Commonwealth Home Support Programme and Home Care Packages

A banner depicting a cheerful elderly couple with the man in a blue shirt and the woman in a pink shirt, embracing and smiling.

Understanding the supports available to help you age well can be tricky. Find out more about these two government-funded programs, their different levels of care, eligibility criteria and payment models.

CHSP or Home Care Package

The Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) and Home Care Package Program (HCP) are both designed to provide help at home.

While both programs can include services such as personal care, allied health, home and garden maintenance, carer respite, and meal preparation, CHSP is designed for people with lower support needs. In fact, it’s described as ‘entry-level support’, with most people who access CHSP only needing one or two services to help them stay independent.

HCP, on the other hand, can provide more intensive support, with care needs being assessed over four levels and the Australian Government’s contribution reaching a maximum of approximately $59,000 each year.

CHSP costs

There is no formal means of testing for CHSP. However, service providers are encouraged to seek payment from clients who can afford to contribute to the cost of their care. Payment guidelines indicate, for example, a’reasonable contribution’ in the region of $6-$12 per hour for domestic assistance.

Home Care Package costs

Home Care Packages are means-tested however, individuals on a full pension or an income up to $32,331.00 are exempt from having to contribute to their care. If you are uncertain about whether you might need to pay, My Aged Care has
provided a fee estimator on their website to assist you in making this calculation.

BenefitCommonweath Home Support ProgrammeHome Care Package
WHO IS IT FOR?
  • People who need a small amount of support to remain independent at home.
  • People who have varying support needs by need choice and flexibility over their care options to remain independent at home. 
ELIGIBILITY
  • Aged 65 years or over
  • 50 years or over for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples
  • Functional limitations or assistance needs
  • Aged 65 years or over
  • 50 years or over for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples
  • Functional limitations or assistance needs
INITIAL ASSESSMENT
  • The Single Assessment System (from 1 July 2024)
  • The assessment was previously conducted by the Regional Assessment Service (RAS)

  • Regional Assessment Service (RAS)
  • The Single Assessment System (from 1 July 2024)
  • The assessment was previously conducted by the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT)
ANNUAL FUNDING LEVELS
  • Up to $10,000 per year
  • Level 1: $10,588 per year
  • Level 2: $18,622 per year
  • Level 3: $40,529 per year
  • Level 4: $61,440 per year
DO I HAVE TO CONTRIBUTE MONTY TO MY SERVICES?
  • Services subsided by the Federal Government grant funding
  • Clients may need to pay a contribution fee, if they can afford to do so.
  • Services subsidised by Federal Government grant funding
  • Clients may need to pay a contribution fee, if they can afford to do so.
WILL BY APPROVED BUDGET AFFECT MY AGE PENSION?
  • No
  • No
WHAT CAN MY BUDGET COVER?
  • Help around the home (cleaning, washing etc)
  • Transport to appointments and activities
  • Food preparation
  • Personal care (showering or dressing)
  • Home modifications (ramps, rails and other accessibility aids and assistive technology)
  • Social support
  • Nursing and allied health
  • Planned respite care
  • Help around the home (cleaning, washing etc)
  • Transport to appointments and activities
  • Food preparation
  • Personal care (showering or dressing)
  • Home modifications (ramps, rails and other accessibility aids and assistive technology)
  • Social support
  • Nursing and allied health
  • Planned respite care
CARE PLAN
  • In conjunction with your RAS assessor
  • In conjunction with your approved Home Care Package provider
CAN I CHOOSE MY OWN SUPPORT PROVIDERS?
  • Yes, via your RAS assessor
  • Self-managed service providers allow you to choose you own support workers.
REVIEWS
  • Annually by your primary service provider
  • Annually via your approved service provider

Trilogy Care provides self-management options for those with an approved Home Care Package. If you would like more information, please call the number 1300 459 190

Tips to improve sleep habits as you age

An older man with a mustache, appearing to be in discomfort or snoring, rests in bed with his arm behind his head, alongside colorful abstract shapes in the image corners

Over time, it’s easy to develop sleep habits that hinder us from achieving a restful night’s sleep. Taking naps during the day, going to bed too early at night, or waking up too soon in the morning can disrupt our natural sleep patterns.

The good news is poor sleep doesn’t need to go hand in hand with ageing. By taking proactive steps to improve your sleep quality, you can enhance your physical and mental health, improve your mood, and increase your overall quality of life.

Get to know our top five tips to improve your sleep habits as you age and ways to implement them.

Tip #1 Maintain a consistent sleep schedule

Consistency is key when it comes to creating successful sleep patterns. Going to bed and waking up at the same time each day helps regulate your body’s internal clock (also known as your circadian rhythm). By sticking to a regular schedule that follows your body’s natural cycle, you can train your body to fall asleep and wake up more easily, promoting better overall sleep quality.

