afford to. You don’t need a financial assessment and there is only one fee per service and no exit costs. Service providers will charge different amounts for their services.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Read more about the costs on the CHSP costs and fees page.
The Home Care Packages Program Data Report, released by the government just before Christmas, covers the period from 1 July to 30 September 2019.
It revealed that 112,237 people were still on the waiting list for their approved home care package.
Richard Colbeck
Close to 50,000 of those waiting are receiving a lower level interim home care package.
Almost all of the remaining 62,000 people without any package have been referred to Commonwealth Home Support Services, the report said.
https://www.australianageingagenda.com.au/2020/01/07/slight-improvement-on-home-care-queue/
07 January 2020
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
"How to tee up time out" The Senior Thursday December 02,2021 www.thesenior.com.au p24.
"Community respite Community respite is provided under the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) to those found eligible. The CHSP supports the relationship between you and your carer through a range of planned respite services that allow carers to take a break from their usual caring duties.
You can access residential respite for up to 63 days each financial year and you can extend this time in lots of 21 days if an assessment finds you need this extra time.
To gain access to residential respite care, you will first need a free assessment with a member of an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT). Costs vary depending on your circumstances and the kind of care you need. The federal government subsidizes a range of aged care services. You are expected to contribute to the cost of your care if you can afford to."
Eligible for CHSP or Community Respite?
If you have been assessed for the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) or for community respite care (under CHSP), you and your provider will develop a care plan together. The care plan includes costs and the schedule of services and when they start. Some providers may give you a document to sign, while others will accept your verbal agreement of the care plan. You can discuss this further with your service provider.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Advice for CHSP Social Support Group Providers:
To help prevent the spread of COVID-19, there are new restrictions on non-essential gatherings and visits to vulnerable groups. From 23 March 2020, all non-essential gatherings are suspended for four weeks.
If you provide Social Support Groups and group activities, you should suspend them for four weeks. You can continue to support clients by re-directing their funds to other non-face-to-face activities and support services. Please communicate any change to clients and their carers and families as soon as possible.
31 March 2020
What about the specific additional funding for support for in the home providers?
The Government has allocated an additional $70.2 million for CHSP providers to support providers impacted by COVID-19. This is in recognition of additional support that will need to be provided to care recipients because of the COVID-19 health emergency, including services for people in self-isolation.
How do CHSP providers access this funding?
All applicants must complete and submit an application form which can be requested from your Funding Arrangement Manager or by email from [email protected]. In this application form you should outline and justify the business need and demand for services and clearly articulate which service types and aged care planning regions will be affected and how much funding will be required.
What can CHSP providers use these funds for?
Where there is evidence of a significant financial impact to service delivery or workforce retention, CHSP service providers may submit an unsolicited proposal to the Department for additional grant funding.
This funding can be used to expand high demand CHSP services (e.g. Social Support Individual, Domestic Assistance, Personal Care, Nursing and essential Transport services), implement new and innovative service delivery models and in the retention of staff and volunteers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Will there be any restrictions on what providers can use these funds for?
An unsolicited proposal may only be used by CHSP providers who are ineligible for Flexibility Provisions (i.e. they only deliver one CHSP service type) or have already fully utilised their Flexibility Provisions.
Specific information about what CHSP grant money can and cannot be used for can be found in Part 8 of the CHSP Grant Guidelines (2018), which is available on the Department’s website.
The Government has also allocated an additional $22 million in temporary subsidy increases for Home Care Packages to support providers’ additional costs and workforce supply pressures resulting from COVID-19. Funding will have effect from 1 March 2020 to 31 August 2020 and the additional funding will start to flow to providers from April 2020.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
The Australian Government subsidises service providers so that fees stay reasonable and affordable. Your contribution is to help with the cost of services; you don’t cover the full cost. This is a regular payment to the provider for as long as you receive services. There are no exit fees or other fees to worry about.
Contributions from those who can afford it help providers continue to offer support in the local community.
https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/commonwealth-home-support-programme-costs
Community and Home Support:
To provide entry-level support services to assist frail older people to live independently at home and in the community.
Be aware too that Nursing Services are provided in your home for all Commonwealth Home Support Programme eligible clients. on page 51.
The Registered nurse will treat and monitor medically diagnosed clinical conditions. Education and maintenance of good health practices that improve your capacity to self-manage are also part of the service.
Funded by the Federal Department of Health, eligibility is dependent on assessment through My Aged Care.
Funding will be provided to a “targeted group” of existing CHSP providers over two years. They will get the first payments from next January, Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Ken Wyatt announced in WA on Tuesday.
Ken Wyatt
Care Relationships:
To support and maintain care relationships between carers and clients, through providing good quality respite care for frail older people so that carers can take a break.
Centre-based Respite:
Flexible Respite:
Sub-contracting services from Home Care service providers as part of a Home Care Package:
Q. Can a home care provider sub-contract services to a Home Care service provider?
A. Yes, a home care provider can sub-contract to a Home Care service provider to provide services to a home care consumer, for example, personal care, meals, community transport, nursing or allied health services, social activities, or respite care. In these cases, the full cost for providing the service will be paid out of the budget for the Home Care Package.
Accessing Home Care services in addition to a Home Care Package:
Q. Can a home care consumer access Home Care services in addition to their Home Care Package?
A. As much as possible, a home care consumer's care needs should be addressed through their Home Care Package. A consumer may, however, access additional HACC services (funded by the Home Care Program rather than out of the budget for the Home Care Package) in an emergency, or when a carer is not able to maintain their caring role. These instances should be time limited, monitored and reviewed.
NOTE: A home care consumer receiving a Level 1 or 2 package may also access additional nursing or allied health services funded through the Home Care Program, where the budget for the Home Care Package has been fully allocated for care needs identified in the consumer's care plan and additional nursing or allied health services are required to support the consumer to remain living at home.
When a Home Care service provider is assessing a home care consumer's eligibility for services under the Home Care Program, the service provider must consider any other services that the consumer is already receiving. Priority for Home Care services may be given to people who are not receiving any other services.
Q. Can a home care consumer be asked to pay a consumer fee for a Home Care service?
A. Yes, where a home care consumer is accessing additional services through the Home Care Program, the consumer would be expected to pay any consumer fees charged for the Home Care service (as applicable).
The home care subsidy cannot be used to pay consumer fees charged for the Home Care service.
CHSP complaints
https://www.dss.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/11_2014/xxxv_complaints_scheme_hacc_-_print_ready.pdf
01 May 2019
CHSP home modifications growth funding announced
07 March 2019
On 17 January 2019, the Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care, the Hon Ken Wyatt AM, MP announced $15 million in funding for existing Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) providers delivering home modifications services.
CHSP providers delivering these services will be contacted directly in the coming weeks by their Funding Arrangement Managers to be offered funding to increase service delivery. This funding will allow existing home modification providers to deliver changes to a client’s home to increase or maintain the person’s functional independence so that they can continue to live and move safely about the house.
For future updates on CHSP growth funding please refer to the department's website.
Department of Health - 08 February 2021
CHSP Guidelines – Program Manual 2018. The Commonwealth Home Support Programme – Program Manual 2018 is the third version of the Manual since its inception in July 2015 and supersedes all previous versions. This investment is in addition to the Government’s $100 million, two-year growth funding that began rolling out nationwide this month, as part of the $5.5 billion Commonwealth Home Support program as the latest figures show the waiting list for home care packages continues to balloon.
21 January 2019
What services does CHSP provide?
