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Continuing the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) as a standalone programme is a prudent decision that maintains vital services for older Australians following sustained advocacy from Catholic Health Australia and the broader aged care sector.
“CHSP delivers entry-level, preventative support that helps 830,000 older Australians stay independent, maintain their wellbeing and avoid premature entry into higher cost care,” said CHA Director of Aged and Community Care Alex Lynch.
“Retaining the programme ensures continuity of a pivotal service, which is especially important for outer metropolitan and regional communities.
“We thank the Government, Minister Rae and Minister Butler for listening and engaging with the sector and reaching this decision today.”
Mr Lynch said it makes sense to keep CHSP and Support at Home separate as they serve different purposes.
“A strong CHSP actually takes pressure off the more targeted and individualised Support at Home system. The two programs work best when each is allowed to do what it does well.”
“CHSP’s block funding model is particularly important in regional and rural Australia, where Catholic and not-for-profit providers deliver a disproportionate amount of care to older Australians.”
Catholic Health Australia CEO Tim Udorovic said the decision reflected concerns CHA had raised directly with government through its formal advocacy, including its CHSP submission, its appearance at the CHSP hearing and its Support at Home submission.
“We have said clearly and repeatedly that the aged care sector is under real strain and not yet in a position to support a merger of these two vital programs,” said Mr Udorovic.
“This is a sensible outcome for older Australians and providers, including our not-for-profit Catholic member organisations who can continue doing what they do best.”
You can read CHA’s Submission online.
