Commonwealth Home Support Programme
The Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) is an entry-level in-home support initiative designed to help older Australians live independently in their homes.
The Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) is an entry-level in-home support initiative designed to help older Australians live independently in their homes.
What services can you choose through the CHSP?
The most commonly used services under the CHSP are domestic assistance, allied health and therapy services, transport, home maintenance, and nursing. However, there are many other services available.
- Access to equipment and assistive technology.
- Home modifications.
- Food services.
- Personal care, including helping you to care for yourself and manage your medications.
- Socialising.
- Specialised services such as dementia advisory services, vision and hearing services.
- Respite services to give caregivers a much-needed break
How do you access services through the CHSP?
To access services you will need to meet the eligibility requirements for the programme. The Australian Government determines eligibility through an assessment. Assessments can be arranged through My Aged Care or you can call 1800 200 422.
How much will your services cost?
Most people are expected to contribute a small amount towards the associated costs. This amount may vary depending on your personal circumstances. You will not be denied services if you are unable to contribute to the cost. We will discuss your situation and agree to a fee structure to suit your budget.
Mercy Health CHSP co-contribution schedule
Thank you for your great caring staff. I appreciate that their values align with mine
Frequently asked questions
Find the answers to frequently asked questions, with insights into service costs, different ways we can help you enjoy living independently at home, and more.
The costs associated with your care will vary depending on your needs, so there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. You may be eligible for government-subsidised funding for aged care services, such as Support at Home, or another funding option that reduces or removes any cost to you.
Our fees reflect the quality of our service. We are not the cheapest, but we are certainly not the most expensive service provider. We are committed to being transparent about our fee structures and we stand by our value for money and quality of care.
The Australian Government offers several programs that provide subsidies for aged care services.
These programs include:
- Support at Home (SAH).
- Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP)
- Veterans’ Home Care
- Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) Community Nursing
- National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
Some funded programs only operate in specific areas. Please contact the Mercy Health Home Care office nearest to you for more information.
Support at Home (SAH) and Commonwealth Home Support Services (CHSP) are both government-funded programs designed to help older Australians live independently at home, but they cater to different levels of need.
CHSP is ideal if you need a small amount of support — like help with cleaning once a fortnight. It’s a flexible, entry-level program without income assessments, where you might contribute a small fee toward services.
SAH, on the other hand, is better suited if you need more comprehensive or regular assistance, such as multiple services each week. With Support at Home, you receive a tailored package based on your care level, from basic support (Level 1) to high-level care (Level 8). This program includes a formal assessment and provides more substantial funding to cover your needs.