CHSP Funding for Aged Care Personal Monitoring Systems: What You Need to Know

In this article, we’ll give you a brief overview of Australia’s Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) funding and how you may be eligible for the program’s allocation for aged care personal monitoring systems.

Nurse holding hands of elderly woman against blurred background.jpeg

Update, May 2022: Read our full guide to Government Funded Personal Alarms here:

https://www.tunstallhealthcare.com.au/blog/government-funded-personal-alarms

In this article:

●     What is the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP)?

●     What is the CHSP funding for aged care personal monitoring systems, and how does it work?

●     Who is eligible for this funding?

●     How to access CHSP funding for aged care personal monitoring systems?

●     How can Tunstall Healthcare help?

5 Things You Need to Know About the CHSP Funding for Aged Care Personal Monitoring Systems

What is the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP)?

The Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) is an Australian government initiative under the Department of Health that aims to provide Australia’s elderly population with the support they need to live independently and safely in their homes.

Support provided by the CHSP can mean helping the elderly accomplish their daily tasks, provide a means for their transportation, assist in making home modifications, and other similar forms of social support, nursing and health care, including personal monitoring systems.

The Australian government partners with around 1,400 CHSP providers, most of which are not-for-profit. Elderly Australians who wish to be part of the CHSP program pay a contribution fee that’s partially subsidised by the government, to access CHSP's social services.

What is the CHSP funding for aged care personal monitoring systems, and how does it work?

Part of the CHSP’s vision to help elderly Australians live independent lives is to provide them with a means of acquiring personal monitoring systems. The CHSP has always allocated funds specific to this need.

Since the arrival of the Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the need for better access to aged care personal monitoring systems has increased. Lockdowns and social distancing protocols have put remote Connected Care devices in the spotlight as these systems allow the elderly population—known to be among the most vulnerable to the disease—to access healthcare from the comfort of their homes.

 

Who is eligible for this funding?

All clients who are already enrolled in the CHSP program are eligible to access the aged care personal monitoring systems funding.

Basic requirements for CHSP eligibility are based on age. There are two main categories:

●     Australians aged 65 years and older, or

●     Australians aged 60 years and older who come from a low-income background

 

While all CHSP members can access this fund, the Department of Health included an exception to those who wish to access the “COVID-19 personal monitoring system” fund. The Department has instructed CHSP providers not to purchase new connected health devices for elderly clients who are already using a personal monitoring system.


How to access CHSP funding for aged care personal monitoring systems?

It may seem obvious, but you need to be a CHSP client to access the funding. You can search for CHSP providers that suit your needs at this link: https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/find-a-provider/

After you are a confirmed CHSP client, it's as easy as speaking to your CHSP service provider about accessing the funding for aged care personal monitoring systems.

Your CHSP providers will then work with you to find the best Connected Care device that addresses your needs.

You may be asked to contribute a small share to pay for the cost of the personal alarm. The amount you’ll contribute will be in line with your contribution policy as a CHSP client.

 

How can Tunstall Healthcare help?

Tunstall Healthcare is a leading provider of assisted living solutions, empowering thousands of people across Australia to live safe, independent lives. With over 60 years of worldwide experience, we are committed to supporting the elderly in their pursuit of living safe, confident, and independent lives.

We provide personal safety alarms for elderly and around-the-clock monitoring services complete with access to our professional care consultants.

If you’re eligible to apply for the CHSP, Tunstall Healthcare can help you or your loved one find the best personal safety alarms that tailor-fit any need. You can contact our friendly Customer Service team via phone or email to request a quote, simply follow this link: https://www.tunstallhealthcare.com.au/contact.


Conclusion

Everyday tasks and activities can become harder to do as you get older. This can prove more difficult when you live alone, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. But you have to remember that asking for help doesn’t mean you’ll be giving up your independence.

Accessing the CHSP funding for aged care personal monitoring systems will allow you to live your life as independently as you want to with the added assurance of help coming your way any time that you need it.

 

Want to know more about CHSP funding or personal safety alarms?

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About the Author
Alistair Wilkes
Alistair Wilkes

Alistair is Marketing Team Manager with Tunstall Healthcare, and has been with the company for more than 7 years. Throughout his time with Tunstall, he has assisted with the development of internal and external communications for the company, including blog articles and web content. His background is primarily in the non-profit industry, working across human rights, disability support and child protection.

See all of Alistair's articles.