Looking ahead, do be aware that it is the Government's intention to integrate the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP), and Home Care Packages program into a single care at home program from 1 July 2020. In the 2019-20 Budget the Australian Government announced that funding for the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) will be extended from 1 July 2020 to 30 June 2022.
CHSP Funding Extension 2020-2022
Page last updated: 03 April 2019
Funding certainty to ensure continued service provision for clients. In the 2019-20 Budget the Australian Government announced that funding for the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) will be extended from 1 July 2020 to 30 June 2022.
Note: There is no financial assistance officially available for services provided through the CHSP. You have to pay a contribution towards your services. If you are struggling to pay, we suggest talking to your service provider to see if you can negotiate a cheaper rate, although they are under no obligation to provide this.
Preparing for 2020: a how-to guide
by Contributor on February 15, 2018 in Community Care Review
https://www.australianageingagenda.com.au/2018/02/15/preparing-2020-guide/
To get ready for the home care changes ahead, the Aged Care Roadmap, future care at home discussion paper and recent review of aged care reforms, offer a good base for providers to start, writes Lorraine Poulos. Providers of home care services, both private and not-for-profit, have been asking me what they can be doing to prepare themselves for the changes that are ahead in the sector.
Some are prepared and have done business case scenarios whilst others are playing a ‘wait and see’ game. The Aged Care Roadmap, the future care at home discussion paper and recent Legislated Review of Aged Care 2017 provide a good base for providers to commence planning for change and opportunities. In the May budget, the government also announced changes to funding arrangements for the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP). This included new funding conditions to provide a greater focus on activities that support independence and wellness and provide more choice for consumers.
The Aged Care Roadmap sets out a number of the future directions, including:
There are nine destinations outlined in the Aged Care Roadmap. I would like to focus on destination six – ‘Who Provides Care?’ as I think it is very important for CHSP providers to keep this in mind when considering their future. Recently the process for becoming an approved provider has been streamlined resulting in new entrants into the HCP market.
The number of CHSP providers is still controlled by government, and as we move to a combined CHSP/HCP program in 2020, it is not likely that any new providers will be given grants to provide CHSP leading up to this time.
The desired outcome when it comes to ‘Who provides care?’ according to the roadmap is:
According to the Roadmap, providers need to be an incorporated entity to be registered with government to receive consumers’ government contributions. In a nutshell, all CHSP and home care providers will become ‘care at home’ registered providers. Some examples of registration types referred to in the Roadmap are:
The Commonwealth Home Support Programme is a Commonwealth Government subsidy that supports older people who are mostly but not completely, able to live and cope on their own. It covers what is referred to as ‘entry-level services’ which can range from cleaning your house once a month to helping you out in the garden. CHSP for important additional services like domestic assistance, meal deliveries, transport and home maintenance. If this sounds like what you are looking for, you may be eligible.
- = - = - = - = - = - = - =
Around 1,600 providers currently deliver CHSP services to around 800,000 Australians. In many cases the CHSP provides low-level bridging assistance for the growing list of people waiting for a home care package. Current CHSP funding arrangements are set to expire in June 2020.
The CHSP Guidlines 2019 have been revised and updated on a new whole-of-government template. The guidelines provide an overview of the CHSP and its related activities, selection criteria, performance management and reporting. The guidelines should be read in conjunction with the CHSP service provider’s grant agreement.
The Programme can also help your carer. If your carer needs to attend to everyday activities, the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) can arrange for someone to help you while they are away.
21 January 2019
It is designed to provide a relatively small amount of care and support to a large number of frail older people to help them to remain living at home and in their communities. CHSP services can be delivered on a short-term, episodic or ongoing basis and have a strong focus on activities that support independence and social connectedness and provide more choice to consumers.
A $15 million funding boost will enable Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) providers to complete thousands more home modifications across the country, helping senior Australians live at home for longer. This investment is in addition to the Government’s $100 million, two-year growth funding that began rolling out nationwide this month, as part of the $5.5 billion CHSP services.
Examples of home modification activities could include:
• grab rails in the shower
• ramps (permanent and temporary)
• step modifications
• access and egress pathways through a property
• appropriate lever tap sets or lever door handles
• internal and external hand rails next to steps
• installation and fitting of emergency alarms and other safety aids and assistive technology
• client engagement and support.
In some clinically justified circumstances home modifications could also include:
• bathroom redesign (e.g. lowering or removal of shower hobs, changes to design lay out to improve accessibility)
• kitchen redesign (e.g. lowering kitchen bench tops, changes to design layout to improve accessibility)
• widening doorways and passages (e.g. to allow wheelchair access).
“We know senior Australians want as many choices as possible to keep them at home in a secure environment that supports healthy living, especially if they are recovering from surgery or injury,” Minister Wyatt says.
Q, Are clients currently receiving Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) able to receive STRC (Short-term Restorative Care)?
Yes. People receiving Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) services may be eligible for Short-term Restorative Care (STRC) services. The STRC service provider is expected to liaise with the STRC recipient’s current supports (including CHSP providers where applicable) to ensure care is coordinated with existing support/services.
Details of 2018-19 ACAR Short-Term Restorative Care allocations. Details of the allocations made to successful applicants listed by state/territory, provider and region.
Short-Term Restorative Care places are currently undergoing assessment.
This is what has been available up to now, although this may change. Given as a guide only.
March 2019
South Coast - Southport - Arcare Pty Ltd, Arcare Parkwood, 2 Woodlands Way, PARKWOOD QLD 4214 LGBTI - Dementia - 30 places allocated.
- Ormeau - Oxenford Arcare Pty Ltd, Arcare, Pimpama, 2 Halcyon Drive, PIMPAMA QLD 4209 - Dementia - 6 places allocated.
- Ormeau - Oxenford Gerontic Services Pty Ltd, Upper Coomera, Residential Care, 436 Tamborine-Oxenford Road, UPPER COOMERA QLD 4209 ATSI, LGBTI, R-R, VETS - Dementia - 8 places allocated.
- Broadbeach - Burleigh Infinite Aged Care (SEQ) Pty Ltd, New Service - 2018 - Infinite Care, Mermaid Waters, 259 Rio Vista Boulevard, MERMAID WATERS QLD 4226 - Dementia - 144 places allocated.
- Coolangatta - Japara Aged Care Services Pty Ltd, New Service - 2018 - Tugun, 906 Admiral Crescent, TUGUN QLD 4224 - Dementia - 120 places allocated.
- Gold Coast North - Linbrell Pty Ltd, Paradise Lakes Care Centre, 360 Oxley Drive, RUNAWAY BAY QLD 4216 - Dementia - 110 places allocated.
- Coolangatta - Regis Aged Care Pty Ltd, Regis Palm Beach, 1295 Gold Coast Highway, PALM BEACH QLD 4221 - Dementia - 60 places allocated.
- Coolangatta - RSL Care RDNS Limited, Bolton Clarke Galleon Gardens, 126-138 Galleon Way, CURRUMBIN WATERS QLD 4223 - 2 places allocated.
- Surfers Paradise - RSL Care RDNS Limited, New Service - 2018 - Bolton Clarke Sorrento, 8 Bundall Road, BUNDALL QLD 4217 - 92 places allocated.
The basic fee that a service provider can charge from 1 January 2020 is:
You must pay a fee for each day that you have a short-term restorative care place - from the day your care starts, to the day your care ends. This fee is generally paid to your service provider fortnightly or monthly. Your provider may ask you to pay for up to a week of care in advance.
However, as outlined in the CHSP Programme Manual1 ‘Commonwealth Home Support Programme services must not be provided to people who are already receiving other government subsidised services that are similar to service types funded through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme’. Should both STRC and CHSP services be accessed, it is expected that they would not be similar but rather different and complementary.
