What are the differences between CHSP and HCP?
Home Care Packages (HCP) and the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) both give you support to stay at home, but there are differences between the programs.
Below are the key difference between the two programs.
CHSP
Available to those who need a low level of support to keep living independently.
Recommended for those who only need a small amount of services.
May be accessed on a short-term, intermittent, or ongoing basis.
Set menu of services available with only a small amount of flexibility.
You only pay a client contribution for the services you receive.
HCP
Available for those with more complex care needs.
For those who need multiple care and support services on an ongoing basis.
You have flexibility around the use of your package funds to ensure you’re receiving care tailored to your needs.
Once you are assigned a package, it stays in place until you no longer need it.
You are assigned a Care Coordinator to assist with finding the supports you need and want.
Eligibility and assessment process
CHSP
To be eligible for an assessment you need to be 65 years or older (50 years or older for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people) and need some support to live independently.
You will be assessed by the Regional Assessment Service (RAS) through My Aged Care. This will usually take place in your home.
At the end of your assessment, you’ll be told if you’re eligible for services and if you are, you’ll receive a support plan. This tells you what services you are eligible to receive.
HCP
To be eligible for an assessment you need to be 65 years or older (50 years or older for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people) and have higher-level care needs to support you to stay living at home.
You will be assessed by the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) through My Aged Care. This will usually take place in your home.
After your assessment the ACAT will review your information to see if you are eligible for services. You’ll receive your assessment results through post, email or your My Aged Care Online Account. This will let you know if you are eligible for services and which package level you’ll receive.
You may be put on a waiting list to receive your Home Care Package.
Costs and contribution
CHSP
The government subsidises a variety of organisations across Australia to provide CHSP services. These organisations are called service providers.
Service providers (such as Life Without Barriers) deliver care and services to you at a subsidised price.
You only pay a client contribution for the services you receive.
HCP
When you receive a Home Care Package, you are provided funding based on your assessed needs.
Your funding depends on your level of care, and includes contributions the government and in some cases you may also need to contribute to your care costs.
This funding is used to cover your care services as well as package management and care management costs from your provider to organise and manage your services.
Have you been assessed by My Aged Care?
If you’re just getting started, the first step is to contact My Aged Care to check your eligibility and to organise an assessment.
Find out how to apply for an assessment.
If you’ve been assessed and want to chat to us about our services and how we can support you, contact 1800 792 359 or email agedcareenquiries@lwb.org.au.
Contact our Aged Care team
Our national Aged Care team is available to assist you to access the care that’s right for you.
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