If you are just starting your journey, it is likely that you have many questions.
We've tried to answer the common questions here. For more information about the program, get in touch or visit My Aged Care's website.
What is the Support at Home Program?
The Support at Home Program has replaced the Home Care Package. Both are a package of care subsidised by the Commonwealth Government to provide people with supports and services they need as they age to remain living independently at home.
What’s the difference between Commonwealth Home Support Programme and Support at Home?
If you’re able to manage, but need support with a few tasks at home, you might be eligible for support through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP).
If you need more care and support services on an ongoing basis to help you live independently, the Support at Home Program may be more suitable. This will provide a package of care and services and go beyond what the CHSP can provide.
How does it work?
You choose a service provider that is right for you. The government then pays the provider a subsidy to arrange a package of care services to meet your needs. The provider will work with you to identify your care needs and decide how best to spend your package funding. They will then coordinate and can manage your services for you on your behalf.
As everyone’s care needs are different, there are eight classifications of Support at Home ongoing supports with different funding amounts. The classification assigned to you is based on your needs.
How do I know if I'm eligible?
Eligibility is based on your care needs as determined through a face-to-face assessment, but you must also be:
- an older person who needs coordinated services to help them stay at home, or
- a younger person with a disability, dementia or other care needs not met through other specialist services.
If you are ready, apply for an assessment now.
What services can be packaged?
Depending on the Support at Home classification you receive, you can get assistance with a range of different services. The three main categories of services are:
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Everyday living support, including general house cleaning, gardening and home maintenance, nutrition and meal preparation
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Independence support, including personal care, social activities and outings, equipment and mobility aids, transport, and respite for carers
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Clinical supports, including nursing and other health services
What services cannot be packaged?
There are care and services that you must not use Support at Home funds for:
- items that would normally be purchased out of general income
- buying food, except as part of enteral feeding requirements
- payment for permanent accommodation, including assistance with home purchase, mortgage payments or rent
- payment of home care fees
- payment of fees or charges for other types of care funded or jointly funded by the Australian Government
- home modifications or assets that are not related to your care needs
- travel and accommodation for holidays
- cost of entertainment activities, such as club memberships and tickets to sporting events
- gambling activities
- payment for services and items covered by the Medicare Benefits Schedule or the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.
What costs are involved?
You will have to pay a contribution to your services. How much you pay, is determined through a formal income assessment from either Services Australia or the Department of Veterans' Affairs. There are lifetime limits on how much you can be asked to pay.
How long has the organisation been providing home care services?
We have been providing home support to Hume residents since 1998. We pride ourselves on the quality of our staff and services and our ability to partner with individuals, cares and family members to deliver a range of personalised support and services.
How can you help me to maximise my Support at Home funds?
This is worked on by you and your Care Partner when developing your care plan. During the initial assessment and care planning stage, your Care Partner will work with you to determine your care needs, goals and budget.
What is care management?
Care management is a collaborative process of assessment, planning, facilitation and advocacy for options and services to meet an individual's needs.
Can you provide staff who speak a particular language?
We always recruit with our clients' needs in mind - be it skills or language. We also offer access to an interpreting service as needed.
Can you guarantee qualified, experienced and caring staff?
Yes, we can! All staff are qualified with a Certificate III in Individual Support. We also have allied health staff including nurses, occupational therapists and physiotherapists.
What do I do if I have a complaint about the quality of the service I am receiving?
We value and encourage our clients to provide feedback. If you have a complaint, please let us know. If we do not resolve your complaint to your satisfaction, you can escalate this to the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission.