Commonwealth Home Support Program extended to 30 June 2029

The Australian Government has announced that the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) will be extended to 30 June 2029 — a decision that will support providers to continue critical aged care services and give 830,000 older Australians certainty about the services they use every day, the government said.

The entry point for many older Australians to aged care, CHSP provides supports like cleaning, shopping, meals on wheels, transport, home maintenance, social support and allied health.

“Local councils and other providers have cited uncertainty as their reason for withdrawing from CHSP,” the government said in its announcement. “That excuse no longer exists. Councils’ contracts will continue without interruption until 2029 and older people in those communities are entitled to expect their services will continue.”

Around 1300 providers will be supported through the extension to deliver CHSP services, including state and local governments, not for profit organisations and community groups. Many of these operate in regional, rural and remote communities where they are the only provider available, the government said, with almost 40% of CHSP clients living outside the major cities.

“The Australian Government believes CHSP should remain a standalone program, rather than rolling it into Support at Home. We’ll use this extension to strengthen the program so it better delivers for older Australians,” the government said.

“We want the CHSP program to be sustainable and better integrated with Support at Home to deliver a holistic home care program and will begin consultation this year on a long-term future for the program, including how block funding can be continued, ensuring fair and equitable contributions to the costs of home care and how early intervention services can reduce pressure across the system.”

In a separate statement, Ageing Australia welcomed the extension: “CHSP supports more older Australians than any other single program, so it’s vital older people have certainty that these services will continue,” Ageing Australia CEO Tom Symondson said.

“As an entry-level program, CHSP helps older people remain in their homes for longer and helps them maintain their independence and live fulfilling lives in their own communities.”

Symondson also said: “Aged Care Minister Rae was explicit that providers’ concerns were vital in this decision, vowing to continue working with us to design the program moving forward. Providers are the ones delivering support to older Australians day-in, day-out and I am proud that we have been able to achieve this outcome.

“It’s critical that we use this time to look at existing contracts, and make sure they’re sufficient to provide the support needed for local communities. Many are outdated with woefully inadequate funding to deliver for the needs of the community, which must be urgently addressed. We also need to use this time to consult with the community and the sector to get the program right, long-term.

“We look forward to working with the government on how to grow CHSP to better support the growing number of older Australians to stay independent and ensure it remains sustainable for the long term.”

Image credit: iStock.com/Guillermo Spelucin Runciman