The Commonwealth Government offers a number of funding options to support people to stay in their own home as they age.
Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP)
The Commonwealth Home Support Program helps older Australians access entry-level support services.
It provides low-level support on a short-term or ongoing basis, and works with you to maintain your independence, rather than doing things for you. It is designed for those needing 1 or 2 home care services or for those waiting for a Home Care Package.
Community Gateway offers the following services for people with CHSP funding:
Home Care Package (HCP)
Home Care Packages provide support for people with more complex needs. They provide individualised support to help people live safely and independently at home for longer.
All Community Gateway’s services are available through a home care package. We can also arrange services through our network of associate providers.
Private
If you would prefer to pay privately, or aren’t eligible for government funding, you can still receive services from Community Gateway.
You may also pay privately for additional services (over and above your CHSP or HCP funding) or while you are waiting to receive government-funded services.
Getting started with aged care can feel overwhelming, but at Community Gateway, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Step 1:
Check your eligibilityThe first step is to register with My Aged Care, the Commonwealth Government aged care services portal, where you can access information and apply for funding via an ACAT assessment.
This assessment, undertaken by the Aged Care Assessment Team, helps establish your care needs, allows you to gain access to government-subsidised care, and guides you to the funding option that’s right for you.
ACAT assessments are available for:
You can apply for an ACAT assessment online or by phone.
Step 2:
Face-to-Face AssessmentAn assessor will visit you at home or in hospital to review your care needs. You may wish to have a family member or carer present for support and to help provide information.
The assessor will review your health, lifestyle, current support needs, and the types of services that would best meet your needs
Step 3:
Income and Asset AssessmentIf you are assessed as needing a Home Care Package, you’ll also need an income and asset assessment to determine whether you will need to contribute to your aged care costs.
Step 4:
Receive Your Assessment OutcomeAfter your face-to-face assessment is complete, you’ll receive a letter confirming:
If approved for a Home Care Package, you’ll be placed in the national queue until allocation. Once allocated, you have 56 days to choose a service provider.
Step 5:
Arrange Your Aged Care ServicesOnce funding is approved, it’s time to select a provider. At Community Gateway, we work with you to:
Even if you’re ineligible for subsidised care, support is still available. Private packages can be arranged to meet your needs.
At every step, Community Gateway is here to make your aged care journey as simple and stress-free as possible, guiding you to access the care and support you need with confidence.
The cost of your home care services depends on the level of care you need, the services you select, and whether you’re eligible for government funding.
Learn more about our fees and the government support available below.
We’re here to help if you need assistance or have any questions.
Call one of our friendly team members on 1300 657 473 or enquire below.
