Dementia Australia welcomes extension of Commonwealth Home Support Program
Dementia Australia
Dementia Australia welcomes the Federal Government’s decision to extend the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) until 30 June 2029.
Dementia Australia Chief Executive Officer Professor Tanya Buchanan said she welcomes the much-needed certainty the extension will bring to people living with dementia, their families and carers.
“With two in three people with dementia living in the community, it is vital we get care at home right,” Professor Buchanan said.
“The Commonwealth Home Support Program provides important supports like cleaning, shopping, meals on wheels, transport, home maintenance, respite, social support and allied health.
“I am pleased people living with dementia, their families and carers will have more certainty around their ability to continue to access these much-needed services.
“It is important the estimated 446,500 Australians living with dementia receive the supports they need to maintain their independence and to live with dignity. Getting at home care right is important for helping to reduce the number of avoidable hospital admissions, avoiding premature entry into residential aged care, and reducing carer burnout.”
“Dementia Australia looks forward to participating in the consultations on funding arrangements for CHSP later this year and to supporting people living with dementia and their carers to have their say as well. We hope this includes consideration of growth funding so the CHSP can respond to increasing demand for services.”
The CHSP provides entry-level support for older Australians who need some help to stay at home. Service providers work alongside the person to help maintain their independence and to keep them as well as possible.
The CHSP had previously been scheduled to transition to the Federal Government’s new Support at Home program which provides at home care support for older Australians with greater support needs than those receiving CHSP support.
More information on CHSP can be found at myagedcare.gov.au/aged-care-programs/commonwealth-home-support-program
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Dementia Australia is the source of trusted information, education and services for the estimated more than 446,500 Australians living with dementia, and the more than 1.7 million people involved in their care. We advocate for positive change and support vital research. We are here to support people impacted by dementia, and to enable them to live as well as possible. No matter how you are impacted by dementia or who you are, we are here for you.
For support, please contact the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500. An interpreter service is available. The National Dementia Helpline is funded by the Australian Government. People looking for information can also visit dementia.org.au
Media contacts: Andrea Hogan, Media Relations and Communications Manager, 0406 904 118, [email protected]
When talking or writing about dementia please refer to Dementia-Friendly Language Guidelines.
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If this story has prompted any questions or concerns, please call the National Dementia Helpline 1800 100 500 (24 hours, 7 days a week) or visit dementia.org.au.