$40 million to support changes to aged care

The Australian Government is providing $40 million to support aged care providers transition to the new Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) and the consumer directed care (CDC) model of home care packages.

This represents a funding boost of $20 million across more than 1,200 providers from four separate Commonwealth-funded community care programmes as they transition into the single, streamlined CHSP.

From 1 July 2015 the CHSP will be the new entry level to aged care services, bringing together Commonwealth Home and Community Care, planned respite from the National Respite for Carers Program, Day Therapy Centres and Assistance with Care and Housing for the Aged into one streamlined programme.

CHSP providers have already undertaken considerable work to incorporate the new arrangements into their business operations, including – programme reclassification, new information and reporting requirements and changes to accept referrals from My Aged Care.

Up to $20 million will also be allocated across more than 500 home care package providers to assist with the costs they have incurred in their transition to the CDC model of home care packages.

CDC gives older Australians greater flexibility and choice over the care they receive.

It also improves transparency for older Australians, who are given a personal budget that clearly outlines all their care and services costs, subsidies, supplements, fees and charges.

The Department of Social Services will soon contact home care packages providers and CHSP providers with further details of the funding process.