Call for sustainable funding to support older Australians at home
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The Albanese Government has announced a $37 million funding boost for aged care meals providers under the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP), aiming to improve services for older Australians. While the funding was welcomed by the Aged & Community Care Providers Association (ACCPA), the organisation emphasised that more action is needed to address rising costs and ensure the sustainability of essential community services.
“This 10 per cent cost-of-living adjustment is a welcome step forward. It also highlights the task we have ahead of us to address the rising costs faced by providers and to ensure the sustainability of CHSP services,” said ACCPA CEO Tom Symondson.
CHSP providers play a vital role in enabling older Australians to age independently in their own homes. However, the sector is grappling with rising operational costs, workforce pressures and the transition to the new Support at Home program. The new program, set to replace CHSP, introduces significant reforms under the Aged Care Act, which ACCPA warns could strain providers without sufficient preparation and funding.
“Providers need adequate time, resources, and funding to meet these changes,” said Symondson. “This includes essential services like care management, independent living, and meeting increasing workforce costs, including for above-award wages under the Stage 3 Work Value Case.”
ACCPA has engaged extensively with the Department of Health and Aged Care to advocate for sustainable funding and support during the transition to Support at Home. Symondson stressed the need for a collaborative approach: “We need to make sure CHSP providers aren’t left behind, and we continue to urge the Department to work closely with the sector on program design and changes.”
The organisation reiterated its commitment to ensuring high-quality, sustainable care for older Australians, with a focus on services that allow seniors to remain independent at home.
ACCPA’s advocacy underscores the growing demand for home care services and the importance of preserving CHSP providers as critical components of the aged care system. “Older Australians want to age independently in their own homes, but they need appropriate services and support to do so,” said Symondson.
Ritchelle is a Content Producer for Healthcare Channel, Australia’s premier resource of information for healthcare.
