HCPs vs CHSP: What are the main differences?

What is the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP)?

CHSP is a great option if you need a little extra help but don’t require intensive or ongoing care. It is a government-funded programme designed to provide entry-level support for older Australians. Think of it as a helping hand for those who need occasional or short-term assistance to stay independent at home.

Some services covered by CHSP

• Domestic assistance — Help with household tasks like cleaning and laundry.
• Transport — Getting to appointments or running errands.
• Meal delivery — Nutritious meals prepared at home or at a centre.
• Social support — Opportunities to stay connected with your community through group activities or companionship.

How it’s funded

The government partially subsidises the costs of CHSP services. While there is typically a small fee for each service, these costs are designed to be affordable for most people. If you’re unable to contribute, rest assured that you won’t be denied access to the services you need.

What are home care packages (HCPs)?

HCPs provide a higher level of support for older Australians who need more comprehensive, long-term care. The programme is tailored to individuals with more complex needs and offers greater flexibility in the services you receive.

HCPs are divided into four levels, each reflecting the amount of care you need:

• Level 1 — Minimal support for basic tasks like cleaning or meal prep.
• Level 2 — Regular help with personal care or transport.
• Level 3 — Moderate care, including mobility or medication support.
• Level 4 — Comprehensive care for complex, ongoing needs.

Services covered by HCPs

• Personal care — Assistance with bathing, dressing and grooming.
• Clinical care — Support from nurses and allied health professionals.
• Home modifications — Adjustments like installing handrails or ramps.
• Allied health — Access to physiotherapy, occupational therapy and more.

How it’s funded

HCPs are funded through government subsidies. You may be required to contribute to the cost depending on your income, but there are caps to ensure care remains affordable.

One of the standout features of HCPs is the ability to customise and self-manage your package. This means you can choose how your funding is allocated and even save costs by taking on some of the administrative tasks yourself.

CHSP vs HCP: What are the main differences?

Here’s a deeper dive into the key differences between CHSP and HCP packages:

1. Funding model

• CHSP — This programme operates on a pay-per-service basis. The government subsidises most of the cost, but you’ll still pay a small fee for each service. This makes it a budget-friendly option for those who need occasional support.

• HCP — With HCPs, the funding comes as a package, meaning the government allocates a set amount of money based on your assessed care level (1–4). While you might need to contribute based on your income, the packaged approach provides more financial flexibility for comprehensive care planning.

2. Eligibility

• CHSP — Eligibility for CHSP is determined through an assessment under the Single Assessment System. By combining the previous assessment workforces, it simplifies the application and assessment process for individuals seeking support.

• HCP — To qualify for HCPs, you need approval from the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT). This assessment may focus on your long-term and complex care requirements.

3. Services provided

• CHSP — CHSP services are typically short-term or episodic and include basic assistance such as domestic help, meal preparation, transport, personal care, minor home modifications and allied health services.
  These services are ideal for individuals with low support needs and are not intended for those requiring intensive, ongoing or complex care.

• HCP — HCPs, particularly Levels 3 and 4, are tailored for individuals with higher, more complex care needs. These packages offer a broader and more personalised range of services, including extensive personal care, medication management, nursing services, case management, specialised health support and significant home modifications.

4. Management options

• CHSP — Services under CHSP are managed entirely by the service providers, which means you don’t need to worry about administrative tasks. However, this also means less flexibility in choosing how your care is delivered.

• HCP — HCPs offer the option to self-manage your package. This gives you greater control over how your funds are spent, allowing you to prioritise the services that matter most to you. Self-management can also lead to cost savings and more care hours.

Pros and cons of each programme

Choosing between the CHSPs and HCPs can feel tricky. Each programme has its strengths and challenges, depending on the level of care needed. Here’s a quick guide to help you decide.

CHSP pros

• Affordable and accessible — Great for entry-level care like cleaning or transport, CHSP is budget-friendly and easy to access.
• Fast service —Ideal for those needing quick support without long waiting times.

CHSP con

• Limited options — Best for basic needs but not enough for long-term or complex care.

HCP pros

• Customisable care — Perfect for more complex needs, with flexible services tailored to you.
• Better value — Self-managing your plan can save money and increase care hours.

HCP cons

• Long wait times — Accessing a package can take between three to 15 months depending on your priority level.
• More involvement needed — Managing care and finances requires extra effort.

How to decide which is right for you

Deciding between CHSP vs HCP depends on your level of care needs, preferred level of management and whether you prefer immediate or long-term assistance.

1. What level of care do you need?

If your needs are minimal — like help with house cleaning or occasional transport — CHSP might be the right choice. It’s designed for those who can manage most of their daily activities but could use a little extra support.

For more intensive care, such as assistance with personal hygiene, medical support or mobility, HCPs provide a higher level of care tailored to complex and ongoing needs.

2. Are you looking for short-term or long-term help?

CHSP is ideal for short-term or occasional assistance. For example, if you’re recovering from surgery or just need help during a particularly busy time, CHSP can fill the gap.

HCPs are designed for long-term care. They’re perfect for individuals who want to plan for consistent and comprehensive support over time.

3. Are you comfortable managing your care package?

CHSP services are fully managed by providers, which means less administrative work for you. This is great if you’d prefer a hands-off approach.

If you’re willing to take on some management responsibilities, HCPs give you the flexibility to choose suppliers, allocate funds and tailor the support you require to suit your unique needs. This can result in better value for money and more personalised care.

4. How soon do you need care?

CHSP services can often be accessed more quickly depending on the availability of suppliers in your area, making them a good option for immediate needs.

HCPs, on the other hand, usually involve longer wait times of up to 15 months due to the assessment and allocation process. If you anticipate needing long-term care, it’s a good idea to start the application process early.

How Homecare My Way can help

Choosing between these options can feel daunting, but understanding the difference between CHSP and HCP packages makes it easier to decide what’s right for you. CHSP offers affordable, short-term support for day-to-day tasks, while HCPs provide comprehensive, long-term care tailored to more complex needs.

If you’re ready to explore your options for self-managed HCPs, Homecare My Way is here to help. Contact us today, and let’s work together to create a care plan that’s right for you. We look forward to helping you or your loved one find the perfect care solution!