The CHSP services are described as entry level support services (such as garden maintenance, house cleaning or meals on wheels), which are episodic and can be delivered independently without a requirement for coordination or case management. They should be short term with a focus on wellness and/or reablement.
Funded by the Australian Government, the CHSP is an entry level home help programme for older people who are mostly – but not completely – able to live and cope on their own, and don’t yet need higher levels of support at home. A home support assessment conducted by the Regional Assessment Service (RAS) is required to access Government subsidised support at home.
https://www.agedcareguide.com.au/talking-aged-care/extra-15-million-to-support-independent-living
It is designed to provide a relatively small amount of care and support to a large number of frail older people to help them to remain living at home and in their communities. CHSP services can be delivered on a short-term, episodic or ongoing basis and have a strong focus on activities that support independence and social connectedness and provide more choice to consumers.
A $15 million funding boost will enable Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) providers to complete thousands more home modifications across the country, helping senior Australians live at home for longer. This investment is in addition to the Government’s $100 million, two-year growth funding that began rolling out nationwide this month, as part of the $5.5 billion CHSP services.
Examples of home modification activities could include:
• grab rails in the shower
• ramps (permanent and temporary)
• step modifications
• access and egress pathways through a property
• appropriate lever tap sets or lever door handles
• internal and external hand rails next to steps
• installation and fitting of emergency alarms and other safety aids and assistive technology
• client engagement and support.
In some clinically justified circumstances home modifications could also include:
• bathroom redesign (e.g. lowering or removal of shower hobs, changes to design lay out to improve accessibility)
• kitchen redesign (e.g. lowering kitchen bench tops, changes to design layout to improve accessibility)
• widening doorways and passages (e.g. to allow wheelchair access).
“We know senior Australians want as many choices as possible to keep them at home in a secure environment that supports healthy living, especially if they are recovering from surgery or injury,” Minister Wyatt says.
Freecall* 1800 200 422 to obtain free and confidential information on community aged care, disability and other support services available in your local area, interstate or anywhere in Australia.
*Mobile calls at applicable rates
Are clients currently receiving Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) able to receive STRC (Short-term Restorative Care)?
Yes. People receiving Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) services may be eligible for Short-term Restorative Care (STRC) services. The STRC service provider is expected to liaise with the STRC recipient’s current supports (including CHSP providers where applicable) to ensure care is coordinated with existing support/services.
However, as outlined in the CHSP Programme Manual Commonwealth Home Support Programme services must not be provided to people who are already receiving other government subsidised services that are similar to service types funded through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme’. Should both STRC and CHSP services be accessed, it is expected that they would not be similar but rather different and complementary.
Many people use CHSP when they need low-level support. As their needs become more intensive or complex, requiring some case management assistance, they can be referred for a Home Care Package.
The CHSP services are described as entry level support services (such as garden maintenance, house cleaning or meals on wheels), which are episodic and can be delivered independently without a requirement for coordination or case management. They should be short term with a focus on wellness and/or reablement.
The National meals Guidelines:
http://mealsonwheels.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/NationalMealsGuidelines2016.pdf
so DO think about having the services of Meals on Wheels.
Around 1,600 providers currently deliver CHSP services to around 800,000 Australians. In many cases the CHSP provides low-level bridging assistance for the growing list of people waiting for a home care package. Current CHSP funding arrangements are set to expire in June 2020.
The Programme can also help your carer. If your carer needs to attend to everyday activities, the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) can arrange for someone to help you while they are away.
Home support assessment with a RAS
Home support assessments are provided by a local assessor from a Regional Assessment Service or RAS. If you have been referred for a home support assessment, a member of a RAS will contact you. They will arrange a time to visit you at home and talk to you about your current situation.
Let the assessor know if you have any communication difficulties so they can arrange any special assistance you need for your assessment.
The assessor will ask you a few questions to ensure your and their safety when they visit.
The RAS assessor can approve you as eligible for entry level services under the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) to help you be independent in your home and actively participate in your community:
Read more about the assessment decision for the Commonwealth Home Support Programme.
These services support older people to stay at home and be more independent in the community.
Direct to Service Referrals:
Where a client has urgent needs which, if not met, would put the client's health and safety at risk, the contact centre will make a referral for appropriate service(s) as a High Priority.
The contact centre will also send a referral for assessment (either Home Support or Comprehensive Assessment) as a high priority. Clients will be informed that any direct referral for urgent services will also require an assessment to determine ongoing needs.
For any direct to service referral the client must meet ALL of the following:
1. an identified need for an immediate health or safety intervention based on the clients current circumstances
2. there has been a change in circumstances meaning the client cannot live unassisted and does not have access to that assistance
3. the services needed are one (or more) of the following: nursing, personal care, transport and meals.
People needing support are encouraged to contact My Aged Care for a holistic assessment of their needs. This allows appropriate referrals to service providers to support the client which may include a number of services. This does not mean that existing CHSP clients should be referred to My Aged Care if they are already receiving services, except where their needs change.
Note: Existing clients are not required to be assessed by My Aged Care to continue receiving the services they currently receive.
My Aged Care is an Australian Government contact centre (1800 200 422) and website myagedcare.gov.au
The phone line is open from 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday and from 10am to 2pm Saturday throughout Australia.
Looking ahead, do be aware that it is the Government's intention to integrate the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP), and Home Care Packages program into a single care at home program from 1 July 2020. The Federal Government’s proposed merger of the Commonwealth Home Support Program and home care packages has been pushed back until July 2020, budget papers show.
Note: There is no financial assistance officially available for services provided through the CHSP. You have to pay a contribution towards your services. If you are struggling to pay, we suggest talking to your service provider to see if you can negotiate a cheaper rate, although they are under no obligation to provide this.
//////////////////////// More detailed information on What to Expect - Types of Care, click here.
Who can access Commonwealth Home Support Programme services?
Commonwealth Home Care services are available to people:
· aged 65 years and over (or 50 and over for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people),
As well as helping you, the Commonwealth Home Support Programme can help your Carer. If your carer needs to attend to everyday activities, the Commonwealth Home Support Programme can arrange for someone to help you while they are away. It’s important to talk to the My Aged Care contact centre or your Provider ahead of time, if possible.
What types of services are provided?
Commonwealth Home Support Programme services provided in the community may include:
Transport services
Help to get you out and about to appointments and community activities.
Social support services
Help to remain social and take part in community life, for example:
CHSP clients will benefit from being able to access a wide range of CHSP services to support them to stay at home, and a model of service delivery that focuses on and enhance their independence, goals and strengths.
*********
The final stage of home care reform will be implemented 1 July 2020, when the Home Care Packages program and the Commonwealth Home Support Program are combined. The change is expected to open the way for consumers to choose small independent providers or deal directly with carers to make the most of their funding.
“The Consumer Directed Care (CDC) approach is a great step up from the past model of provider-determined services which have meant, in many cases, that aged people and their carers were often offered a range of services they didn’t want or need. It is high time that the consumer of aged services had a greater say about the type of services they receive and who delivers those services”, said Ara Cresswell, CEO of Carers Australia.
“It is also important that their carers have a voice in the provision of services which impact directly on their own lives as well as the lives of those they are caring for.
“In addition the capacity for consumers to exercise more choice should encourage service providers to offer a more innovative, flexible and consumer-friendly range of services. These would include respite services which are of fundamental importance to carers who need to take a break to meet their own needs, but which are often not used because many existing respite services are neither attractive to, or suitable for, either the person being cared for or the carer.
