On CHSP and Feeling Things Have Shifted? It May Be Time to Look at Getting Reassessed for Support at Home
Many older people begin their journey with the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) because it offers small amounts of help to keep things manageable at home. For a while, this light support works well.
But as health changes, routines shift, or confidence drops, CHSP often isn’t enough to keep people safe, comfortable, and well-supported. That’s when a Support at Home package can make a meaningful difference in daily life.
Below are some signs it might be time to explore a reassessment — and how our team in Sydney East can guide you through the process with clarity and care.
Why CHSP Might Not Be Meeting Your Needs Anymore
1. Long waits and limited availability
We frequently speak with people who have been approved for help but can’t find a CHSP provider with space.
Common frustrations include:
- “No services available in my area.”
- “I’ve been told to ring back next month.”
- “I can’t get the hours I was promised.”
These delays are widespread, and they can leave people struggling at home for far too long.
2. Managing several different providers feels overwhelming
Many people on CHSP find themselves juggling:
- one provider for cleaning
- another for personal care
- another for transport
- and sometimes more
This can quickly become confusing — especially when something goes wrong or plans change.
With a Support at Home package, you have:
- one dedicated care partner
- one team delivering your services
- one number to call for anything you need
- one coordinated plan
This makes life simpler and more consistent.
3. CHSP doesn’t cover clinical care
You may find yourself needing:
- nursing visits
- help with medication
- wound care
- continence support
- more frequent physio or allied health services
Under CHSP, these often need to be paid for privately.
Under Support at Home, clinical care is included, even for people who are self-funded — a major benefit for those with increasing health needs.
How to Know If It’s Time for a Reassessment
1. Health changes or new medical conditions
These may include:
- new diagnoses
- more medications
- reduced energy
- needing more help day-to-day
Even gradual changes are important to recognise.
2. A fall, injury, or hospital stay
One fall or a recent hospital admission is often enough for My Aged Care to consider reassessing your needs.
We regularly speak to families who say:
- “My mum has become unsteady…”
- “Dad slipped recently…”
- “We’re nervous it might happen again.”
3. Reduced mobility or loss of strength
If you or a loved one is:
- moving with more difficulty
- needing help transferring
- unsteady on your feet
- using new mobility aids
…it may be time for more consistent support.
4. Feeling more alone or losing regular support
Changes such as:
- living alone for the first time
- a partner or carer passing away
- family moving further away
…can all impact safety and independence at home. These shifts count as a change in circumstances.
5. Difficulty accessing CHSP services for months
If you’ve been approved but unable to secure services — despite trying for many months — this is also a strong reason to request a reassessment.
What a Support at Home Package Offers
With Support at Home, you can access:
✔ Consistent, reliable services
A single provider who knows you and understands your preferences.
✔ Greater flexibility and more hours
Choose the services that genuinely support your lifestyle.
✔ Access to clinical and allied health care
Nurses, physios, OTs and podiatrists — all under one coordinated plan.
✔ A dedicated care partner
Someone who stays in touch, manages your budget, and coordinates everything for you.
✔ A plan that adapts as your needs change
Support grows as your needs evolve.
How Home Care Assistance Sydney East Supports You
We know the reassessment process can feel confusing, especially if you’ve never done it before. Our team will walk beside you, helping with:
- understanding your current situation
- identifying what has changed
- preparing documentation
- contacting My Aged Care
- guiding you through the reassessment steps
- adjusting your support once your new package is approved
You won’t have to handle this alone.
If Things Aren’t Working Anymore, You Don’t Need to Push Through
Many people tell us:
- “I didn’t want to ask for more help.”
- “I thought I had to stay on CHSP.”
- “I’ve been coping, but it’s getting harder.”
Here’s what we want you to know:
You’re not burdening anyone.
You deserve the right level of support.
And it’s completely okay to ask for more.
If you’re starting to feel that CHSP isn’t meeting your needs, or if life has changed recently, we’re here to help you understand the next step.
A reassessment could open the door to more services, more choice, and more confidence at home.
Reach Out When You’re Ready
If you’d like to explore whether a Support at Home package could be right for you, our Sydney East team is here with practical guidance and genuine care.
You don’t have to figure this out by yourself.
Contact us today and let us help you secure the support you need.