Transition of the Commonwealth Home Support Programme to the Support at Home Program
Submission to the Senate Community Affairs References Committee
While not its intended purpose, the Commonwealth Home Support Program plays an essential role in providing flexible interim supports for older people with life-limiting conditions. Transition to Support at Home will see this role change and will add to pressure on the home care system – including on the Support at Home End-of-Life Pathway.
PCA recommends:
- The Aged Care Rules be amended to ensure continuity of funding and supports for Support at Home End-of-Life Pathway participants.
- Clear timeframes for urgent Pathway assessments and reassessments be published.
- Additional focus on palliative care capability and training for the home care workforce providing entry-level home care services.
- Better data collection and reporting on life-limiting illness among people receiving home support.
- An independent evaluation of the impact of prognosis-based eligibility criteria for palliative care pathways in aged care.