“It would be our hope that the integration of these two programmes will also address some current inconsistencies in the way access to respite services is made available to carers who look after someone on a Home Carer Package, and those who access services through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme.
Some useful contacts: https://myagedcare.gov.au/caring-someone
---------------------------------------
Interfacing with the Home Care Packages Program:
Generally, if a person is receiving a Home Care Package, the package will be the primary source of government funding for care and services to the home care consumer. A home care provider can sub-contract to a Home Care service provider to provide services as part of a Home Care Package. Additional Home Care services can also be provided to a home care consumer, as part of the Home Care Program, in limited circumstances.
17 December 2021
Government releases overview of new home care program
The Support at Home program will bring all in home aged care providers under one funding model, a new paper has revealed.
The Federal Government has released its Support at Home Program Overview paper, which outlines what the program design could look like, including assessment, services, funding arrangements and care management.
The new program will start in July 2023 and will replace the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) Home Care Packages (HCP) Program and Short Term Restorative Care (STRC) Programme.
It was created as a response to the findings in the aged care royal commission.
According to the paper, Support at Home providers will be paid on a fee-for-service basis.
“Payments would be made based on the agreed prices for the service list, once services specified in a person’s support plan have been delivered,” the paper said.
A Point of Delivery Payment Platform is currently being developed and will enable providers to receive payments in real time, from both government and senior Australians.
“The platform would also assist in capturing information from providers about service delivery and their clients, automating reporting on service provision,” the paper said.
Under the new program, providers and senior Australians will not be able to accrue unspent funds because providers will be paid as services are delivered. “For example, if a person goes on holiday and does not require their cleaning services, the provider would not receive payment for them, and the senior Australian would not accrue their entitlement,” the paper said.
Note Changes above: from July 2023.
---------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------
Understanding aged care costs
Last Updated at December 3rd 2021
If you are looking into aged care services, your first question is likely to be, 'how much is this going to cost?
Basic home care - changes Entry level home care delivered under the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) is largely funded by the Australian Government, however, you will be asked to contribute to the cost of the care and services you receive.
Services among basic home care providers differ between providers, and how much you contribute will be dependent on your income and the services you require.
Smaller, less intensive jobs like cooking meals will be a minimal cost compared to nursing care.
You will need to discuss how much it will cost with your provider and agree to the fees they are setting before you receive services.
If you cannot afford to contribute to CHSP services you need, you will still be able to access services but may receive financial hardship assistance.
https://www.agedcareguide.com.au/information/understanding-aged-care-costs
Note Changes above: from July 2023.
Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP)
https://communitycarereview.com.au/2021/06/15/funding-boost-for-chsp/
The CHSP provides entry-level home support to Australians aged 65 years and over (or 50 years and over for Indigenous Australians) living at home and in their own communities.
There are currently 1,400 CHSP providers in Australia, of which 70 per cent are not-for-profit.
A key question to ask when looking for aged care services is: What will this cost me? To answer this, there are a few different factors to consider.
How much you pay for aged care services depends on:
- the type of help you need,
- the provider you choose,
- your financial situation, and
- the services you receive.
How do aged care costs work? All the providers listed on this website, in the Find a provider tool, can provide you with government-subsidised care. This means the government will pay part or all of your costs, making it more affordable for you.
Different providers have different charges, and there are various costs and fees for each type of care. So, it’s important to understand how all the costs and fees work together and how to compare provider costs. This will help you choose the provider that works best for your budget and care needs.
Depending on which aged care service you wish to access, you may need to get an assessment of your income, or income and assets (means assessment).
What if I can't afford it? If you’re worried that you may not be able to afford your home care, residential respite care or permanent residential care costs, you can ask to be considered for financial hardship assistance. If you are eligible, the Australian Government will pay some or all of your aged care costs.
If you are receiving care through another aged care program, please speak to your provider.
Learn more about financial hardship assistance.
Can I seek financial advice? Yes, you can. In fact, it is recommended that you seek independent financial advice before deciding how to pay for your aged care.
Services Australia’s Financial Information Service (FIS) is a free service available to everyone. FIS officers can show you how to make informed financial decisions and help you to understand the financial implications of your aged care costs. They can also help you understand how different payment methods for residential care may affect your pension and aged care costs if you ever need to move into an aged care home.
To find out more about FIS, or to make an appointment, call 132 300 and say “Financial Information Service” when asked why you are calling.
For more information and guidance on financial matters, you can also visit our financial support and advice page.
A key question to ask when looking for aged care services is: What will this cost me? To answer this, there are a few different factors to consider.
How much you pay for aged care services depends on:
- the type of help you need,
- the provider you choose,
- your financial situation, and
- the services you receive.
How do aged care costs work? All the providers listed on this website, in the Find a provider tool, can provide you with government-subsidised care. This means the government will pay part or all of your costs, making it more affordable for you.
Different providers have different charges, and there are various costs and fees for each type of care. So, it’s important to understand how all the costs and fees work together and how to compare provider costs. This will help you choose the provider that works best for your budget and care needs.
Depending on which aged care service you wish to access, you may need to get an assessment of your income, or income and assets (means assessment).
= = = = = = = = = = = = =
June 10, 2021 NEWS HEALTH & CARE
Exclusive: $112 million boost to home support services for senior Australians
The Morrison Government is helping strengthen the delivery of entry-level aged care services with a $112.1 million investment via the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP).
Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services, Richard Colbeck, said the latest allocation will provide better access to:
- a range of high demand care services,
- including meals,
- transport,
- social support,
- respite,
- gardening and
- cleaning for older Australians, their families and carers.
“Support for aged care providers to deliver additional CHSP services to senior Australians will help address key demand pressures.”
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Posted 1 week ago
by Liz Alderslade
The Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) will receive additional funding assistance of $124.4 million across 2020-21 and 2021-22 financial years, ensuring older Australians can live independently at home for longer.
Posted 2 days ago https://www.agedcareguide.com.au/talking-aged-care/additional-financial-boost-for-commonwealth-home-support-programme
by Liz Alderslade
More than 1,400 organisations are receiving funding to deliver CHSP home support services to nearly 840,000 older people.
The federal government has announced an additional $112.1 million for the provision of Commonwealth Home Support Program services.
Richard Colbeck The funding will be made available over two years to 141 providers who apply through the CHSP Targeted Growth Funding Round.
Aged care services minister Richard Colbeck says the funding will help providers deliver additional entry level CHSP services including meals, transport, social support, respite, gardening and cleaning.
More money for home delivered meals
It comes after the government last month said it would provide $7 million to the CHSP to increase the minimum meals unit price to $7.50 to assist providers in delivering meals to clients. The mechanism will increase the minimum $4.90 unit price paid to providers by $2.60.
The changes are expected to be implemented over the course of upcoming financial year, the government says. The CHSP provides entry-level home support to Australians aged 65 years and over (or 50 years and over for Indigenous Australians) living at home and in their own communities.
There are currently 1,400 CHSP providers in Australia, of which 70 per cent are not-for-profit. The government funds 571 meals providers to deliver 11.5 million meals a year across the country.
Read more about what researchers have discovered about the CHSP program.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
There are Government supports are for older people who wish to move out of their residential aged care facility and into the community to be with their family if they have concerns around COVID-19.
There will be an additional $71.4 million for the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) to assist older people moving into the community.
https://www.agedcareguide.com.au/talking-aged-care/government-commits-further-funding-to-aged-care
As announced last week, Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) service providers are now able to use unspent 2019‑20 funding to purchase up to $1000 worth of personal monitoring technology for their vulnerable clients in need of this support during COVID-19. This is important for older Australians and their informal carers and family who are self-isolating to protect themselves from exposure to COVID-19, thereby reducing their support and social connectedness.
