By Joseph Ferrer, SSDO
Many clients under the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) benefit significantly from participating in more than one Social Support Group (SSG). These groups offer vital opportunities for social interaction, mental stimulation, and community engagement. Often, clients seek to join multiple groups because each may cater to different aspects of their identity or interests, such as cultural background, language, or specific activities. However, despite the clear benefits, there are systemic and administrative barriers that make accessing multiple SSGs challenging.
One of the main issues lies in the way CHSP services are coded and managed. Social Support Group services are categorized under a specific service type in the Data Exchange (DEX) system. This coding structure can restrict the ability to record multiple instances of the same service type for a single client, especially when the services are delivered by the same provider or overlap in time. As a result, even if a client is actively participating in more than one group, providers may face difficulties in reporting and claiming these services accurately.
Additionally, CHSP funding is tied to unit outputs, such as hours of service delivered, which must be clearly documented and differentiated. When a client attends two groups under the same service code, it becomes difficult to distinguish between the services in reporting, potentially leading to compliance issues or funding disputes. This limitation is further compounded by the referral process through My Aged Care, which typically allows only one active referral per service type. While exceptions can be made, they often require manual intervention and justification from aged care assessors, adding administrative burden for both providers and clients.
The CHSP Manual does acknowledge that clients can have more than one referral for social support services, including both individual and group formats. However, this flexibility is not always reflected in practice due to system constraints and lack of clarity in service mapping rules. Providers may struggle to record and claim services that are similar in nature but distinct in purpose, limiting their ability to support clients holistically.
In the face of growing social isolation among older Australians, CHSP must continue to play a central role in combating loneliness and fostering community connection. Social Support Groups are a key part of this effort, offering clients meaningful opportunities to engage with others, participate in activities, and maintain their emotional and mental wellbeing.
The issue highlighted suggests that changes to the system—particularly in coding and referral processes—are inadvertently placing barriers in the way of clients accessing the support they need. If left unaddressed, these barriers could undermine CHSP’s mission to reduce isolation and promote wellbeing.
To address these challenges, ISV will be working in partnership with service providers to raise awareness of the issue and push for clearer policy guidance. This includes encouraging the development of distinct codes or sub-categories that allow multiple SSG attendances to be recorded. Through this representation, ISV aims to help overcome these barriers and improve access to meaningful social support for older Australians. ISV’s efforts will help ensure that CHSP continues to fulfil its vital role in supporting social inclusion and wellbeing in the community.