Tip #2 Create a comfortable sleep environment

Your bedroom setup can play a significant role in promoting a more restful, deeper sleep. A great place to start when setting up a comfortable sleep environment is with blackout curtains or a white noise machine which can help block out light and disruptive sounds. Nothing promotes comfort more than having a supportive mattress and pillows that align with your comfort preferences. This can help your body relax, especially if you have underlying physical health conditions. By keeping your bedroom cool, comfortable, quiet, and dark you can create a more optimal environment for sleep.

Tip #3 Establish a relaxing bedtime routine

Having a calm bedtime routine can signal to your body that it’s time to unwind and prepare for sleep. It’s best to avoid stimulating activities, such as watching TV or using electronic devices with bright screens, as they can interfere with your natural ability to wind down. Instead try incorporating activities that help you relax, such as reading a book, listening to soothing music, or practising gentle stretching exercises.  

Tip #4 Stay active during the day

Regular physical activity can be beneficial for overall health and improve your sleep quality. Moderate exercises like walking, swimming, or cycling can be great options to help prepare your body for sleep. Aim to complete your workout a few hours before bedtime to allow your body enough time to wind down before bed. Remember to consult with a healthcare professional for exercise recommendations that best suit your needs.

Tip #5 Seek professional help if needed

If you experience ongoing problems with your sleep cycle, consider seeking guidance from a healthcare provider or sleep specialist. They can evaluate your sleep patterns, identify any underlying issues contributing to your sleep difficulties, and recommend appropriate treatment options. This may include lifestyle modifications, cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), or medications, depending on your individual needs. 

Improving your sleep habits as you age doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By following these five simple tips, you can work towards achieving a more restful night’s sleep your overall quality of life. Remember, consistency, comfort, routine, activity, and seeking professional help (if needed) are key components to improving your sleep habits. So, don’t let poor sleep quality hinder your overall wellbeing – take charge of your sleep and wake up feeling refreshed and rejuvenated each day. Your body and mind will thank you for it!

Would you like to know more? Read our article on common causes of sleep problems in seniors

Five common causes of sleep problems in seniors

Sleep Problems in Seniors: Causes and Solutions

Getting a good night’s sleep isn’t a luxury. It’s a necessity for maintaining your health and vitality as you grow older. So, why do approximately 48% of Australian adults report problems sleeping? From changes to your sleep architecture to medication side effects, several factors may be keeping you up at night. Thankfully, you don’t need to settle for disrupted sleep.

Grab a cup of chamomile tea, get cozy, and let’s dive in to the top five causes of sleep problems for older Australians.

#1 Changes in sleep architecture

On average, older adults wake up three to four times a night, which can prevent you from entering a deep sleep and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. This change can cause feelings of tiredness throughout the day, as if you’ve spent most of the night awake or in a restless sleep. Even though we often experience less sleep at night compared to younger people, our sleep needs remain the same. In fact, the Sleep Foundation recommends adults of any age have approximately 7-8 hours of sleep per night. 

#2 Circadian rhythm shifts

Your circadian rhythm is the sleep pattern your body naturally follows. Although it’s normal for our circadian rhythm to shift over time, many of us ignore the signals our body sends us and go to bed later than necessary. Unfortunately, even if we sleep later, this doesn’t change our body’s natural wake-up call, which can lead to shorter, and more disrupted sleep cycles.

#3 Medication side effects

Certain medications, both over-the-counter and prescription, can interfere with sleep patterns and contribute to insomnia or disrupted sleep. Many older adults take multiple prescription medications for a variety of health conditions. Changes to your sleep pattern may be caused by individual medications, or they may occur when certain medications interact with each other. If you’ve noticed a change in your sleep pattern, especially if you are taking medication, it’s a good idea to discuss this with your doctor or healthcare provider.

#4 Health conditions

Your mental and physical health can significantly impact your sleep cycle. Chronic health issues such as arthritis, heart disease, or sleep apnoea can make it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep throughout the night. These conditions often cause discomfort, pain, or difficulty breathing, and lead to a restless night. It’s important to address and manage these health issues to improve the quality of your sleep and overall wellbeing.

#5 Lifestyle factors

Lifestyle can have a huge impact on your natural sleep pattern. Factors like poor diet, lack of exercise, irregular sleep schedules, or high stress levels can all negatively impact sleep quality. 

Making small changes to improve your lifestyle, such as reducing caffeine consumption, eating a balanced diet, incorporating regular physical activity, establishing a consistent sleep routine, and finding healthy ways to manage stress can significantly improve your sleep patterns.

Would you like to know more? Read our article on tips to improve your sleep habits.