The Australian government has announced support for residential aged care clients who choose to temporarily move out of residential care due to COVID-19. There are two tiers of support available under the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP).
Tier 1 Clinical support for clients who relocate from a facility that is significantly impacted by COVID-19
Temporary clinical support (Nursing and Personal Care) is available to clients who have had to relocate from a significantly impacted residential aged care facility. This support is the equivalent to a Level 4 Home Care Package.
The client or their family can call OPAN on 1800 700 600 to discuss their care needs. OPAN will provide information on the services available, the process for transition to community care and can arrange for a referral to a suitable local provider to deliver clinical services in the home for up to eight weeks.
Tier 2 Entry level services for clients who voluntarily decide to return to the community
Clients of residential aged care facilities that are not eligible for the complex clinical support above, but still choose to return to the community, may contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422. My Aged Care will provide information on the services available, the process for transition to the community. They can arrange for a referral to access some entry-level home support services (including Meals, Transport, Unaccompanied Shopping, Social Support Individual, Nursing, Personal Care and Allied Health and Therapy Services) for up to eight weeks through the CHSP.
More information can be found in the COVID-19 & the CHSP- Information for clients, families and carers fact sheet.
