Home Support

Home Support aged care service delivery update

After careful consideration, the City of Greater Bendigo will exit Home Support aged care service delivery and transition clients to a new provider by June 30, 2023.

Council made the decision at the November 2022 Council meeting, following a review of the service.

The review was prompted by the planned introduction of the Federal Government’s new Support at Home (SAH) program, which is part of its National Reform of Aged Care. The SAH will combine and replace the current Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) provided by the City and a range of other aged care service programs.

The City will now write to the Federal Government and commence the process to appoint a new provider.

A comprehensive series of Frequently Asked Questions have been developed to help explain the decision.

For now, the City will continue to deliver services to clients as far as is reasonably practicable. Reasonable adjustments to rosters may be required pending staff availability.

There will come a time to meet the new provider and a smooth transition of service will start. More information will be shared with clients as details become available.

Commonwealth Home Support Programme 

As you get older, everyday tasks can become more difficult. Even though you need help, you may still want to live at home. Asking for help doesn’t mean losing your independence or moving out of home.

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

CHSP works with you to maintain your independence rather than doing things for you. 

Is it for me?

Eligibility for this program is based on your support, needs and age. 

If you’re having trouble with everyday tasks and feel that a little support could improve your health and wellbeing, CHSP could be right for you.

To be eligible for this program, you must be aged 65 years or older (50 years or older for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people).

A face-to-face assessment will determine eligibility and ensure that the right services are made available to those that need them.

If your needs are more complex, a Home Care Package could be better suited to you.

Services available through City of Greater Bendigo

The City of Greater Bendigo provides a range of services under the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) including:

• Domestic assistance 
• Personal care 
• Property maintenance 
• In-house respite 
• Food services 
• Social support (formerly Planned Activity Group)   
• Social Support Individual
• Fees and costs for home support services

To access these services people must undergo an assessment by the Regional Assessment Services. To arrange an assessment, please contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 (Translating and Interpreting Service 131 450, National Relay Service 133 677), or visit their website at www.myagedcare.gov.au

Other services available through CHSP

All aged care services provided by other agencies in the City of Greater Bendigo such as home nursing, allied health, occupational therapy, podiatry etc must also undergo a living at home assessment by the Regional Assessment Services. To arrange an assessment, please contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 (Translating and Interpreting Service 131 450, National Relay Service 133 677), or visit their website at www.myagedcare.gov.au