CHSP, HCP, NDIS, DVA: Decoding the alphabet soup of home care

When the hospital social worker starts rattling off acronyms - CHSP, HCP, ACAT, DVA - and your parent's hospital discharge is scheduled for Thursday, the last thing you need is bureaucratic jargon. You need to know which services you can access now, which require waiting, and what the person in front of you actually means when they mention "interim support" or "transitional care."

This is the translator piece for that overwhelming moment when you're trying to decode Australia's home care system while also managing medical appointments, work calls, and the reality that your parent needs help ... starting yesterday.

 

Before diving into individual programs, here's the fundamental sorting question that determines which pathway applies:

For people aged 65+ (or 50+ for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people):
The aged care system via My Aged Care is your primary pathway. This includes programs like Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) and the new Support at Home program.

For people under 65 with permanent and significant disability:
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is the relevant system.

For veterans and war widows/widowers:
Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) may provide additional support regardless of age.

The confusion often happens because these systems can overlap, eligibility isn't always clear-cut, and hospital discharge planners may reference multiple options simultaneously. Let's break down each system with the information you actually need in a crisis.

 

My Aged Care is the front door to Australia's aged care system. It's not a service itself - it's the assessment and coordination system that determines what support your parent is eligible for and connects them to services.

What My Aged Care Actually Does

When you contact My Aged Care (1800 200 422), you're starting a process that will:

• Screen your parents' situation to understand their needs

• Arrange an assessment (either by phone, at home, or in hospital)

• Determine eligibility for government-funded services

• Provide a referral code that allows you to access approved providers

• Help you understand costs and contributions

The Two Types of Assessments

The assessment type determines what level of support your parent can access. The Single Assessment System uses national assessment teams to conduct these assessments:

Support Needs Assessment:
A shorter assessment for people with lower-level needs. This can lead to CHSP services (see below) and some basic support. Support Needs Assessments can often be done relatively quickly.

Support Plan Assessment (formerly ACAT):
A comprehensive assessment conducted by health professionals (often a nurse and social worker). This is required for higher-level support, including Support at Home and residential aged care. Support Plan Assessments take longer to arrange, but unlock more substantial support.

In a crisis:
Hospital patients often receive priority Support Plan Assessments before discharge. The hospital social worker can arrange this. It's one of the most valuable things they can do for you.

 

The Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) is designed for older people who need some help but don't require comprehensive, ongoing support. It is described as providing entry-level support services to older Australians who need some help to stay at home, but whose care needs are not high or complex.  CHSP services are typically limited: many people only receive one or two services (e.g. domestic help, meals, basic personal care, transport or social support) rather than a broad package.

It can sometimes be accessed sooner because it requires a shorter assessment and has no formal waiting list. But 'sooner' doesn't always mean 'soon.'

The reality is that CHSP access varies dramatically depending on where you live and what services you need. In some areas, basic services like meals or cleaning can start within a couple of weeks. In others, providers have their own waitlists or aren't accepting new clients. It's worth pursuing because it's one of your faster options. Just don't bank on services starting the day after your assessment.

What CHSP Offers

CHSP provides entry-level support services, including:

• Basic domestic assistance (cleaning, laundry)

• Meals on Wheels or meal preparation

• Personal care (help with showering, dressing)

• Transport to appointments

• Home modifications (minor - think grab rails, not bathroom renovations)

• Allied health services (physiotherapy, podiatry)

• Social support and group activities

• Respite care for carers

Why CHSP Matters in a Crisis

CHSP is the program you can often access quickly, sometimes within days or a couple of weeks after your Support Needs Assessment. While waiting for Support at Home services (which can take time to arrange), CHSP services can provide essential support to keep your parent safe at home.

Critical distinction:
CHSP services are block-funded rather than individually budgeted. This means:

• You don't get a personal budget to manage

• Services are provided by organisations funded to deliver specific support in your area

• You may access services from multiple CHSP providers

• Fees are typically per service rather than percentage contributions

Accessing CHSP

After a My Aged Care assessment determines your parent is eligible, you'll receive a referral. You then contact CHSP service providers in your area. The My Aged Care website has a "Find a provider" tool, or you can ask the assessor for recommendations.

Important update:
CHSP is transitioning into the Support at Home program no earlier than 1 July 2027. Until then, it continues operating as described here.

From 1 November 2025, the Support at Home program replaced Home Care Packages, bringing together several in-home aged care programs into one streamlined system. This is now the main pathway for comprehensive, ongoing support to help older Australians live independently at home.

What Makes Support at Home Different

Support at Home introduces several improvements over the previous Home Care Packages system:

• Eight service classifications based on assessed needs (rather than four package levels)

• Quarterly budgets for ongoing services

• Flexible service access – you can request to change your mix of services at any time

• Three short-term pathways for specialised support:

• Restorative Care Pathway (up to 16 weeks of allied health services)

• End-of-Life Pathway (dedicated funding for last 3 months of life)

• Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) scheme

How Support at Home Works

After your Support Plan Assessment determines you're eligible, you'll receive:

• A classification with an associated quarterly budget

• A list of approved services you can access

• An individual support plan to share with your provider

• Possible approval for short-term pathways if needed

You'll work with your chosen provider to decide which services to access within your budget. If your needs change, you can request a re-assessment at any time.

