Anglicare Australia has welcomed the Government’s decision to extend the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) until June 2029, saying it will give older Australians and their families certainty about the support they rely on.
CHSP helps 830,000 older Australians with everyday things like meals, transport, cleaning, home maintenance, social support and health.
“For hundreds of thousands of older Australians, CHSP is what helps them keep living safely and independently in their own homes,” said Anglicare Australia Executive Director Kasy Chambers.
“It can mean getting a meal delivered, having help around the house, getting to an appointment, or simply staying connected to other people.
“These services might seem small, but they can make an enormous difference. They also give families peace of mind that their parents and loved ones have support when they need it.
“We especially welcome the Government taking the time to consider the future of CHSP carefully. It is often the first point of support for older people, especially those living on lower incomes and with fewer resources.”
Stephanie Buckland, Anglicare Australia Deputy Chair and CEO of Amana Living, said the extension was good news for older people who want to stay living independently at home.
“With so much change already happening in aged care, we need to make sure that changes to CHSP make life easier for older people and their families, not harder.
“We look forward to working with the Government as it considers the future of the program. That process should be thorough, and it should listen closely to older people, families and the services supporting them.
“The extension also gives providers welcome certainty. But funding has not kept pace with the rising cost of delivering services, and that pressure will continue over the next three years.
“Ultimately, this is about making sure older Australians can get simple, practical support when they need it. We welcome this decision and look forward to working with the Government to make sure as many older people as possible can get the support they need.”