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.

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Discover which of our services are available in your area.

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.
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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. 

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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.
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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. 

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
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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.

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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.