On 1 July 2015, the transition to the CHSP began. The CHSP is one of the changes being made to help older people stay independent and in their homes and communities for longer.
The CHSP brings together four programs:
- Commonwealth Home and Community Care (HACC) Program
- Planned respite from the National Respite for Carers Program (NRCP)
- Day Therapy Centres (DTC) Program
- Assistance with Care and Housing for the Aged (ACHA) Program
The CHSP is one consolidated programme that provides entry-level home support for older people who need assistance to keep living independently at home and in their community. Carers of these clients will also benefit from services provided through the CHSP. CHSP funding will be around $1.6 billion in 2015-16, which will continue to grow over the coming years, resulting in more services for more people.
The first stage of implementation of the CHSP commenced on 1 July 2015 and covers the four month period leading up to 1 November 2015 – this four month period is referred to as the transition period.
With the exception of some Commonwealth HACC Service Group 2 activities (which will be delivered by the My Aged Care contact centre and Regional Assessment Service) providers can continue services in line with the existing programme guidelines and current grant agreements until 31 October 2015.
During the transition period providers will be readying themselves for the new Programme requirements and the Department will be working with providers to establish new CHSP agreements.
CHSP grant agreements will commence from 1 November 2015.
For more information about the new Commonwealth Home Support Programme visit this link here and My Aged Care here.