The Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) aims to support older Australians to remain in their own homes as long as possible. CHSP service providers have key responsibilities to help achieve this aim. AHA conducted the first audit of CHSP-funded service providers to develop a more detailed understanding of the care planning process and identify opportunities to embed a wellness approach.

Launched in 2015, the CHSP is the primary entry-level home care program for frail and older Australians. The CHSP is designed to provide small amounts of support services in a timely manner to older people who, due to functional or cognitive limitations, are unable to perform daily living tasks. Client-directed services funded under the CHSP fall into 17 different service types, and are provided by approximately 1,352 CHSP service providers across Australia.

AHA’s role in the audit included:

• Developing a thorough understanding of the system of CHSP service provision including key sources of audit information
• Selecting a sample of eligible providers for inclusion in the audit
• Establishing a document submission and review process that satisfied client privacy regulations
• Engaging with selected providers to submit the required service documents
• Developing audit criteria to address the requirements of the audit
• Reviewing the care planning and service delivery records for 1,202 clients from 107 providers
• Reporting the findings to the Department of Health.

The audit provided the Department of Health with important information including:

• The alignment between services provided and services recommended
• The extent providers plan service delivery in line with client goals and preferences
• How often client care plans are reviewed
• Aspects of organisational planning that could be strengthened.

This review will also inform AHA’s evaluation of the reablement trial for the CHSP.