A range of technology options are available in the private market, and the Department does not recommend any particular brand or device. CHSP service providers will need to source the monitoring equipment themselves with a view to accessing equipment that best meets the needs of the client. The Department of Health notes that in Australia the relevant Standard for personal monitoring technology is AS 4607 (personal response systems). This Standard specifies the minimum performance, design and operation requirements for telecommunications based personal response systems.
CHSP providers, funded to provide social support individual or group, can use grant funds to purchase IT, such as tablets, smart devices, and internet subscriptions to help connect older people to their family, carers and social groups under existing CHSP grant rules. This is not an option at the moment for CHSP providers not funded to provide social support.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------- --
"I’m approved for more than one service. Do I need to get them all from the same provider?" No. If you require more than one service through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme, you can use a different provider for each service.
Read more
The purpose of this NATIONAL GUIDE TO THE CHSP CLIENT CONTRIBUTION
https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2019/12/national-guide-to-the-chsp-client-contribution-framework.pdf
The Guide has been developed for providers to help with the establishment of client contribution arrangements that align to the CHSP Client Contribution Framework (the Framework). Clients can also use the Guide to understand the CHSP Client Contribution arrangements. There is no ‘one size fits all’ approach to client contribution arrangements across the CHSP and providers can flexibly implement the Framework to best meet their clients and their organizational needs.
The Guide outlines key areas of consideration that providers can address when establishing their client contribution arrangements. The Guide should be used in conjunction with the CHSP Manual (in particular Chapter 4 which details the Framework) to assist providers setting their contribution arrangements and for consumers to better understand contribution arrangements when choosing a service provider.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------- --
https://communitycarereview.com.au/2020/03/27/home-community-providers-to-benefit-from-support-package/
New measures against COVID-19 have been unveiled for the aged care sector including a $235 million staff retention bonus for residential and home care providers.
Making the announcement last Friday, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said an additional $92.2 million would be provided for home care and CHSP providers, including services like Meals on Wheels.
The government will also provide $12.3 million to My Aged Care to respond to increasing demand.
“This additional funding is being focussed on those who are most vulnerable, to get them the additional support so they can get access to the essential things they need, particularly through things like Meals on Wheels and home care support and the other things older Australians will need going through this time,” the PM told a media conference.
Home care providers and organisations that deliver CHSP, including services such as shopping and meal delivery for people in self-isolation, will get an additional $92.2 million.
If you are eligible for CHSP services you will be expected to pay your provider for the services you receive at a subsidised rate, if you can afford to. You don’t need a financial assessment and there is only one fee per service and no exit costs. Service providers will charge different amounts for their services.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Read more about the costs on the CHSP costs and fees page.
The Home Care Packages Program Data Report, released by the government just before Christmas, covers the period from 1 July to 30 September 2019.
It revealed that 112,237 people were still on the waiting list for their approved home care package.
Richard Colbeck
Close to 50,000 of those waiting are receiving a lower level interim home care package.
Almost all of the remaining 62,000 people without any package have been referred to Commonwealth Home Support Services, the report said.
https://www.australianageingagenda.com.au/2020/01/07/slight-improvement-on-home-care-queue/
07 January 2020
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
"How to tee up time out" The Senior Thursday December 02,2021 www.thesenior.com.au p24.
"Community respite Community respite is provided under the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) to those found eligible. The CHSP supports the relationship between you and your carer through a range of planned respite services that allow carers to take a break from their usual caring duties.
You can access residential respite for up to 63 days each financial year and you can extend this time in lots of 21 days if an assessment finds you need this extra time.
To gain access to residential respite care, you will first need a free assessment with a member of an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT). Costs vary depending on your circumstances and the kind of care you need. The federal government subsidizes a range of aged care services. You are expected to contribute to the cost of your care if you can afford to."
Eligible for CHSP or Community Respite?
If you have been assessed for the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) or for community respite care (under CHSP), you and your provider will develop a care plan together. The care plan includes costs and the schedule of services and when they start. Some providers may give you a document to sign, while others will accept your verbal agreement of the care plan. You can discuss this further with your service provider.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Advice for CHSP Social Support Group Providers:
To help prevent the spread of COVID-19, there are new restrictions on non-essential gatherings and visits to vulnerable groups. From 23 March 2020, all non-essential gatherings are suspended for four weeks.
If you provide Social Support Groups and group activities, you should suspend them for four weeks. You can continue to support clients by re-directing their funds to other non-face-to-face activities and support services. Please communicate any change to clients and their carers and families as soon as possible.
31 March 2020
What about the specific additional funding for support for in the home providers?
The Government has allocated an additional $70.2 million for CHSP providers to support providers impacted by COVID-19. This is in recognition of additional support that will need to be provided to care recipients because of the COVID-19 health emergency, including services for people in self-isolation.
How do CHSP providers access this funding?
All applicants must complete and submit an application form which can be requested from your Funding Arrangement Manager or by email from [email protected]. In this application form you should outline and justify the business need and demand for services and clearly articulate which service types and aged care planning regions will be affected and how much funding will be required.
What can CHSP providers use these funds for?
Where there is evidence of a significant financial impact to service delivery or workforce retention, CHSP service providers may submit an unsolicited proposal to the Department for additional grant funding.
This funding can be used to expand high demand CHSP services (e.g. Social Support Individual, Domestic Assistance, Personal Care, Nursing and essential Transport services), implement new and innovative service delivery models and in the retention of staff and volunteers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Will there be any restrictions on what providers can use these funds for?
An unsolicited proposal may only be used by CHSP providers who are ineligible for Flexibility Provisions (i.e. they only deliver one CHSP service type) or have already fully utilised their Flexibility Provisions.
Specific information about what CHSP grant money can and cannot be used for can be found in Part 8 of the CHSP Grant Guidelines (2018), which is available on the Department’s website.
The Government has also allocated an additional $22 million in temporary subsidy increases for Home Care Packages to support providers’ additional costs and workforce supply pressures resulting from COVID-19. Funding will have effect from 1 March 2020 to 31 August 2020 and the additional funding will start to flow to providers from April 2020.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
The Australian Government subsidises service providers so that fees stay reasonable and affordable. Your contribution is to help with the cost of services; you don’t cover the full cost. This is a regular payment to the provider for as long as you receive services. There are no exit fees or other fees to worry about.
Contributions from those who can afford it help providers continue to offer support in the local community.
https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/commonwealth-home-support-programme-costs
Community and Home Support:
To provide entry-level support services to assist frail older people to live independently at home and in the community.
- Allied Health and Therapy Services
- Domestic Assistance
- Goods, Equipment and Assistive Technology
- Home Maintenance
- Home Modifications
- Meals
- Nursing
- Other Food Services
- Personal Care
- Social Support - Individual
- Social Support - Group
- Specialised Support Services
- Transport
Be aware too that Nursing Services are provided in your home for all Commonwealth Home Support Programme eligible clients. on page 51.
- Wound management
- Continence assessments
- Pain management
- Management of pressure related problems
- Diabetes management
- Medication management.
The Registered nurse will treat and monitor medically diagnosed clinical conditions. Education and maintenance of good health practices that improve your capacity to self-manage are also part of the service.
Funded by the Federal Department of Health, eligibility is dependent on assessment through My Aged Care.
Funding will be provided to a “targeted group” of existing CHSP providers over two years. They will get the first payments from next January, Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Ken Wyatt announced in WA on Tuesday.
