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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):
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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.
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
Contact Us
Community Home Support Manager Inglewood & Districts Health Service Hospital Street, Inglewood VIC 3517 Phone: (03) 5431 7000
