Ballarat Community Health (BCH) offers a broad range of services to older people in Ballarat and surrounds, spanning Allied Health and Exercise Groups programs, GP and Nursing, Medication Management, Vaccinations, Alcohol and Other Drugs (including Smoking and vaping support) and Mental Health Support services.
As a recognised local, not-for-profit provider, we prioritise your wellbeing with a community-first approach and strives to provide a welcoming, safe, inclusive environment and services for all our clients.
Contact us
To access services at Ballarat Community Health, contact via the customer service menu or call us on (03) 5338 4500.
Aged Care Reforms
A new rights-based Aged Care Act began on 1 November 2025 and puts older people who need aged care at the centre of the system. This is part of the Australian Government’s plan to make aged care services better for older people across the country and responds to the final report of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety.
The new law is designed to protect your rights and make sure your care is safe, high quality, and focused on your individual needs.
The new Support at Home program effective 1 November 2025 replacing the Home Care Packages (HCP) Program and Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC) Programme.
BCH is here to support our clients through these changes and will continue to share information with you, and our team will be here to explain what it means for you and answer any questions.
Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP)
The new Aged Care Act, will also bring some changes for people accessing the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP).
If you are registered with My Aged Care and have already had an aged care assessment, your CHSP services will continue without interruption. You don’t need to do anything.
All clients in the Support at Home (SAH formerly HCP) and Commonwealth Home Support (CHSP) Program will receive a service agreement. This agreement will clearly explain how much you need to pay towards your care.
If you are experiencing financial hardship, we will work with you to help you make your payments. You, your supporter, advocate, or a BCH staff member can ask for support under our financial hardship policy such as a fee review or payment plan.
Ballarat Community Health (BCH) has updated our information to reflect the changes introduced on 1 November 2025 under the Aged Care Reforms. Download our (print friendly) Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) Information Pack.
Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) Information Pack.Ballarat Community Health (BCH) has updated our information to reflect the changes introduced on 1 November 2025 under the Aged Care Reforms.Information includes your rights and responsibilities, your information and privacy, client complaints and compliments, whistleblower protection in aged care, using an advocate or registered supporters, supported decision making, reasonable adjustments and emergency planning.
My Aged Care
My Aged Care is your starting point for accessing Australian Government-funded aged care services. They provide the information and support you need to understand, access and navigate the aged care system. You can access My Aged Care online, on the phone or in person.
BCH is a proud member of Ageing Australia, the national peak body for aged care, which supports and represents providers of retirement living, seniors housing, residential care, home care, community care and related services.
Ballarat Community Health provide Home Care Package Management (transitioned to Support at Home on 1 November 2025). As a recognised local, not-for-profit provider, we prioritise your wellbeing with a community-first approach. You’ll be supported by our experienced staff who specialise in home-care package management.
Helping you stay independent for longer
We’re committed to delivering accessible, affordable, and quality care tailored to your specific needs. We ensure seamless continuity of care from BCH healthcare settings, providing consistent and coordinated support throughout your care journey.
Our personalised care management approach, led by dedicated case managers, addresses your individual needs and preferences.
We maintain regular communication and commit to frequent face-to-face meetings with clients and their families, offering frequent check-ins and updates. Our commitment to a supportive and trustworthy service is underscored by transparent practices, reliable service, and empathetic interactions.
Services
Around your home
House cleaning
Laundry/ironing
Spring cleaning
Decluttering
Gardening/yard cleaning
Home maintenance
Your safety at home
Safety pendants
Home modifications (ramps, rails, visual alarms)
Mobility aids
In your kitchen
Groceries
Meal preparation
Nutritional information
Dietary supplements
Home delivered meals
Personal care
Bathing and showering
Grooming and personal care
Personal products
Continence care and aids
Dressing and undressing
Clinical care /allied health
Physiotherapy
Podiatry
Exercise physiology
Occupational therapy
Nursing
Dietetics
Getting active
Exercise assistance at home
Walking companion
Transport and accompaniment to classes
Stretching and mobility assistance
Transport
Transport and/or accompaniment to
Appointments
Shopping trips
Social outings
Community or religious events
Social support
Company at home doing things you enjoy – baking, games, crafts etc.
We’re committed to delivering accessible, affordable, and quality care tailored to your specific needs. We ensure seamless continuity of care from BCH healthcare settings, providing consistent and coordinated support throughout your care journey.
Our personalised care management approach, led by dedicated case managers, addresses your individual needs and preferences.
What is the Support at Home program and what does it replace?
Support at Home is a new in-home aged care program that commenced on 1 November 2025. It replaces the Home Care Packages (HCP) Program and Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC) Programme. This program is designed to provide coordinated care and services to meet the assessed ageing-related care needs of eligible older people. The program officially replaces the previous Home Care Packages (HCP) Program and the Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC) Programme.
How do I access funding and determine my eligibility for Support at Home?
