1300 426 666

      Getting started with care

      We’re here to guide you on your care journey and make finding the right type of care as simple as possible.

      Get Started
      Types of Care
      Costs of Care
      Our Locations
      map

      Discover which of our services are available in your area.

      Explore Locations

      Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP)

      Need a little extra help at home? Entry-level support can be accessed through this specialised programme, making life easier for you.
      team-you-chsp-banner

      Expert, tailored support around your home

      The Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) is a Government-funded program that helps you keep living independently at home. If you have low-level needs, such as help getting dressed or vacuuming the house, a CHSP service could be for you.

      Under this program people generally access one or two services, either on a short-term or ongoing basis.

      Know that we’re available to support you any time, day or night. Call 1800 826 166. No matter your needs, you’ll receive expert support that works for you. 

      Contact us
      View costs
      Expert tailored support around your home

      Who is eligible for the Commonwealth Home Support Programme?

      To be eligible, you must be:

      • having trouble with daily tasks and feel some support would help
      • 65 years or older (50 years or older for First Nations people), or
      • 50 years or older (45 years or older for First Nations people) and on a low income, experiencing homelessness, or at risk of being homeless.
      Image_2x

      Navigating the home care journey with you

      Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) is usually the typical entry point into starting your home care journey. CHSP may be available to you to help you to pay for your home care services. Home Care Packages are also available if you think you may require or would like more support in your community.   

      Watch our video to find out how your care team can support you in navigating this journey, from accessing Government funding to creating a care plan with everything that matters to you. 

      Call us 1800 826 166

       

      Call us 1800 826 166

      Need help accessing care at home?

      Download our easy-to-understand guide to applying for and accessing our in-home care services.

      Download the help sheet
      HCAH Accessing Care Infographic_Mockup

      Choose how you stay well with CHSP services

      Stay active, stay well, with some help from us. Our expert care team is here to support you whenever and however you need it.

      Personal Care
      Personal Care

      Stay on top of your self-care with help bathing, dressing and grooming.

      Domestic
      Domestic Assistance

      Keep your space sparkling. We’ll clean up, garden and do maintenance.

      Stethoscope
      Allied Health and Therapy

      Our team of specialists will help keep you healthy and active, longer.

      Social support
      Social Support

      Socialise or relax with friendly company at social groups and home visits.

      Housing Assistance
      Care and Housing Assistance

      Help for people in insecure housing who need care or a permanent place to live.

      Cottage Respite
      Cottage Respite

      For overnight or weekend care while staying at a cottage-style home.

      Centre-based Respite
      Centre-based Respite

      Enjoy a break at one of our day centres with a range of social club activities.

      Sleepovers
      Flexible Respite

      We step in as you need it: day or night, at home or in community.

      A helpful guide on our services and the HammondCare Difference

      Download the guide

      If you’ve still got questions, contact us.

      HammondCare At Home Choices Guide

      Start with a CHSP in 3 steps

      Step 1

      Check eligibility and apply

      Once you have checked your eligibility, you can apply for the Commonwealth Home Support Programme through the Government’s My Aged Care service. Either:

      You’ll be asked a few questions about your current situation and daily activities, such as:

      • how you’re managing with tasks at home
      • your wellbeing and any lifestyle concerns
      • the support you have and if it will continue.
      What’s next?

      If you have low-level needs, you’ll be contacted by the Regional Assessment Service (RAS) for a free face-to-face assessment.

      If your care needs are more complex, you won’t have to go without support. A Home Care Package could better suit your needs. In this case, you’ll be contacted by the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) (or Aged Care Assessment Service in Victoria) for a free face-to-face assessment.

      Note: Because wait times can be lengthy, you may be eligible to receive a Commonwealth Home Support Programme while you wait for your Home Care Package to be allocated.

      Step 2

      Do a face-to-face assessment

      Next, an assessor from the Regional Assessment Service (RAS) will call to arrange a time to visit you wherever you live. You won’t need to go anywhere and you can have a family member or friend present if you want.

      The assessor will ask some questions about your daily activities such as:

      • what’s working for you
      • what you’d like help with
      • your general health, lifestyle and needs.

      This will help them decide which level of support is best for you (if eligible).

      If you’re approved
      • You’ll find out on the spot what services you can receive.
      • The assessor will work with you to develop a personalised support plan.
      • You’ll be given unique referral code/s that you can use to access care in Step 3.
      If you aren’t approved

      You can still get care and services from us through private care. Please get in touch with us to discuss your options.

      Step 3

      Organise approved care

      You are now ready to organise your eligible services. To do this, you’ll need to provide us with your referral code/s which will allow us to work with you to determine the best care for you.

      Before allocating support, someone from our Home Care Team will sit down with you and/or your family to talk about your situation and goals, and our costs. This step allows us to make a plan that suits your individual needs.

      What’s next?

      You’ll then receive a tailored care agreement including:

      • services you’ll receive
      • costs and fees
      • timings
      • days that carers visit
      • any special requests for personalised care

      If you’re happy with everything and let us know, you can start receiving support. And if at any time your needs change, we’ll happily discuss your options with you.

      Start with a CHSP in 3 steps

      Step 1

      Check eligibility and apply

      Once you have checked your eligibility, you can apply for the Commonwealth Home Support Programme through the Government’s My Aged Care service. Either:

      Step 2

      Face-to-face assessment

      Next, an assessor from the Regional Assessment Service (RAS) will call to arrange a time to visit you wherever you live. You won’t need to go anywhere and you can have a family member or friend present if you want. 

      If you're approved, you’ll be given unique referral code/s that you can use to access care in Step 3.

      Step 3

      Organise care

      You are now ready to organise your eligible services.

      Someone from our Home Care Team will sit down with you and/or your family to talk about your situation and goals, and our costs. This step allows us to make a plan that suits your individual needs.

      Call now for help on
      1800 826 166

      You can call our Support Team anytime, day or night, 365-days-a-year. Alternatively, talk to us on live chat or send a message using the form.

         1800 826 166