Mum might only need a little bit of help at home right now. What happens if she’s approved for the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP)?
It’s wonderful that Mum wants to stay independent at home, and getting a bit of help can make a big difference. If she’s approved for the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP), it means she can access services to support her in doing everyday tasks safely and comfortably. Here’s a simple breakdown of what to expect and how to get started.
What Happens After Approval?
- Approval and Support Plan
- After the assessment, you’ll receive a letter confirming that Mum is eligible for CHSP services.
- The letter will include a support plan outlining the specific services she’s approved to receive (e.g., help with cleaning, personal care, meal prep, transport, or social activities).
- Connecting with Providers
You have two options to connect with providers who offer the services Mum needs:- Assessor Referral: The assessor can send a referral directly to suitable providers. The provider will then contact you to arrange services.
- Self-Referral: If you prefer to search for providers yourself, the assessor will give you referral codes for each approved service. You’ll need to give these codes to the providers you choose.
- Finding Providers
- Use the Find a Provider Tool on the My Aged Care website to search for local providers.
- You can also call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 for assistance in finding providers that suit Mum’s needs.
- What is a Referral Code?
- The referral code is a unique number for each service Mum is eligible for.
- Providers use this code to access her assessment and support plan.
- If you lose the code, you can find it in Mum’s My Aged Care Online Account or by calling My Aged Care.
When Will Services Start?
- Immediate or Delayed Start: Services may not be available right away, depending on provider availability.
- Stay in Touch: Keep in contact with providers or My Aged Care to check on wait times or availability.
You Have a Choice
- Talk to Providers: Being referred doesn’t mean you have to accept the services.
- Ask Questions: Discuss fees, contributions, and service details before making a decision.
- Change Providers: If a provider doesn’t suit Mum, you can change providers by reactivating the referral code through the My Aged Care Online Account or by calling My Aged Care.
If Mum Isn’t Eligible
- If Mum isn’t approved for CHSP, the assessor will explain why and suggest other options.
- She may still access private services or other government-funded programs.
- If her situation changes, you can request a reassessment.
Remember, You're Not Alone
This process can feel overwhelming, but you’re doing the right thing by looking out for Mum. If you have questions or need help, call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422—they’re there to support you.
