The Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) was designed to help older Australians live independently in their own homes. However, many people relying on CHSP are facing a grim reality—service shortages that are frustrating and, at times, even life-disrupting.
While I can attest that this situation has worsened in recent years, the root causes of these shortages are multifaceted, from limited government funding to the increasing demand for services. In this article, we’ll explore why the CHSP system is in crisis mode and what you can do to advocate for change.
The Root Causes of Service Shortages
1. Limited Government Funding
The primary driver of the current CHSP crisis is limited government funding. Despite the increasing number of older Australians needing support, the amount allocated to the program hasn’t kept pace with demand. As the population ages, more people require help with essential services like cleaning, transport, and personal care. However, due to the budget constraints, CHSP providers are often left with insufficient resources to meet this growing need.
The lack of funding also means that providers can’t hire enough staff or invest in the infrastructure needed to increase service capacity. As a result, they are often forced to prioritize urgent cases, leaving many people on long waiting lists or unable to access services altogether.
2. Rising Demand for Services
Australia’s aging population is growing rapidly, with more people reaching retirement age each year. As a result, the demand for services has skyrocketed. The CHSP, originally designed to help older Australians with lower levels of care, now finds itself stretched thin, trying to accommodate individuals with increasingly complex needs.
Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated this issue. During the lockdowns, many people deferred care, creating a backlog of individuals now seeking assistance, and lots of providers lost staff due to the mandatory vaccination rules that were introduced. With fewer providers and more demand, the system is facing a perfect storm of shortages that can’t be easily solved.
3. Staff Shortages and Burnout
Along with the financial strain, the aged care sector is grappling with severe staff shortages. The job isn’t easy, and it comes with emotional and physical demands, particularly when dealing with vulnerable individuals. Many workers in the sector are underpaid for the challenging nature of the work, leading to burnout and high turnover rates.
With fewer workers to meet the increased demand, service providers can’t always keep up, which results in clients having to wait for services that are urgently needed.
What You Can Do to Advocate for Change
The good news is, you can make a difference. By raising awareness and advocating for reform, you can help ensure that the needs of older Australians are better met. Here are some actions you can take to push for change:
1. Contact Your Local MP
One of the most direct ways to advocate for change is to reach out to your local Member of Parliament (MP). Share your concerns about the funding limitations and service shortages in the CHSP program. The more your MP understands how this issue is impacting their constituents, the more likely they are to take action.
In your message, be specific about how the lack of services is affecting you or someone you know. The more personal and detailed your experience, the more it will resonate with them.
2. Join an Advocacy Organization
Many advocacy organizations, such as the Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN), work tirelessly to raise awareness of issues affecting older Australians. They can help amplify your voice by advocating for systemic change on a larger scale. You can join these organizations, participate in their campaigns, or even volunteer to help them in their mission.
3. Raise Awareness on Social Media
Social media has become a powerful tool for raising awareness and rallying support. Share your story, and use your platform to highlight the crisis in the aged care system. Tagging MPs, government agencies, and advocacy groups can help ensure that the right people are aware of the issue.
If you’re not sure where to start, you could use hashtags like #CHSPcrisis or #AgedCareReform to join the wider conversation.
4. Write to Relevant Authorities
You can also directly contact key figures in the aged care sector, including the Department of Health and the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission. By voicing your concerns, you can push for policy changes that address funding and service gaps. Don’t hesitate to bring attention to the need for more funding and better support for providers to meet demand.
5. Support Aged Care Reforms
Finally, consider supporting broader aged care reforms aimed at improving the system for everyone. You can participate in public consultations, sign petitions, and even contact advocacy groups to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in aged care policy.
Final Thoughts: A Call to Action
The crisis in CHSP funding and service availability isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s a life-altering issue for many older Australians. While there is no quick fix, raising awareness and advocating for meaningful reform can make a big difference in ensuring that the needs of older Australians are met.
As a community, we need to unite, share our experiences, and push for the change that is so desperately needed. The more voices that join the conversation, the more likely it is that the government will take action.
You don’t have to face this crisis alone. Advocacy, while challenging, is one of the most effective tools you have in ensuring that the system works for everyone.
Share Your Story
If you’ve had experiences with CHSP services—whether it’s been waiting for services, facing shortages, or struggling with the process—please share your story in the comments below. Your voice is important in this discussion, and by sharing, you help others who might be facing similar challenges. Let’s keep the conversation going and advocate for change together.