One System To Rule Them All…
Commencing July 2023, The Australian Government will introduce a single Support at Home Program (SHP) to replace ALL other funding programs.
The changes are expected to align with the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) that gives participants ‘choice and control’ over what services they want / need. As such, the changes are expected to attract more services to the sector (especially those currently doing NDIS).
What’s expected to change?
SHP will replace the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP), the Home Care Packages (HCP) Program, the Short-Term Restorative Care Program (STRC) and Residential Respite Programs. SHP will mean Senior Australians can receive Individualised Support Plans based on their assessed personal circumstances and will include the flexibility to choose multiple service providers.
Consumer classification and funding will be assessed during a new screening process with outcomes ranging from “service-only” events to more complex needs necessitating a specific funding entitlement with perhaps up to 9 levels of care in lieu of the 4 HCP levels.
Providers will be funded at the point-of-delivery. A new payments platform will provide for payment for services at the point of delivery and allow both Consumers and Providers to view the status of their support plans.
Why the change?
First and foremost, the plan is in-line with the many recommendations from the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safeguard. The new Program is designed to help senior Australians stay at home for as long as possible before entering a residential aged care facility, thereby addressing the desired ‘win-win’ objective – reducing long HCP wait times whilst taking pressure off distressed residential facilities.
It will also provide for access to a new program for equipment, assistive technologies and home modifications needed to live safely and independently.
What’s next?
The Department has commenced a consultation process with sector Providers and other community stakeholders with likelihood of trials commencing after final details are announced in the next few months or so.
VisiCase is closely watching these developments with a view to incorporating the new requirements well in advance of deadlines. Timely availability of systems that support the new model will be paramount to successful adoption by both the established Aged Care providers and new entrants alike.
Providers will be funded at the point-of-delivery. A new payments platform will provide for payment for services at the point of delivery and allow both Consumers and Providers to view the status of their support plans.
For more information, visit the Australian Government’s, Department of Health website.