Ken Wyatt
Care Relationships:
To support and maintain care relationships between carers and clients, through providing good quality respite care for frail older people so that carers can take a break.
Centre-based Respite:
- Centre based day respite
- Residential day respite
- Community access-group respite
- Overnight community
Flexible Respite:
- In-home day respite
- In-home overnight respite
- Community access - individual respite
- Host family day respite
- Host family day respite
- Host family overnight respite
- Mobile respite
- Other planned respite
Sub-contracting services from Home Care service providers as part of a Home Care Package:
Q. Can a home care provider sub-contract services to a Home Care service provider?
A. Yes, a home care provider can sub-contract to a Home Care service provider to provide services to a home care consumer, for example, personal care, meals, community transport, nursing or allied health services, social activities, or respite care. In these cases, the full cost for providing the service will be paid out of the budget for the Home Care Package.
Accessing Home Care services in addition to a Home Care Package:
Q. Can a home care consumer access Home Care services in addition to their Home Care Package?
A. As much as possible, a home care consumer's care needs should be addressed through their Home Care Package. A consumer may, however, access additional HACC services (funded by the Home Care Program rather than out of the budget for the Home Care Package) in an emergency, or when a carer is not able to maintain their caring role. These instances should be time limited, monitored and reviewed.
NOTE: A home care consumer receiving a Level 1 or 2 package may also access additional nursing or allied health services funded through the Home Care Program, where the budget for the Home Care Package has been fully allocated for care needs identified in the consumer's care plan and additional nursing or allied health services are required to support the consumer to remain living at home.
When a Home Care service provider is assessing a home care consumer's eligibility for services under the Home Care Program, the service provider must consider any other services that the consumer is already receiving. Priority for Home Care services may be given to people who are not receiving any other services.
Q. Can a home care consumer be asked to pay a consumer fee for a Home Care service?
A. Yes, where a home care consumer is accessing additional services through the Home Care Program, the consumer would be expected to pay any consumer fees charged for the Home Care service (as applicable).
The home care subsidy cannot be used to pay consumer fees charged for the Home Care service.
CHSP complaints
https://www.dss.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/11_2014/xxxv_complaints_scheme_hacc_-_print_ready.pdf
01 May 2019
CHSP home modifications growth funding announced
07 March 2019
On 17 January 2019, the Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care, the Hon Ken Wyatt AM, MP announced $15 million in funding for existing Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) providers delivering home modifications services.
CHSP providers delivering these services will be contacted directly in the coming weeks by their Funding Arrangement Managers to be offered funding to increase service delivery. This funding will allow existing home modification providers to deliver changes to a client’s home to increase or maintain the person’s functional independence so that they can continue to live and move safely about the house.
For future updates on CHSP growth funding please refer to the department's website.
Department of Health - 08 February 2021
CHSP Guidelines – Program Manual 2018. The Commonwealth Home Support Programme – Program Manual 2018 is the third version of the Manual since its inception in July 2015 and supersedes all previous versions. This investment is in addition to the Government’s $100 million, two-year growth funding that began rolling out nationwide this month, as part of the $5.5 billion Commonwealth Home Support program as the latest figures show the waiting list for home care packages continues to balloon.
21 January 2019
What services does CHSP provide?
- The CHSP offers a range of home and community care services including:
- • social support – social activities in a community-based group setting, Day Centre programs
- • transport – help to get out and about for shopping or appointments
- • domestic assistance – household jobs like cleaning, clothes washing and ironing
- • personal care – help with bathing or showering, dressing, hair care and going to the toilet
- • home maintenance– minor general repair and care of your house or yard, for example, changing light bulbs or replacing tap washers
- • home modification – minor installation of safety aids such as alarms, ramps and support rails in your home
- • nursing care – a qualified nurse comes to your home and may, for example, dress a wound or provide continence advice
- • respite care – supporting carers by providing respite care options
- • housing support – assistance with housing options for vulnerable older people
- • food services – meals at a community centre; help to shop for, prepare or store food; meal delivery to your home
- • allied health support services – such as physiotherapy, occupational and speech therapy, podiatry, dietician etc.
- What is the difference between Home Care Packages and the CHSP?
- Home Care Packages and the CHSP both give you support to stay at home. But there are differences between the programs.
- With the CHSP, you:
- • choose from a set menu of services – there isn’t much flexibility
- • only pay for the services you use
- • can dip in and out of the program as you need things
- • have your eligibility assessed by the Regional Assessment Service (RAS). With a Home Care Package:
- • a case manager or case adviser helps you understand the system and work out a Care Plan that suits your individual needs and preferences
- • you get your own funds to use and can decide how to spend it, rather than choosing from a menu
- • once you have a package, it stays in place for the long term
- • your eligibility is assessed by the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT
Looking ahead, do be aware that it is the Government's intention to integrate the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP), and Home Care Packages program into a single care at home program from 1 July 2020. In the 2019-20 Budget the Australian Government announced that funding for the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) will be extended from 1 July 2020 to 30 June 2022.
CHSP Funding Extension 2020-2022
Page last updated: 03 April 2019
Funding certainty to ensure continued service provision for clients. In the 2019-20 Budget the Australian Government announced that funding for the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) will be extended from 1 July 2020 to 30 June 2022.
Note: There is no financial assistance officially available for services provided through the CHSP. You have to pay a contribution towards your services. If you are struggling to pay, we suggest talking to your service provider to see if you can negotiate a cheaper rate, although they are under no obligation to provide this.
Preparing for 2020: a how-to guide
by Contributor on February 15, 2018 in Community Care Review
https://www.australianageingagenda.com.au/2018/02/15/preparing-2020-guide/
To get ready for the home care changes ahead, the Aged Care Roadmap, future care at home discussion paper and recent review of aged care reforms, offer a good base for providers to start, writes Lorraine Poulos. Providers of home care services, both private and not-for-profit, have been asking me what they can be doing to prepare themselves for the changes that are ahead in the sector.
Some are prepared and have done business case scenarios whilst others are playing a ‘wait and see’ game. The Aged Care Roadmap, the future care at home discussion paper and recent Legislated Review of Aged Care 2017 provide a good base for providers to commence planning for change and opportunities. In the May budget, the government also announced changes to funding arrangements for the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP). This included new funding conditions to provide a greater focus on activities that support independence and wellness and provide more choice for consumers.
The Aged Care Roadmap sets out a number of the future directions, including:
- A seamless aged care system that is market based and consumer driven, with access based on assessed need
- Seamless movement between home-based and residential care with true consumer choice of care and provider across the spectrum.
- A system where supply is uncapped (this will be monitored by government to ensure funding allocation is adhered to)
- Removing the distinction between care at home and residential care, creating a single aged care system – agnostic as to where care is received.
There are nine destinations outlined in the Aged Care Roadmap. I would like to focus on destination six – ‘Who Provides Care?’ as I think it is very important for CHSP providers to keep this in mind when considering their future. Recently the process for becoming an approved provider has been streamlined resulting in new entrants into the HCP market.
The number of CHSP providers is still controlled by government, and as we move to a combined CHSP/HCP program in 2020, it is not likely that any new providers will be given grants to provide CHSP leading up to this time.
The desired outcome when it comes to ‘Who provides care?’ according to the roadmap is:
- A single registration scheme
- A staged approach to registration depending on scope of practice
- Mutual recognition of similar registration and accreditation systems
- Multiple operators with the objective of driving competition, innovation and consumer responsiveness
- A desired goal is efficiency and value for money for the community
According to the Roadmap, providers need to be an incorporated entity to be registered with government to receive consumers’ government contributions. In a nutshell, all CHSP and home care providers will become ‘care at home’ registered providers. Some examples of registration types referred to in the Roadmap are:
- short-term restorative care
- care co-ordination/case management
- clinical and personal care
- services with an accommodation component; and
- financial services (holding payments in trust).