For detailed information about service classifications, contribution rates, and what's covered, see our comprehensive guide: Understanding Support at Home: Australia's New In-Home Aged Care Program.

While Support at Home aims to improve access, there will still be wait times for services depending on availability in your area and your classification level. This is why interim solutions through CHSP, DVA support (if eligible), or private services often matter during the initial period.

If your parent was already receiving a Home Care Package before 1 November 2025, they automatically transitioned to Support at Home with equivalent funding. Those on waiting lists moved to the new system with their priority retained.

 

The Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) provides additional support for veterans, war widows, and war widowers, and this support can work alongside aged care services.

Who's Eligible for DVA Support?

DVA services are available to:

• Veterans with accepted disabilities or conditions related to service

• Veterans with a DVA Gold Card or White Card

• War widows and widowers

• Some peacekeeping veterans

Eligibility can be complex, and many families don't realise their parent might qualify, particularly for conditions that developed years after service.

What DVA Can Provide

DVA support may include:

• Home and garden maintenance

• Personal care services

• Home modifications

• Transport to medical appointments

• Respite care

• Assistive devices and equipment

• Nursing care

Crucially:
DVA can sometimes arrange services more quickly than the aged care system, and may cover services beyond what aged care provides.

DVA and Aged Care: How They Work Together

If your parent is eligible for both DVA and aged care support, the systems can complement each other. Generally:

• DVA provides services related to accepted service-related conditions

• Aged care provides broader support for ageing-related needs

• Where there's overlap, coordination ensures your parent gets maximum support without duplication

In practice:
Contact DVA on 1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372) to discuss your parent's situation. If they're already receiving aged care services, mention this - DVA can work with your aged care provider.

 

The NDIS is designed for people under 65, but there are specific situations where older people interact with it.

When NDIS continues past 65

If your parent was already an NDIS participant before turning 65, they can choose to remain in the NDIS rather than transitioning to aged care. Many people do this because:

• Their NDIS plan and providers are working well

• They have complex disability needs that align better with NDIS support

• The NDIS model of individualised funding suits their situation

When NDIS doesn't apply

For most older people developing care needs after age 65, the aged care system is the appropriate pathway. Common situations where families incorrectly think NDIS might help:

• Dementia developing after age 65 → Aged care

• Stroke or Parkinson's diagnosed after age 65 → Aged care

• Mobility issues from ageing → Aged care

 

When you're meeting with hospital discharge planners and social workers, the terminology can feel like code. Here's what they really mean:

"We'll arrange a Support Plan Assessment before discharge"

What this means:
Your parent will be assessed for aged care services while still in hospital, often with priority timing. This is good news. Hospital patients often receive faster assessment scheduling than community referrals.

What you need to do:
Cooperate with the assessment, provide information about your parents' home situation, and be honest about what family support is realistically available. The assessment determines what level of support they're eligible for.

"You'll need interim support arrangements"

Translation:
Your parent will be discharged before permanent aged care services are fully in place. You need to organise temporary help to bridge the gap.

What this might include:
CHSP services, private paid care, family support, community services, or Transition Care Programme. The discharge planner should help identify options, but families often need to make the calls and arrangements.

Reality check:
This is one of the most stressful aspects of hospital discharge. Services don't magically appear on discharge day. Start making calls as soon as discharge is mentioned.

"Have you contacted My Aged Care yet?"

What they're really asking:
Have you started the formal aged care assessment process? This is often the family's homework, not something the hospital automatically does for you.

What you need to do:
Call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 as soon as you know your parent will need aged care services. Mention they're currently in the hospital as this can help prioritise the assessment. Get a reference number and write down who you spoke to.

Important note:
The hospital can request assessments, but the initial My Aged Care contact and follow-up on referrals usually fall to family members.

"We're arranging a Transition Care Package"

What this means:
Your parent will receive short-term support (up to 12 weeks) specifically designed for people leaving the hospital. The TCP program provides services to help them recover and regain independence after a hospital stay.

How it's different:
Transition Care is specifically for post-hospital recovery. It's time-limited and arranged through the hospital - you don't apply for it separately through My Aged Care. It's designed to bridge the gap until long-term services (like Support at Home) are arranged.

What happens after:
Near the end of the TCP period, permanent aged care arrangements need to be in place. Don't assume TCP automatically continues. You'll need to be working on longer-term solutions.

"Your parent meets the criteria for residential aged care"

What this actually means:
Based on their assessed needs, your parent is eligible for residential aged care if that's what you choose. This doesn't mean they must go to residential care.

Important distinction:
Many people with this level of need live successfully at home with appropriate support through Support at Home services, CHSP, DVA support, or a combination of services.

