Navigating Australia’s aged care system is overwhelming. Between the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP), Home Care Packages, private home care, and the upcoming Support at Home program, many older Australians and their families are unsure which option is right for them. 

One of the most common questions we receive at Chris Barnard Health is whether we provide services under the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP). 

The answer is no. While we support many older Australians through Home Care Packages, private home care Melbourne services, and comprehensive in-home aged care, we do not provide CHSP-funded services because it is the entry level of Government Funded Services. Our focus is on delivering personalised care solutions for people who require ongoing support to maintain their independence, wellbeing, and quality of life at home. 

What is the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP)? 

The Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) is an Australian Government-funded aged care program designed to help older Australians continue living independently in their own homes. 

CHSP provides entry-level support for people who need assistance with everyday activities but do not yet require more comprehensive care management or ongoing coordination of services. 

As part of Australia’s government-funded aged care system, CHSP helps older Australians access practical support while maintaining independent living in their own homes. 

For many people, it serves as an important first step before transitioning to more comprehensive care services if their needs increase over time. 

How is CHSP Different from a Home Care Package? 

Although both CHSP and Home Care Packages are government-funded aged care programs, they are designed to meet different levels of need. 

CHSP focuses on providing individual services to support independence. 

A Home Care Package is designed for people who require more comprehensive support and ongoing care management. 

A Home Care Package provides access to: 

• A dedicated care manager  

• Personalised care planning  

• Greater flexibility in services  

• Clinical and nursing support  

• Allied health coordination  

• Dementia support  

• Personal care assistance  

• Social support and community participation  

• Ongoing monitoring and review  

 

CHSP, Home Care Packages and the New Support at Home Program 

Australia’s aged care sector is currently undergoing significant reform through the introduction of the Support at Home program. 

The Support at Home program  is designed to simplify aged care funding and make it easier for older Australians to access the services they need while remaining at home. 

Families researching aged care Melbourne services often compare CHSP, Home Care Packages, and the new Support at Home program to understand which option provides the most appropriate level of support. 

Many families are currently researching: 

• What is CHSP?  

• CHSP vs Home Care Package  

• Support at Home funding  

• How to access government-funded aged care  

• Which aged care program is right for me?  

What Happens to CHSP under Support at Home? 

One of the most common questions families are asking is what will happen to the Commonwealth Home Support Programme as aged care reforms continue. 

The Australian Government has confirmed that CHSP will continue during the transition period and is expected to remain in place until at least 1 July 2027. 

This means people currently receiving CHSP services can continue accessing support while broader aged care reforms are implemented. 

For current CHSP recipients, there is generally no immediate action required. 

However, many families are using this period of reform to review whether their loved one’s care needs have changed. 

If the support they require has progressed beyond occasional assistance with cleaning, transport, meals, or social support, it may be worth exploring whether Support at Home could provide a more comprehensive solution. In that case, you will need to recontact MyAgedCare and arrange a reassessment and reallocation of funds. 

 

Why Doesn’t Chris Barnard Health Provide CHSP Services? 

At Chris Barnard Health, we have made a deliberate decision to focus on delivering more comprehensive in-home services rather than entry-level support programs. 

Our care model is built around supporting people who require ongoing assistance, care coordination, clinical oversight, and personalised support. 

This includes: 

• Private in-home services (at the same rate of Government-Funded Services)  

• Personal care  

• Nursing services  

• Dementia support   

• Respite support   

• Allied health coordination  

• Care management and advocacy  

• Complex support needs  

As a provider specialising in in-home care Melbourne services and private home care Melbourne services, we focus on delivering comprehensive care solutions for people whose needs extend beyond entry-level support. 

When Should You Consider More Comprehensive Home Care? 

Many people begin with CHSP and later transition to a Support at Home Package or private home care services as their needs change. 

You may benefit from exploring more comprehensive support if you or your loved one require: 

• Regular personal care assistance  

• Medication support  

• Clinical or nursing care  

• Dementia support  

• Mobility assistance  

• Allied health services  

• Increased domestic support  

• Social support and companionship  

• Transport assistance  

• Ongoing care management  

• Coordination of multiple services  

For many families, comprehensive in-home aged care provides greater peace of mind through coordinated services and proactive care management. 

 

Need Guidance on Your Aged Care Options? 

Understanding Australia’s aged care system can be challenging, particularly when navigating CHSP, Home Care Packages, private home care services, and Support at Home. 

If you’re currently receiving CHSP services and wondering what comes next, or you’re exploring your Support at Home options, or private care options, our team can help you understand your choices. 

If your family is comparing home care providers in Melbourne, call Chris Barnard Health on 1300 602 469. It’s what Melbourne’s leading and largest aged care-specific workforce was built for. 

Contact Chris Barnard Health today  to discuss your options.