by Sarah | Mar 15, 2023 | Client Journey, Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP), Country Home Services, Home Care Packages
Supporting each step of the way
Life can throw unexpected events at us. When that happens, our needs sometimes change. It’s reassuring to know support is available.
When Creina initially joined CHS, she received cleaning support for those tougher jobs around the home through the Commonwealth Home Support Program.
However, Creina had a fall and broke her hip. She needed intense rehabilitation involving physiotherapy and hydrotherapy. Her Country Home Services coordinator Shona supported Creina to be reassessed by My Aged Care. This meant Creina could access additional resources to help with her rehabilitation process.
“Shona was a gem. She has gone above and beyond to meet my needs. The process was seamless.”
Shona connected Creina with Country Home Services contractor Lissie. Lissie provided transportation and social support. Through her previous work, Lissie had a good understanding of water safety and helped to build Creina’s confidence through her rehabilitation.
As Creina’s needs changed, she moved from a Commonwealth Home Support Program to a Home Care Package. This enabled her to access more services, support, and products.
A battery backup for her electric chair, and Lite n’ Easy meals, have empowered Creina and supported an improvement in her quality of life.
A recent bushfire nearby Creina’s home shut the power off. The battery backup enabled the electric chair to be positioned for comfort and ease of exit if needed. Additionally, it came in handy to power a fan. Creina explained, “Having access to power backup was a godsend as I am terrible in the heat. It was worth its weight in gold that day.”
Creina said it’s also been valuable to have access to subsidised Lite n’ Easy meals through her Home Care Package. Pre-prepared, healthy meals mean Creina is taking care of herself, without putting physical strain on her body.
“The meals are so nice and it’s all so easy. They are very filling and it’s great to not have the stress of cooking.”
We are grateful to be able to support clients like Creina on their journey.
If you would like to know more about how we can support your journey, we’d love to talk with you! You can reach us on 1300 773 202.
by Sarah | Oct 19, 2022 | Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP), Our Contractors
How Deni supports our clients
As a kid, Deni used to love playing in the garden. She turned her passion for gardening and nature into a career in the nursery industry, where she worked for 18 years. Deni joined the aged care sector two years ago and is happy she’s found work that combines her experience in gardening with her enjoyment of helping people.
Deni supports Country Home Services clients across the Yorke Peninsula. She sees her role as empowering clients to stay independent, “It’s their home and their garden. I’m there to help, not tell them what to do.” Deni’s client Doug said, “I am so grateful to her for helping with my motivation to do the things that will keep me living in a place I love for longer.”
Deni has observed the relationship between a client and contractor is not a one-way street, “I gain knowledge from clients. They give me tips about gardening and about life. It’s a sharing relationship.” Doug agreed, “Deni has integrity, works hard, and is great to talk with. It makes me feel proud to show her my latest efforts.”
Deni encourages anyone who is thinking about working in the care and support sector to give it a go. “It’s rewarding, my clients are interesting, and I learn a lot from them.”
If you are interested in contracting with us or finding our more information about contracting, then give us a call on 1300 773 202.
by Sarah | May 2, 2022 | Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP), Country Home Services, Home Care Packages
It can be difficult to know the differences between the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) and Home Care Packages. Rest assured though, we want to put your mind at ease by explaining both of them to you so you can understand the differences and when each of them are typically available.
Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP):
The Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) is an initiative providing extra assistance around the home, including a wide range of services which can be tailored to your individual requirements. Support is available with services including house cleaning, home maintenance services, social support and personal care. Some of the situations where you might like to consider CHSP include if you have experienced the following:
– noticed that memory has become a bit challenging
– reduced mobility
– been diagnosed with a medical condition
– family care arrangements have altered.
In the situation where you think CHSP may be the best option for yourself or a loved one, you can check out whether you are eligible right here. To arrange and assessment and check eligibility, you can call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 and the contact centre may then arrange a home support assessment to determine suitable help for your needs. You can also apply online.
Home Care Packages:
Home Care Packages provide assistance within the home where it is needed for many everyday tasks, as well as situations in which the needs of the person needing the help become intense or complex. Typically, home care packages will be provided where the individual has needs which are beyond those that are provided through CHSP.
Support is available with services including bathing, hygiene and grooming, nursing, personal care services which relate to health and mobility, meals and food preparation, cleaning and laundry, transport and many more!
The package levels for Home Care Packages can be found right here: The package level assigned to you is based on your needs.
| Package level |
Level of care needs |
| Level 1 |
Basic care needs – $9,026.45 a year |
| Level 2 |
Low care needs – $15,877.50 a year |
| Level 3 |
Intermediate care needs – $34,550.90 a year |
| Level 4 |
High care needs – $52,377.50 a year |
The application process for home care packages is done through My Aged Care right here (link to https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/assessment/apply-online). It will take approximately 15-20 minutes to complete and you will need your medicare card to complete it.
If you get stuck with working out which option is the most appropriate for your individual circumstances, or simply have a question that we can assist you with, then you are welcome to contact us for support and guidance via 1300 773 202. Our friendly team are here to support you
