Caring for our much-loved seniors: Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP)

As we get older, everyday tasks become more difficult.

Seniors experience the stress and fear of losing their independence or the need of moving out of their own home.

The Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) helps senior Australians access entry-level support services to live independently and safely at home.

The Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) gives seniors the ability to choose the services they need in order to keep their independence.

Eligibility for this program based on seniors’ support needs and age.

More specifically, to be eligible for this program, seniors must be aged:

• 65 years or older (50 years or older for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people), or
• 50 years or older (45 years or older for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people) and on a low income, homeless, or at risk of being homeless.

Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) offers the below services:

Services to keep seniors well and independent

Meals and other food services 

Pre-made meals and help with food preparation

Personal care  

Help with showering, self-care, hygiene and grooming

Nursing Help

Help with medicines, telehealth support

Allied health and therapy services       

Health and therapy services such as podiatry and occupational therapy

Respite care    

Care while your carer takes a break

Services to keep seniors safe in your home

Domestic assistance    

Help with basic chores around the house

Home maintenance     

Help with keeping your home and garden safe

Home modifications    

Changes to your home to improve safety and access such as ramps and rails

Services to keep you connected with your community

Transport        

Community transport or vouchers to attend appointments or activities

Social support 

Contact and company with others for e.g. social groups

Who provides the services?

St. Basil’s NSW & ACT is a government- trusted Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) provider.

Part of the Greek Orthodox Church in Australia, St Basil’s NSW & ACT is a registered Australian charity established specifically for this provision of aged care.

St Basil’s NSW & ACT has a high regard for meeting the spiritual, social, emotional and physical needs of its residents and clients and aims to provide the best possible quality aged care services within a culturally appropriate environment that enhances the dignity, independence and quality of life of all people in its care.

To achieve this St Basil’s NSW & ACT values multilingual and multicultural knowledge, skills and understanding and has developed expertise in providing aged care services that are culturally and linguistically appropriate.

If you have specific needs, St Basil’s NSW & ACT will match you with someone who understands your culture, identity or background.

FREE for one year

Due to Covid-19, St. Basil’s NSW & ACT will be running the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) program for free for one year (until 30/07/2021).

People who are interested in this program need to gain a referral from My Aged Care (1800 200 422) and then provide the referral codes to the provider.

Alternatively you can find out more or apply for an assessment here https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/help-at-home/commonwealth-home-support-programme

FURTHER READING

Find out more about St Basil’s NSW & ACT https://www.stbasils.org.au

Read more St Basil’s News for Seniors on Greek City Times:

Lifestyle Activities Improve Seniors’ Health

The Importance of Providing Nutrition in Elderly Care