Feeling Your Needs Have Changed on CHSP? A Support at Home Package May Be the Next Step

Many people across the Central Coast start their aged-care journey with the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP). It offers small amounts of help — usually enough to stay on top of daily tasks.

But as circumstances shift, health changes, or confidence declines, CHSP often doesn’t provide the level of support needed to stay safe and well at home. When this happens, a Support at Home package may be a better fit.

Here’s how to recognise if it might be time for a reassessment.

Why CHSP Can Fall Short Over Time

1. Service shortages and long delays

It’s very common to hear from people who:

• can’t find a CHSP provider
• are on long wait lists
• can only access limited hours

Even after approval, securing services under CHSP can take months — leaving many people without the help they genuinely need.

2. Too many providers to deal with

Many CHSP participants work with several different organisations at once. This often means:

• repeating your story
• inconsistent carers
• different contact numbers
• difficult coordination

A Support at Home package streamlines everything, giving you:

• one trusted provider
• one care partner
• one consistent team
• one point of contact

It’s simpler, safer and easier.

3. CHSP doesn’t cover clinical needs

People often assume CHSP will help with increasing health needs, but it doesn’t include:

• nursing support
• wound care
• continence support
• medication assistance
• regular allied health

Support at Home includes clinical care, with no out-of-pocket contribution, which is especially valuable for those with growing health concerns.

When to Consider Requesting a Reassessment

1. Your health or mobility has changed

This might look like:

• more fatigue
• new medical conditions
• needing more help with daily tasks
• increasing medication

Even small changes matter when considering the support you need to stay safe at home.

2. You’ve had a fall or been in hospital

Falls and hospital stays are major signs that your current level of support may not be enough.

Families often tell us:

• “Mum isn’t steady on her feet anymore.”
• “Dad was in hospital recently.”

These changes are important and should be reviewed.

3. You’re feeling more alone than before

If someone:

• has lost a partner
• is no longer receiving regular check-ins
• lives further from family

…this can significantly impact their wellbeing. Loneliness and isolation are valid reasons to request additional support.

4. You’ve been trying to access CHSP services for months

If you’ve spent six months or more trying to secure CHSP supports without success, this can justify a move to a higher-level program.

What a Support at Home Package Can Provide

✔ Reliable and regular services

A consistent team who gets to know you and your preferences.

✔ More flexibility

Tailor your support to match your current needs.

✔ Access to clinical care

Nursing and allied health included under your package.

✔ A dedicated care partner

Your care partner coordinates everything and keeps your plan running smoothly.

✔ A support plan that adapts over time

As your needs change, your plan can grow with you.

How Home Care Assistance Central Coast Can Support You

Our team is here to guide you through the reassessment process. We help by:

• reviewing your current supports
• identifying what’s changed
• helping collect documentation
• contacting My Aged Care
• assisting with reassessment requests
• adjusting your plan once approved

You won’t have to do any of this alone.

If You Need More Help, It’s Okay to Ask

We often speak to people who say:

• “I didn’t realise I could get more support.”
• “I didn’t want to trouble anyone.”
• “I thought CHSP was my only option.”

Here’s the truth:

You deserve the right level of support.
You’re not asking for too much.
And you don’t have to push through alone.

If life has changed and CHSP isn’t meeting your needs anymore, we’re here to guide you gently through the next step.

We’re Here to Help

If you’d like to explore a Support at Home package or understand whether your situation qualifies for reassessment, our Central Coast team is ready to support you with warmth and practical advice.

You don’t need to navigate this on your own.
Reach out today, and let us help you access the support you deserve.