What is the difference between Commonwealth Home Support Programme and Support at Home?

The Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) supports older people who are still managing well, but want some extra assistance, at home. Support at Home provides more care and support services on an ongoing basis, for people whose needs are more intensive or complex. Both programs give you support to stay at home, but there are some differences:

CHSP:

• choose from a set menu of services – there isn’t much flexibility
• only pay for the services you use
• dip in and out of the program as you need things
• have your eligibility assessed by the Regional Assessment Service (RAS).

Support at Home:

• Our Care Partner Team helps you understand the system and work out a care plan that suits your individual needs and preferences
• you can access Government funding for the services you have been assessed as needing
• you may need to make a co-contribution based on your income and assets (this is determined by the government not Helping Hand)
• your eligibility is assessed by the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT).