Community Home Support
Support at Home is part of the new Aged Care Act, which puts the rights of older people first, and is one of the ways that older Australians can access affordable care services to get some help at home. The Support at Home program replaces Home Care Packages from November 1, 2025. It is designed to provide higher level services and support to older people with more complex care needs, to live safely and independently in their homes.
IDHS provides in home care and social support services to people on the Support at Home program. Talk to your Support At Home manager to arrange a referral for IDHS home care or Allied Health (for example, Occupational Therapy) services.
If you’re already receiving a Home Care Package, you can talk to your package manager about moving to Support at Home and what it means for you.
For more information about the Support at Home program, click here.
Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP):
CHSP Overview
The CHSP offers entry-level home care support services to to help older Australians live independently and safely at home and stay connected to their community. Services are designed for people aged:
- 65 years and over
- 50 years and over for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Support may be short-term, intermittent, or ongoing, and is tailored to individual goals and needs.
Services Available
- Domestic Assistance – Help with household tasks
- Flexible Respite – Temporary relief for carers
- Home Maintenance – Basic upkeep for safety and accessibility
- Meals – Nutritious food delivered or prepared
- Personal Care – Support with hygiene and daily routines
- Social Support – Activities to stay engaged and connected through either one of one (individual) social support or social support groups.
- Transport – Help getting to medical appointments or essential activities
Social Support Groups
Social Support is a chance for older people with varying abilities and their unpaid carers to get out and be with others living in the community. Social Support is available to those who are:
- 65 years or older (50 years or older for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people), or
- HACC-PYP eligible
Social Support promotes participation in social activities with others. It includes activities at centres and outings that help people to stay independent. Using the ‘Wellness & Re-ablement’ approach participants are encouraged to undertake activities of interest and are supported to be independent and connected within the community.
Accessing the Program
Social Support can be accessed by clients with funding through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP), a Home Care Package (HCP) or through HACC-PYP.
The Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) helps senior Australians access a range of services, including Social Support. Those eligible for CHSP are required to pay a subsidised fee to attend our Social Support programs. To find out if you are eligible contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 and ask for an assessment.
People with a Home Care Package (HCP) can also access the Social Support Program, with costs covered directly by your package.
How to access services
- Register with My Aged Care
Call My Aged Care (MAC) on 1800 200 422 to register for an assessment or apply online at My Aged Care.
Have your Medicare card with you and allow enough time to answer some questions about eligibility, your details, and next steps for an assessment. - Assessment
The My Aged Care Assessor will contact you to arrange an in-home assessment or telephone assessment. They will ask you to nominate a service provider. - Choose IDHS as your service provider
When you choose IDHS as your service provider, My Aged Care will send us your assessment details. We will develop your support plan according to your assessed needs. - Support
The IDHS Community Home Support Team will get in contact to review your support plan and confirm your services so you can get back to doing the things you love. - Referrals must be made through My Aged Care
Phone: 1800 200 422
Costs, Eligibility & Scope
Costs
Services are subsidised by the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) depending on your needs and circumstances. IDHS will work with you to determine the level of your contribution towards your services. Click HERE for our CHSP and HACC-PYP fees schedule.
Eligibility & Scope
CHSP is for older people with low-level support needs. It is not suitable for those requiring intensive or complex care. Individuals with higher needs may be better supported through:
- Home Care Packages (HCP)
- Residential aged care
- Health care system services
How to Access Services
Referrals must be made through My Aged Care
Phone: 1800 200 422
Home and Community Care Program for Younger People (HACC-PYP):
HACC-PYP Overview
HACC PYP supports Victorians to optimise their health and wellbeing, while maintaining or regaining their independence to live safely in their homes, and actively participate in their community.
This may be due to chronic illness, mental health issues, disability or other conditions where they need one-off, intermittent or ongoing support to undertake the activities of daily living.
Eligibility
If you are having difficulty with the tasks of daily living and are;
- Individuals who are under the age of 65 years of age
- Under 50 years of age for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders
- Carers of a person (as above) who has difficulty carrying out the tasks of daily living and
- Not covered by the NDIS
You may require this assistance due to physical or mental impairment related to short term health needs, chronic illness or a disability (for which you are not eligible for NDIS).
What type of services are available?
- Depending on your needs, you may be eligible to receive one or more the following services;
- Assessment – Understanding your needs and goals
- Domestic Assistance – Help with household tasks
- Personal Care – Support with hygiene and daily routines
- Respite Care – Temporary relief for carers
- Property Maintenance – Basic home upkeep
- Social Support – Activities to stay connected and engaged
. Services are tailored to individual goals and may be short-term, intermittent, or ongoing.
How to access the services
Download & complete the HACC-PYP Referral form or complete directly into form and email to admin@idhs.vic.gov.au for attention of the Community Home Support Team.
- Download and complete the HACCPYP Referral Form
- You can do this yourself (self-referral) or you can get your doctor, health worker, community worker, carer/ family member or service provider to do this on your behalf.
- Email the completed Referral Form to the Community Home Support Team via admin@idhs.vic.gov.au
The Home Support Team will be in touch to confirm your eligibility and discuss the support you need.
Contact Us
Community Home Support Manager Inglewood & Districts Health Service Hospital Street, Inglewood VIC 3517 Phone: (03) 5431 7000
