Accessing My Aged Care (MAC)

If you’re able to manage, but need support with a few tasks at home, you might be eligible for support through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP).

Getting started with CHSP:

Your first step is to contact MAC to register and let them know what you need help with. You can do this by phone, or make a referral online. Someone else can do this on your behalf, with your permission.

MAC will make a referral with either the Regional Assessment Service, or the Aged Care Assessment Service. They may take up to 12 weeks to get in touch with you as there is a waiting list.

Your assessment may be done over the phone or in person.

Once the assessment is done, a referral will be made to the appropriate support services provider, who will then contact you to arrange for your services to commence.

If you need many care and support services on an ongoing basis to help you live independently, a Home Care Package may be more suitable. This will provide a package of care and services and go beyond what the CHSP can provide.

Getting started with a HCP:

Following an assessment, you will be advised which level home care package you will have; between Level 1 to Level 4. You will then need to wait (this could be up to 6 months) before you will receive a letter stating you have been assigned a package and need to find a HCP provider to manage your package.

The letter will include a timeframe you have to get the HCP started, or you may go back to the bottom of the list. It's then up to you or a representative to find a HCP provider and be signed up.

Most HCP Providers will have different levels of case management, and some offer self management.

There are fees which come out of the HCP funding, plus you can be asked to make a contribution yourself towards your HCP.

Menzies Support Services doesn't provide HCP case management services. Some examples of HCP providers we're aware of are listed below, or you can use the provider search on the My Aged Care website.

• Villa Maria (VMCH)
• Baptcare
• Benetas
• Community Interlink
• Shepparton Villages
• Better Living Home Care
• Let's Get Care
• Trilogy (mainly self managed packages)