Access to funded aged care services begins by registering with My Aged Care. You will participate in an aged care assessment, which determines your eligibility for ongoing and/or short-term services. Following the assessment, you will receive a Notice of Decision and a Support Plan outlining your approved funding classification, recommended services, and identified needs and goals.
What types of services are included in the Support at Home program?
Funded aged care services under Support at Home are grouped into three main categories:
1. Clinical Supports: Includes specialized services like nursing care, occupational therapy, and physiotherapy.
2. Independence: Covers support for daily living activities such as personal care, social support, community engagement, respite care, and transport.
3. Everyday Living: Provides support for domestic assistance, home maintenance and repairs, and meals.
The specific services you are eligible to receive are determined by your assessed needs and outlined in your Notice of Decision and support plan.
How is my Support at Home budget managed and what happens to unspent funds?
Your funding is allocated based on your approved classification and is generally divided into a quarterly budget. Ten percent (10%) of your quarterly budget for ongoing services is automatically deducted and pooled into a care management account held by Services Australia, which the provider uses flexibly for care management activities across all participants in that service branch.
If your quarterly budget is not fully utilized, the unspent amount can carry over to the next quarter, up to a maximum limit of $1,000 or 10% of the quarterly budget, whichever amount is higher.
Do I have to contribute financially to my Support at Home services?
You may be required to pay participant contributions, which are based on an assessment of your income and assets completed by Services Australia.
Clinical Supports (e.g., nursing, allied health) have a contribution rate of 0% and are fully funded by the government.
Independence and Everyday Living services may require a contribution based on your assessment.
If you face genuine financial hardship and cannot afford your contributions, your provider can assist you in applying for the Fee Reduction Supplement through Services Australia.
What does Care Management involve and how frequently will it occur?
Care management is a mandatory ongoing core service delivered by your Support at Home provider through a staff member known as a care partner. The activities involve initial and ongoing coordination, care planning, service management, budget review, and monitoring.
Your provider must deliver at least one direct care management activity (minimum 15 minutes) to you every month. Care partners should review and update your care plan at least once every 12 months, or sooner if your needs or circumstances change.
What is the Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) scheme?
The AT-HM scheme is one of the three short-term classifications, providing separate funding tiers for older people who need equipment, products, and home modifications to increase independence and safety at home. This funding is separate from your budget for ongoing Support at Home services. Examples of items include mobility equipment (like wheelchairs and walking frames) and modifications (like grab rails and ramps).
What is end-of-life pathway?
The End-of-Life Pathway is a short-term classification designed to support participants who have been diagnosed with 3 months or less to live and meet the eligibility criteria. This pathway provides a one-off budget of $25,000 over a 12-week period (with potential access to funds up to 16 weeks), enabling access to approved services from the Support at Home service list to complement palliative care services.
How quickly must I start services once my funding is allocated?
Once your funding (including interim funding) is allocated, you have 56 calendar days to find a provider and enter into a service agreement. You can contact My Aged Care to request an extension of 28 days, giving you a total of 84 calendar days. If you do not enter into a service agreement within this timeframe, your funding for that classification will be withdrawn.
Can I change providers or stop my services temporarily?
Yes, you can change Support at Home providers at any time. You should inform your outgoing provider of your decision and agree on an exit date to ensure continuity of care and appropriate transfer of records.
There are no formal leave arrangements under Support at Home for temporarily stopping services. However, if services are stopped temporarily, your quarterly budget continues to be credited. Be aware that your funding will be reduced to zero and reallocated if a total of four consecutive quarters (one year) pass since the end of the quarter from when the last service was delivered.
How long can I stop receiving services before my funding is withdrawn?
There are no formal leave arrangements under Support at Home. Your funding remains allocated while services are stopped, and your quarterly budget continues to be credited (though carryover limits apply). However, your funding will be reduced to zero and reallocated if a total of four consecutive quarters (one year) pass since the end of the quarter in which the last service was delivered.
How does the planning process differ if I access the Restorative Care Pathway?
The Restorative Care Pathway provides intensive, short-term care (up to 16 weeks) focused on regaining function. For this pathway, a detailed Goal Plan is mandatory and replaces the standard Care Plan required for ongoing services. The Goal Plan must identify specific, measurable goals achievable within the 16-week episode, supported by clinical services, and includes frequent progress reviews. An Exit Plan must also be completed by the restorative care partner to determine necessary next steps or ongoing support once the episode concludes.
What documents will I receive outlining my services and expenditure?
You will receive several documents detailing your approved care and funding:
I. Notice of Decision: Received after assessment, outlining your approved classification and services.
II. Service Agreement: Entered into with the provider before services commence, detailing the price, scope, and terms of service delivery.
III. Individualised Budget: Developed in partnership with the provider, detailing government funding, supplements, costs of each service, and contributions.
IV. Monthly Statement: Must be issued no later than the last day of the following calendar month (e.g., the January statement must be issued by February 28th). This statement details the available funding, services delivered, contributions paid, and remaining budget.
