Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP)

Swan Hill District Health receives Commonwealth Government funding through the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP).

CHSP services are for people who are:

• 65 years or over (50 years or over for Aboriginal & Torres Straight Islander people),
• living at home,
• are having difficulties with their everyday activities, and
• have an Aged Care Assessment referral

The CHSP aims to support people to live as independently as possible for as long as possible through the provision of home support services, including respite services to support carers. The CHSP provides entry-level help at home, and if you require a higher level of help to remain at home, a Home Care Package (HCP) is suitable to provide for your needs. SHDH also provides services to those receiving a HCP. Your health professional must be informed if you received a HCP- your case manager will need to refer you.

All services are directed by your choices and goals, with the aim of increasing or maintaining physical, social and emotional wellbeing.

Services Included:

• District Nursing Services- 03 5033 9375
• Personal Care- 03 5033 9229
• Flexible Respite- 03 5033 9229
• Social Support Groups- 03 5033 9359
• Allied Health Professionals such as Dietitians (03 5033 9337), Exercise Physiologists (03 5033 9390), Occupational Therapists (03 5033 9322), Podiatrists (03 5033 9390), Physiotherapists (03 5033 9390) and Speech Pathologists (03 5033 9390).

To find out more information about how to access these services through the CHSP, directly contact a service using the contact numbers provided above or in the brochure below. Our friendly team will be able to refer you to another department if the need is identified.

CHSP Service Agreement

What is this agreement?

This is a contract between you and Swan Hill District Health. It explains what we both agree to do. We will help you understand this agreement. You can ask a family member, friend, or advocate to help you.

Your Care and Services Plan

• We will work with you so you can keep living at home and stay independent.
• We will ask you some questions and look at your referral from My Aged Care.
• Together, we will make a plan that best suits your needs and preferences.

Cooling-Off Period

• You can cancel this agreement within 14 days after signing if you have not received any services from us.
• If you cancel within 14 days, the agreement will end, and we will refund any money you paid to us under this agreement.

Changing your agreement

If we need to make changes, we will talk to you and write them down.

Adding new services

If you need new services, we will help you request a Support Plan review or reassessment.

Reviewing your agreement

• We will review this agreement every 12 months or sooner if you ask or things change.
• You will be involved in any changes.

Ending your Agreement

You can end this agreement if:

• You tell us in writing that you no longer want our services
• You move to an area where we do not provide services.

We can end this agreement and cease services if:

• Your referral was for short-term support.
• You ask us to stop services.
• Your needs change and we cannot meet them or you no longer need our services
• You are approved and commence services under the Support at Home program or enter residential care.
• It is unsafe for staff to provide services.
• You do not pay agreed contributions and do not discuss it with us.
• We try many times to provide services, but you refuse or your representative stops us.

If we have to end this agreement, we will let you know in writing at least 2 weeks before we stop. We can help you find another service provider or request a reassessment.

Client Contributions

• You may be asked to pay a contribution for services, based on your ability to pay.
• We will talk to you about this and include details in this agreement.
• You will not be refused services if you cannot pay. We have a hardship policy to reduce or waive fees.
• Our contribution policy explains fees and how they are set. We will give you this and explain it to you before you sign.
• By signing, you’re confirming your agreement with the fees we have discussed.
• If fees change, we will let you know and seek your agreement.