The Commonwealth Home Support Programme is a Commonwealth Government subsidy that supports older people who are mostly but not completely, able to live and cope on their own. It covers what is referred to as ‘entry-level services’ which can range from cleaning your house once a month to helping you out in the garden. CHSP for important additional services like domestic assistance, meal deliveries, transport and home maintenance. If this sounds like what you are looking for, you may be eligible.
- = - = - = - = - = - = - =
Around 1,600 providers currently deliver CHSP services to around 800,000 Australians. In many cases the CHSP provides low-level bridging assistance for the growing list of people waiting for a home care package. Current CHSP funding arrangements are set to expire in June 2020.
The CHSP Guidlines 2019 have been revised and updated on a new whole-of-government template. The guidelines provide an overview of the CHSP and its related activities, selection criteria, performance management and reporting. The guidelines should be read in conjunction with the CHSP service provider’s grant agreement.
The Programme can also help your carer. If your carer needs to attend to everyday activities, the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) can arrange for someone to help you while they are away.
21 January 2019
It is designed to provide a relatively small amount of care and support to a large number of frail older people to help them to remain living at home and in their communities. CHSP services can be delivered on a short-term, episodic or ongoing basis and have a strong focus on activities that support independence and social connectedness and provide more choice to consumers.
A $15 million funding boost will enable Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) providers to complete thousands more home modifications across the country, helping senior Australians live at home for longer. This investment is in addition to the Government’s $100 million, two-year growth funding that began rolling out nationwide this month, as part of the $5.5 billion CHSP services.
Examples of home modification activities could include:
• grab rails in the shower
• ramps (permanent and temporary)
• step modifications
• access and egress pathways through a property
• appropriate lever tap sets or lever door handles
• internal and external hand rails next to steps
• installation and fitting of emergency alarms and other safety aids and assistive technology
• client engagement and support.
In some clinically justified circumstances home modifications could also include:
• bathroom redesign (e.g. lowering or removal of shower hobs, changes to design lay out to improve accessibility)
• kitchen redesign (e.g. lowering kitchen bench tops, changes to design layout to improve accessibility)
• widening doorways and passages (e.g. to allow wheelchair access).
“We know senior Australians want as many choices as possible to keep them at home in a secure environment that supports healthy living, especially if they are recovering from surgery or injury,” Minister Wyatt says.
Q, Are clients currently receiving Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) able to receive STRC (Short-term Restorative Care)?
Yes. People receiving Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) services may be eligible for Short-term Restorative Care (STRC) services. The STRC service provider is expected to liaise with the STRC recipient’s current supports (including CHSP providers where applicable) to ensure care is coordinated with existing support/services.
Details of 2018-19 ACAR Short-Term Restorative Care allocations. Details of the allocations made to successful applicants listed by state/territory, provider and region.
Short-Term Restorative Care places are currently undergoing assessment.
This is what has been available up to now, although this may change. Given as a guide only.
March 2019
South Coast - Southport - Arcare Pty Ltd, Arcare Parkwood, 2 Woodlands Way, PARKWOOD QLD 4214 LGBTI - Dementia - 30 places allocated.
- Ormeau - Oxenford Arcare Pty Ltd, Arcare, Pimpama, 2 Halcyon Drive, PIMPAMA QLD 4209 - Dementia - 6 places allocated.
- Ormeau - Oxenford Gerontic Services Pty Ltd, Upper Coomera, Residential Care, 436 Tamborine-Oxenford Road, UPPER COOMERA QLD 4209 ATSI, LGBTI, R-R, VETS - Dementia - 8 places allocated.
- Broadbeach - Burleigh Infinite Aged Care (SEQ) Pty Ltd, New Service - 2018 - Infinite Care, Mermaid Waters, 259 Rio Vista Boulevard, MERMAID WATERS QLD 4226 - Dementia - 144 places allocated.
- Coolangatta - Japara Aged Care Services Pty Ltd, New Service - 2018 - Tugun, 906 Admiral Crescent, TUGUN QLD 4224 - Dementia - 120 places allocated.
- Gold Coast North - Linbrell Pty Ltd, Paradise Lakes Care Centre, 360 Oxley Drive, RUNAWAY BAY QLD 4216 - Dementia - 110 places allocated.
- Coolangatta - Regis Aged Care Pty Ltd, Regis Palm Beach, 1295 Gold Coast Highway, PALM BEACH QLD 4221 - Dementia - 60 places allocated.
- Coolangatta - RSL Care RDNS Limited, Bolton Clarke Galleon Gardens, 126-138 Galleon Way, CURRUMBIN WATERS QLD 4223 - 2 places allocated.
- Surfers Paradise - RSL Care RDNS Limited, New Service - 2018 - Bolton Clarke Sorrento, 8 Bundall Road, BUNDALL QLD 4217 - 92 places allocated.
The basic fee that a service provider can charge from 1 January 2020 is:
- up to $10.63 per person per day in a home or community setting
- up to $51.63 per person per day in an aged care home.
You must pay a fee for each day that you have a short-term restorative care place - from the day your care starts, to the day your care ends. This fee is generally paid to your service provider fortnightly or monthly. Your provider may ask you to pay for up to a week of care in advance.
However, as outlined in the CHSP Programme Manual1 ‘Commonwealth Home Support Programme services must not be provided to people who are already receiving other government subsidised services that are similar to service types funded through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme’. Should both STRC and CHSP services be accessed, it is expected that they would not be similar but rather different and complementary.
The CHSP services are described as entry level support services (such as garden maintenance, house cleaning or meals on wheels), which are episodic and can be delivered independently without a requirement for coordination or case management. They should be short term with a focus on wellness and/or reablement.
Funded by the Australian Government, the CHSP is an entry level home help programme for older people who are mostly – but not completely – able to live and cope on their own, and don’t yet need higher levels of support at home. A home support assessment conducted by the Regional Assessment Service (RAS) is required to access Government subsidised support at home.
https://www.agedcareguide.com.au/talking-aged-care/extra-15-million-to-support-independent-living
It is designed to provide a relatively small amount of care and support to a large number of frail older people to help them to remain living at home and in their communities. CHSP services can be delivered on a short-term, episodic or ongoing basis and have a strong focus on activities that support independence and social connectedness and provide more choice to consumers.
A $15 million funding boost will enable Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) providers to complete thousands more home modifications across the country, helping senior Australians live at home for longer. This investment is in addition to the Government’s $100 million, two-year growth funding that began rolling out nationwide this month, as part of the $5.5 billion CHSP services.
Examples of home modification activities could include:
• grab rails in the shower
• ramps (permanent and temporary)
• step modifications
• access and egress pathways through a property
• appropriate lever tap sets or lever door handles
• internal and external hand rails next to steps
• installation and fitting of emergency alarms and other safety aids and assistive technology
• client engagement and support.
In some clinically justified circumstances home modifications could also include:
• bathroom redesign (e.g. lowering or removal of shower hobs, changes to design lay out to improve accessibility)
• kitchen redesign (e.g. lowering kitchen bench tops, changes to design layout to improve accessibility)
• widening doorways and passages (e.g. to allow wheelchair access).
“We know senior Australians want as many choices as possible to keep them at home in a secure environment that supports healthy living, especially if they are recovering from surgery or injury,” Minister Wyatt says.
