Commonwealth Home
Support Program

What is the Commonwealth Home Support Program?

The Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) helps people aged over 65 years (50 years and over for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people) access entry-level support services to live independently and safely at home.

At Alfred Health Carer Services, we focus on supporting care relationships and carers, by helping carers access some respite to take a break from their usual caring responsibilities. Respite takes place in the client’s home or in a community setting. There are also group and individual respite as well as online activities to choose from.

 
Elderly couple with one person holding onto the other person's arm.

This program works with older people to help maintain their independence and social connectedness by doing things with them rather than for them.

Older people in a centre doing a painting session together. A facilitator helps another older person in the background of the image.

We focus on supporting care relationships

Our team is very experienced and knowledgeable on how to make sure that the programs we offer focus on wellness and re-ablement by re-establishing daily living skills and community connections.

We ask the client and the carer about their past interests and activities and we then look at how we may be able to support them to re-engage with those interests.

We also ask how both client and carer would like to spend their respite time, so that it is enjoyable, meaningful and engaging.

How would CHSP support the older person you care for?

Sometimes we need help from family, friends or community groups.

Middle aged Asian man with older Asian man at a park going for a walk. Both men are smiling.
 

If you care for an older person, CHSP provides an opportunity for the person you care for to do the things they enjoy with additional support.

What Home Support options are there?

Here are a few ways we can provide home support:

  • Regular in-home respite provided by a trained attendant carer

  • Small group community outings for the person with care needs

  • Centre-based day activity programs, including longer day stays

  • Overnight out-of-home respite with a small group of people with similar care needs

For the older person you care for, they get to...

Connect with other people:

  • By taking part in regular outings in a safe and caring environment

  • Enjoy interesting activities and meet other people

Reconnect with their hobbies and interests:

  • Do things they enjoy with support from a care worker

  • Re-engage in activities that they used to enjoy with others

  • Take a break from others

Centre Based Respite

These outings and structured group activities are held in a purpose-built centre.

  • These groups are for individuals aged 65 years and over, or individuals experiencing early stages of dementia from various cultural backgrounds.

    This program allows the person you care for to attend a combination of centre-based culturally appropriate activities, outings and cultural significant events.

    For more information on current groups offered in the southern metropolitan region of Melbourne, please contact our team on 03 9076 4300.

    The programs are run by staff that speak the language of the community group, and are delivered in partnership with community cultural partners.

  • Takes place at a local aged care home.

    These centres are relaxed and comfortable, and there are regular group outings and activities to develop new friendships.

    These centres also offer services such as hairdressers, podiatry and physiotherapy. These additional services must be booked and extra charges apply.

    View and download the Residential Respite Flyer for more information on participating aged care homes.

    Delivered in partnership with a variety of aged care homes for residents in the southern metropolitan region of Melbourne.

Flexible & Cottage Respite

Individual support in your home or in the community, or time away from home via cottage respite.

  • Individual support in the home of the person you care for on a weekly basis or more flexibly.

    We will listen to the preferences and needs of the person you care for. We then match them with a qualified care worker who will go to their home.

    We can arrange for a care worker who speaks the language or comes from the same cultural background of the person you care for. They will engage your care recipient in activities and make sure they still feel independent and part of the community.

  • A few nights away from home for people aged 65 years and over.

    This program allows the person you care for to stay in a cosy home-like environment with a small group of people with similar interests and care needs, and enjoy leisure activities together.

    Trained staff provide continual support.

    Located in Frankston.

    For more info, please view our Cottage Respite flyer here.

    Delivered in partnership with Benetas for residents within the southern metropolitan region of Melbourne.

  • “The service provided and the staff at Alfred Health, and the carers are outstanding. "

    Alfred Health staff were extremely supportive to me as a carer, I felt I could talk to them about anything and [they] went out of their way to assist my elderly mother and myself. Thanks so much for all of your kind, caring attitudes. It made my time as a carer much easier.”

    - Carer, about their experience with CHSP

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How does this program support carers of older people?

This program provides some support to help older people continue living in their community. This can give them a chance to have a little time for themselves and increase their level of independence.

 

CHSP can help give carers of older people some personal time to:

  • Attend to their health and hobbies or have a rest

  • Arrange and attend regular social occasions and activities

  • Spend time with family

  • Support their working life

  • cafe table with coffee cups and a slice of bread

    Regaining independence: In-Home Respite

    After leaving the hospital, Jill* moved in with her daughter due to changes in her health. Previously independent, Jill found herself in an unfamiliar neighborhood. She expressed to a carer support worker from Alfred Health Carer Services her desire to regain confidence and independence. Before her hospital stay, Jill was actively involved in her local community, attending appointments and social outings.

    Jill and her daughter, her primary carer, agreed that it would be beneficial for Jill to explore her new surroundings and become acquainted with the community. They identified local spots such as cafes, shops, bakeries, and hairdressers where Jill could explore. Her daughter believed it was important for Jill to maintain independence with some additional support.

    Now, a respite worker regularly accompanies Jill on outings around her neighborhood. Whether visiting shops, enjoying lunch, or getting a haircut, Jill feels supported in her independence and has developed social connections with her respite worker and others in the community. This arrangement has also provided relief to Jill's daughter, enabling her to continue working during the week.

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How to access the Commonwealth Home Support Program?

 

To be eligible:

  • Older people aged 65 years and over; or 50 years and over for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders

  • Have difficulty performing daily living activities without help

  • Live in the southern metropolitan region of Melbourne

You will need a referral:

Call My Aged Care and ask for a referral to the Commonwealth Home Support Program.

1800 200 422
(Freecall except from mobile phones)

www.myagedcare.gov.au

CHSP Fees:

There is a small fee required for CHSP programs which is greatly subsidised by the Australian Government.

The amount you pay is based on your income, and fees can vary depending on the service you use.