Home and community care
Ageing Australia supports home and community care providers by engaging with government and stakeholders on funding, policy and reform issues.
Ageing Australia support for members includes contributions to the development of programs like the Support at Home Program, ensuring that the interests and needs of providers are well-represented.
In Australia, home and community care services are currently delivered through a range of government-subsidised programs, including Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) and the Home Care Packages program (HCP).
The Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, in its final report titled Care, Dignity and Respect, recommended significant reforms to Australia’s aged care system, including the consolidation of existing home care programs into a single, streamlined program. This led to the development of the Support at Home program, which aims to integrate current services such as the Home Care Packages Program, Commonwealth Home Support Programme, and Short-Term Restorative Care Programme into one cohesive system
For providers of both services, this obviously creates a level of complexity and uncertainty.
Members of Ageing Australia have access to expert advisors experienced in various aspects of aged care, including home and community care. Ageing Australia facilitates groups and forums that serve as platforms for networking, idea exchange, and obtaining comprehensive advice on sector changes, policy updates, and operational guidance.
Through these initiatives, Ageing Australia empowers home and community care providers to deliver high-quality services, adapt to sector reforms, and ultimately enhance the wellbeing of older Australians.
For guidance and advice on providing home and community care services, Ageing Australia members can email or call 1300 222 721.
CHSP Advisory Hub for members and non-members
Ageing Australia offers tailored support through platforms like the CHSP Advisory Hub, which assists Commonwealth Home Support Programme providers in implementing new aged care reforms and preparing for transitions to programs like Support at Home.
The hub provides resources, training, and personalised guidance to address the unique challenges faced by providers
Ageing Australia is supports both non-member CHSP providers, and members providing CHSP services, through its CHSP Advisory Hub.
The hub aims to equip CHSP providers with the knowledge, tools and strategies necessary to support planning for the changes between now and 2027.
View the instructional video to find out more about the the CHSP Advisory Hub.
The CHSP Advisory Hub can be contacted at or call Ageing Australia on 1300 222 721.
How home care is delivered in Australia
Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP)
An entry-level home support program that helps older people to live independently in their homes and communities and provides respite services to give carers a break.
CHSP providers receive Australian Government funding through grant agreements.
They then provide subsidised services to older people, who pay a contribution.
There are around 1,400 CHSP providers in Australia and most are not-for-profit organisations.
Visit our what’s on page to find learning opportunities for CHSP providers.
Home Care Packages (HCP)
A more complex care program which requires that all services delivered are aligned with a demonstrated consumer need.
Provider responsibilities in relation to fees and charges, care planning, package inclusions and exclusions, package budgets, reporting and responding to special needs are set out in the Home Care Packages Program Operational Manual.
Visit our what’s on page to find professional development opportunities for HCP providers.