Freecall* 1800 200 422 to obtain free and confidential information on community aged care, disability and other support services available in your local area, interstate or anywhere in Australia.
*Mobile calls at applicable rates
Are clients currently receiving Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) able to receive STRC (Short-term Restorative Care)?
Yes. People receiving Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) services may be eligible for Short-term Restorative Care (STRC) services. The STRC service provider is expected to liaise with the STRC recipient’s current supports (including CHSP providers where applicable) to ensure care is coordinated with existing support/services.
However, as outlined in the CHSP Programme Manual Commonwealth Home Support Programme services must not be provided to people who are already receiving other government subsidised services that are similar to service types funded through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme’. Should both STRC and CHSP services be accessed, it is expected that they would not be similar but rather different and complementary.
Many people use CHSP when they need low-level support. As their needs become more intensive or complex, requiring some case management assistance, they can be referred for a Home Care Package.
The CHSP services are described as entry level support services (such as garden maintenance, house cleaning or meals on wheels), which are episodic and can be delivered independently without a requirement for coordination or case management. They should be short term with a focus on wellness and/or reablement.
The National meals Guidelines:
http://mealsonwheels.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/NationalMealsGuidelines2016.pdf
so DO think about having the services of Meals on Wheels.
Around 1,600 providers currently deliver CHSP services to around 800,000 Australians. In many cases the CHSP provides low-level bridging assistance for the growing list of people waiting for a home care package. Current CHSP funding arrangements are set to expire in June 2020.
The Programme can also help your carer. If your carer needs to attend to everyday activities, the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) can arrange for someone to help you while they are away.
Home support assessment with a RAS
- Preparing for an assessment
- What happens during a home support assessment
- Questions to ask the assessor
- Developing a support plan
- Referring you for service
- Concerns about your assessment
- Support to help you
Home support assessments are provided by a local assessor from a Regional Assessment Service or RAS. If you have been referred for a home support assessment, a member of a RAS will contact you. They will arrange a time to visit you at home and talk to you about your current situation.
Let the assessor know if you have any communication difficulties so they can arrange any special assistance you need for your assessment.
The assessor will ask you a few questions to ensure your and their safety when they visit.
The RAS assessor can approve you as eligible for entry level services under the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) to help you be independent in your home and actively participate in your community:
- The assessor can make a referral to a service provider on your behalf, including to a particular service provider of your choice.
- If you want to talk to service providers in your area, the assessor can give you the referral code.
- If you decide to take the referral code to a service provider of your choice, you can get help to find providers in your area. Call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 or use the help at home service finder.
- If a person is seeking to access entry-level support at home, under CHSP they will be referred to a RAS* for a face-to-face home support assessment. The RAS will undertake the assessment using the National Screening and Assessment Form, via the My Aged Care assessor portal. During the home support assessment, the RAS assessor will work with the person to develop a support plan that reflects their aged care needs, goals and preferences. The support plan forms part of the client record that can be viewed online via the My Aged Care client portal. The RAS will also provide short term case management for vulnerable clients with complex or multiple needs.
Read more about the assessment decision for the Commonwealth Home Support Programme.
These services support older people to stay at home and be more independent in the community.
Direct to Service Referrals:
Where a client has urgent needs which, if not met, would put the client's health and safety at risk, the contact centre will make a referral for appropriate service(s) as a High Priority.
The contact centre will also send a referral for assessment (either Home Support or Comprehensive Assessment) as a high priority. Clients will be informed that any direct referral for urgent services will also require an assessment to determine ongoing needs.
For any direct to service referral the client must meet ALL of the following:
1. an identified need for an immediate health or safety intervention based on the clients current circumstances
2. there has been a change in circumstances meaning the client cannot live unassisted and does not have access to that assistance
3. the services needed are one (or more) of the following: nursing, personal care, transport and meals.
People needing support are encouraged to contact My Aged Care for a holistic assessment of their needs. This allows appropriate referrals to service providers to support the client which may include a number of services. This does not mean that existing CHSP clients should be referred to My Aged Care if they are already receiving services, except where their needs change.
Note: Existing clients are not required to be assessed by My Aged Care to continue receiving the services they currently receive.
My Aged Care is an Australian Government contact centre (1800 200 422) and website myagedcare.gov.au
The phone line is open from 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday and from 10am to 2pm Saturday throughout Australia.
Looking ahead, do be aware that it is the Government's intention to integrate the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP), and Home Care Packages program into a single care at home program from 1 July 2020. The Federal Government’s proposed merger of the Commonwealth Home Support Program and home care packages has been pushed back until July 2020, budget papers show.
Note: There is no financial assistance officially available for services provided through the CHSP. You have to pay a contribution towards your services. If you are struggling to pay, we suggest talking to your service provider to see if you can negotiate a cheaper rate, although they are under no obligation to provide this.
//////////////////////// More detailed information on What to Expect - Types of Care, click here.
Who can access Commonwealth Home Support Programme services?
Commonwealth Home Care services are available to people:
· aged 65 years and over (or 50 and over for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people),
- implemented in Victoria and Western Australia where it will combine the National Respite for Carers Program, the Day Therapy Centres and the Assistance with Care and Housing for the Aged Program operating in those two states.
- who need assistance with daily living to remain living independently at home.
- Carers of these clients may also benefit from services provided through the CHSP
As well as helping you, the Commonwealth Home Support Programme can help your Carer. If your carer needs to attend to everyday activities, the Commonwealth Home Support Programme can arrange for someone to help you while they are away. It’s important to talk to the My Aged Care contact centre or your Provider ahead of time, if possible.
What types of services are provided?
Commonwealth Home Support Programme services provided in the community may include:
Transport services
Help to get you out and about to appointments and community activities.
- driver service
- travel vouchers and subsidies
Social support services
Help to remain social and take part in community life, for example:
- in-home social calls
- phone and internet communication services
- group social activities
CHSP clients will benefit from being able to access a wide range of CHSP services to support them to stay at home, and a model of service delivery that focuses on and enhance their independence, goals and strengths.
*********
The final stage of home care reform will be implemented 1 July 2020, when the Home Care Packages program and the Commonwealth Home Support Program are combined. The change is expected to open the way for consumers to choose small independent providers or deal directly with carers to make the most of their funding.
“The Consumer Directed Care (CDC) approach is a great step up from the past model of provider-determined services which have meant, in many cases, that aged people and their carers were often offered a range of services they didn’t want or need. It is high time that the consumer of aged services had a greater say about the type of services they receive and who delivers those services”, said Ara Cresswell, CEO of Carers Australia.
“It is also important that their carers have a voice in the provision of services which impact directly on their own lives as well as the lives of those they are caring for.
“In addition the capacity for consumers to exercise more choice should encourage service providers to offer a more innovative, flexible and consumer-friendly range of services. These would include respite services which are of fundamental importance to carers who need to take a break to meet their own needs, but which are often not used because many existing respite services are neither attractive to, or suitable for, either the person being cared for or the carer.
“It would be our hope that the integration of these two programmes will also address some current inconsistencies in the way access to respite services is made available to carers who look after someone on a Home Carer Package, and those who access services through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme.
Some useful contacts: https://myagedcare.gov.au/caring-someone
---------------------------------------
Interfacing with the Home Care Packages Program:
Generally, if a person is receiving a Home Care Package, the package will be the primary source of government funding for care and services to the home care consumer. A home care provider can sub-contract to a Home Care service provider to provide services as part of a Home Care Package. Additional Home Care services can also be provided to a home care consumer, as part of the Home Care Program, in limited circumstances.
17 December 2021