Home Support Services

Most people want to live at home as long as possible. Yet as we get older, everyday tasks can become more difficult and we may need some extra help to live at home.

Maryborough District Health Service can provide support services to help older people who need some help to continue to live at home.

Our team of support workers helps clients maintain their safety, independence and wellbeing at home.

This support may include help with cleaning, preparing meals, property maintenance, home modifications, transport, social support and allied health services.

We also provide respite services to give carers a break from their caring duties.

The services are provided as part of the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP).

From 1 July we are currently approved to provide in-home support services to eligible residents in the Northern Pyrenees region which takes in towns such as Avoca, Moonambel and Redbank.

What is the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP)?

The Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) helps older Australians get access to entry-level support to live independently and safely at home.

The program focuses on working with older residents to maintain their independence rather than doing things for them. The support provided also helps residents stay socially active and connected with their community.

Who can receive our home support services?

To be eligible for our home support services you must have a functional limitation or need assistance and be aged:

65 years or older OR
50 years or older for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people.

What home support services do we provide?

We provide home support services to help older clients stay well, keep their home safe and liveable, and stay socially connected with friends and community.

Some of the common services we provide include:

Personal care and hygiene – Help with daily tasks such as showering, dressing, grooming, mobility and the fitting of aids.
Domestic help – Cleaning, laundry and paying bills to support a safe and clean home.
Home and garden maintenance – Clearing gutters, fixing uneven ground, changing light globes and smoke alarms, and limited mowing, pruning and weeding.
Home modifications – changes including the installation of easy access taps, grab rails and ramps to help residents live safely and independently.
Meals and food preparations – help with meal preparations, and meals on wheels service to deliver nutritious and diet specific meals to clients at home.
Transport – driver services to get to appointments, shopping and social activities.
Allied health – foot care, physiotherapy and other therapies to help keep moving.
Social support – home-visits or telephone calls, a shopping companion, getting to social activities or setting up communication services to stay in touch.
Respite care – we can provide planned in-home respite care during the day to give clients and their carers a short break.

Note – Under separately funded programs our friendly staff can also provide transitional care, or short-term respite care in our residential communities. Contact us or visit our community services and residential care pages to find out more.

How can I assess home support services?

Eligibility for services is decided through a two-part assessment process managed by My Aged Care. The first step is an eligibility check by phone or online.

This is followed by an in-person assessment in the home. The assessment will help your needs and what services could help you.

To check eligibility or arrange an assessment:

Call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 (Translating and Interpreting Service 131 450, National Relay Service 133 677) or
Apply online by visiting their website myagedcare.gov.au.

A Regional Assessment Service (RAS) assessor will tell you what services you are eligible for or explain why you are not eligible.

What will the home support services cost?

The care received as part of the Commonwealth Home Support Programme is subsidised by funding from the Australian Government.

Clients who receive a service pay a contribution to help cover the cost of delivering the service. The cost depends on the number and type of services received.

Fees are generally based on an hourly rate for the days they are received. Simple services like meals will cost less than more complex services such as home modification.

Our team will discuss the fee with clients before services start.

Read our MDHS Home Support Client Contribution Fees 2023-2024

What if I can’t afford a contribution?

Clients who can’t afford a contribution won’t miss out on the help they need. Contact us if you are experiencing financial difficulties.

How can I find out more?

If you would like to find out more about the home support services we provide contact us on (03) 5461 0333.

Read our MDHS Home Support Program printable brochure

Related services

People aged under 65 with a disability may be eligible for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). For more information visit the NDIS website.

Home support services are available for people aged 65 and under, through the Victorian Government funded Home and Community Care Program for Younger People (HACC PYP) program. For more information contact the Victorian Department of Health website.

Home Support Services