What you should ask:
If home is preferred, ask specifically: "What level of support would they need to remain at home safely?" and "What services can be arranged to make that possible?"

"We need to confirm what support will be in place at home"

What they're checking:
The hospital has a duty of care not to discharge your parent to an unsafe situation. They need to know there will be adequate support when your parent goes home.

Be realistic, not optimistic:
Don't overcommit to providing family care 24/7 if that's not sustainable. Be honest about what support can realistically be provided. Saying "we'll manage" when you won't be able to can lead to crisis readmission.

What qualifies as "support":
This might include family assistance, arranged CHSP services, private care, Transition Care, equipment modifications, or meal delivery. They're looking for a concrete plan, not just good intentions.

"Your parent needs an OT assessment before discharge"

What this means:
An Occupational Therapist will assess what equipment, home modifications, or assistive devices your parent needs to function safely at home.

Why it matters:
The OT might recommend grab rails, shower chairs, raised toilet seats, mobility aids, or home modifications. Some of these can be arranged quickly; others take time. This assessment should happen before discharge so arrangements can be made.

What you should ask:
"Can this equipment be arranged before discharge, or do we need to organise it ourselves?" and "Will this be provided through the hospital, aged care, or do we need to purchase it privately?"

"We're referring to the ACAT"

What you need to know:
"ACAT" is the old term. The assessment is now called a Support Plan Assessment, but many hospital staff still use ACAT terminology. Don't be confused. They mean the same thing: the comprehensive assessment required for higher-level aged care services.

Why they're mentioning it:
Your parent needs this assessment to access Support at Home services or residential aged care. The hospital can arrange priority assessment.

"Your parent is medically stable for discharge"

What this means clinically:
From a medical perspective, your parent no longer needs to be in the hospital. This is about their medical condition, not about whether home support is ready.

The disconnect:
"Medically stable" doesn't mean "ready to go home safely." Your parent might be medically stable but still need equipment, services, or support arrangements that aren't yet in place.

What you can say:
If you're concerned about safety at home, be specific: "I understand they're medically stable, but what support do they need at home given their mobility/confusion/care needs? Can we arrange that before discharge?"

"We'll provide a discharge summary for the GP"

Why this matters more than it sounds:
This summary is crucial for continuity of care. It should include medications, diagnoses, follow-up appointments, and care needs.

What you need to do:
Ensure your parent's GP actually receives this summary (hospitals sometimes assume it happens automatically when it doesn't). Make a follow-up GP appointment within a week of discharge and take a copy of the discharge summary with you if possible.

For aged care purposes:
The discharge summary may contain information useful for aged care assessments. Keep a copy.

"They'll need a medication management system"

Translation:
Your parent needs help organising and taking their medications safely. This might be a Webster pack (pre-sorted medications in daily doses) or assistance from family or care workers.

How to arrange it:
Ask the hospital pharmacy or your parent's regular pharmacy about Webster packs or blister packs. These can usually be arranged within a few days. If your parent needs someone to supervise or administer medications, this is a service that can be provided through CHSP or Support at Home.

Cost consideration:
Some pharmacies provide Webster packs free; others charge a small fee. CHSP or Support at Home can include medication support in their services.

"Follow-up appointments have been made"

Get specifics:
Make sure you have written details of all follow-up appointments—specialist reviews, wound care, physiotherapy, tests. Ask: When? Where? What department? Does transport need to be arranged?

Think through logistics:
If your parent can't drive, how will they get to appointments? Hospital transport? Family? CHSP transport services? DVA transport (if eligible)?

Each system has different cost structures. Of course they do!

CHSP:
Generally low, flat fees per service (e.g., $10-15 per service) with some services fully government-funded. Fees don't depend on income.

Support at Home:
Contributions based on income and assets assessment (similar to Age Pension means test). Clinical care is fully government-funded. Those on the Age Pension pay lower contributions than self-funded retirees. See our Support at Home guide for detailed contribution information.

DVA:
Services are often provided at no cost or minimal cost to eligible veterans, depending on their card type and the specific service.

NDIS:
Participants don't pay for supports included in their plan (though some daily living costs may apply).

 

1. Contact My Aged Care (1800 200 422) and request an assessment. Explain your parent's situation and level of need. If this is urgent post-hospital discharge, emphasise this.

2. Ask specifically about: CHSP services that can start quickly, estimated wait times for Support at Home in your area, and whether your parent's situation warrants priority assessment.

3. If your parent is a veteran: Contact DVA simultaneously. Don't assume you have to choose between systems—they can work together.

4. Document everything: Keep records of assessment dates, referral codes, provider contacts, and what each person tells you about wait times or next steps.

5. Consider interim solutions: Don't wait for the perfect long-term solution if your parent needs help now. CHSP services, private care, or community support can fill gaps while you're arranging longer-term services.

6. Talk to an Aged Care Specialist Officer: Services Australia offers free face-to-face appointments with specialists who can explain the system, check eligibility, and help you navigate the process. Book via 1800 227 475.