CHSP Eligibility & Application | RusCare Guide

Navigating the process of accessing the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) can be overwhelming.

At RusCare, we’re here to simplify this journey, ensuring you understand the eligibility criteria and guiding you through each step of the application process.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for CHSP services, you must meet certain criteria set by the Australian Government.

Age Requirements

General Eligibility: Aged 65 years or older.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People: Aged 50 years or older.

Need for Support

Daily Living Assistance: You require basic support with daily tasks to continue living independently at home.
Functional Limitations: Experiencing difficulties due to aging, health conditions, or mobility issues.

Residency Status

Australian Residents: Must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident living in Australia.

Other Considerations

Living at Home: You must be living in the community (not in residential aged care).
Willingness to Participate: Open to receiving support to maintain independence.

Eligibility is ultimately determined through an assessment process conducted by My Aged Care.

Assessment Process

The assessment is a crucial step to determine your needs and eligibility for CHSP services.

Steps in the Assessment Process:

Initial Contact:

Call My Aged Care: 1800 200 422 (free call).
Online Registration: Visit the My Aged Care website

Screening Interview:

A My Aged Care representative will ask questions about your health, daily activities, and current support systems.
Purpose: To determine if a face-to-face assessment is needed.

Home Support Assessment:

Conducted by the Regional Assessment Service (RAS).
An assessor visits your home to discuss your needs in detail.
They evaluate your ability to perform daily tasks and identify areas where you need assistance.

Developing a Support Plan:

Collaborate with the assessor to create a plan outlining the services that will help you achieve your goals.

Receiving Referral Codes:

If approved, you’ll receive referral codes for each service you’re eligible for.

We empower you to continue doing the things you love, maintaining your independence at home and in the community.

Application Steps

Step 1: Register with My Aged Care

Phone: Call 1800 200 422.
Online: Visit the My Aged Care website.

Step 2: Prepare for the Assessment

Gather Information:
- Personal Details: Medicare number, date of birth, address.
- Medical History: Current health conditions, medications, treatments.
- Support Network: Details of any current support from family, friends, or services.
Consider Your Needs:
- Identify tasks you find challenging.
- Think about your goals and what you hope to achieve with support.

Step 3: Participate in the Assessment

Be Open and Honest:
- Provide accurate information about your abilities and challenges.
Ask Questions:
- Clarify any doubts about services or the process.
Involve a Support Person:
- You can have a family member, friend, or advocate present during the assessment.

Step 4: Review the Support Plan

Understand the Services:
- Ensure you agree with the proposed services and how they will help you.
Express Preferences:
- Inform the assessor if you have preferences for service providers, such as RusCare.

Step 5: Choose Your Service Provider

Research Providers:
- Consider factors like cultural sensitivity, language, and range of services.
Select RusCare:
- Provide us with your referral codes to begin your care.

What to Expect During the Assessment

Topics Covered

Health and Medical History:
- Current health conditions, medications, recent hospital visits.
Daily Living Activities:
- Ability to perform tasks like bathing, dressing, cooking, and cleaning.
Mobility and Safety:
- Assessing risks of falls, need for mobility aids.
Social Connections:
- Level of engagement with friends, family, and community.
Emotional Well-being:
- Mental health status, feelings of loneliness or depression.
Home Environment:
- Safety and accessibility of your living space.

Questions You May Be Asked

Do you have difficulty with any daily tasks?
What support do you currently receive from family or friends?
Have you had any recent falls or hospitalizations?
How do you manage your medications?
Are you experiencing any memory issues?
Do you feel isolated or in need of social interaction?

Factors That May Affect Eligibility

Possible Exclusions

Already Receiving Higher-Level Care:
- If you’re currently receiving a Home Care Package (HCP), you may not be eligible for CHSP services.
Not Meeting Age Requirements:
- Individuals below the specified age thresholds may not qualify.
Living in Residential Care:
- CHSP is designed for those living independently, not in residential aged care facilities.
Income and Assets:
- While CHSP is not means-tested, financial capacity may influence the level of client contribution.

Special Circumstances

Younger People with Disabilities:
- May be directed to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) instead.
Temporary Residents:
- Eligibility may be affected if you are not a permanent resident.

If you’re unsure about your eligibility, contact us for guidance.

After the Assessment

Receiving Referral Codes

Referral Codes: Unique identifiers for each approved service.
Validity: Codes are valid for a specific period (usually 6 months).

Contacting Service Providers

Share Referral Codes: Provide your codes to RusCare to initiate services.
Service Agreement: We’ll develop a service agreement outlining the details.

Starting Services

Care Plan Implementation: Services commence as per the agreed schedule.
Ongoing Communication: We’ll stay in touch to ensure your needs are met.

Costs and Contributions

Government Funding

Subsidised Services: The government covers most of the service costs.

Client Contributions

Fee Structure: You may be asked to contribute a small fee based on your income and capacity to pay.
Transparency: We provide clear information about any fees during the service agreement process.
Financial Hardship: If you’re unable to contribute, services will not be refused.

Choosing RusCare as Your Provider

Why RusCare?

Cultural Sensitivity: Specialised in serving the Russian-Australian community.
Multilingual Support: Staff fluent in Russian and other languages.
Comprehensive Services: Wide range of CHSP services under one roof.
Personalised Care: Tailored support plans to meet your unique needs.
Experienced Team: Over 70 years of providing quality aged care services.

How to Choose Us

Provide Referral Codes:
- Contact us with your referral codes received from My Aged Care.
Develop a Care Plan:
- We’ll work with you to customize your services based on your needs and preferences.
Sign Service Agreement:
- Formalise the arrangement to begin support.
Begin Receiving Services:
- Our professional team will start providing the agreed-upon services.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I'm not eligible for CHSP?

If you're not eligible, we can discuss alternative support options, such as private services or applying for a Home Care Package (HCP) if you require higher-level care.

How long does the assessment process take?

The timeframe can vary, but assessments are usually scheduled within a few weeks of contacting My Aged Care. Delays can occur depending on demand.

Can I change my service provider later?

Yes, you have the right to change providers. Simply inform My Aged Care and your current provider. We'll assist you in making a smooth transition.

What if my needs increase over time?

If your needs change, you can request a new assessment to determine if additional services or a Home Care Package is appropriate.

Do I need a doctor's referral for CHSP?

No, a doctor's referral is not required, but you can provide medical information during the assessment to help determine your needs.

Will I be on a waiting list for services?

Some services may have waiting periods depending on demand. We'll inform you of any delays and keep you updated.

Contact Us for Assistance

Need Help with the Application Process?

Our team is here to guide you every step of the way.

Phone: (03) 9793 5955
Email: reception@ruscare.com.au
Address: 13 Conway Street, Dandenong, VIC, 3175

Further Resources

Enhance your understanding of the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) by exploring these valuable resources:

Commonwealth Home Support Programme – My Aged Care
Learn more about the CHSP, the types of services available, and how they can help you stay independent at home.
Visit the My Aged Care CHSP Page
Commonwealth Home Support Programme – Department of Health
Access detailed information about the CHSP directly from the Australian Government’s Department of Health, including policies and program updates.
Visit the Department of Health CHSP Page