Individual Social Support through CHSP
Stay engaged with Individual Social Support
Sometimes what makes the biggest difference is simply having someone there. Individual Social Support through the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) pairs you with a friendly, dedicated Holdsworth support person who helps you stay engaged with the people, places, and activities that matter most to you.
What is Individual Social Support under CHSP?
Individual Social Support is a funded service type under the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP). It gives you one-on-one time with a dedicated Holdsworth support person, helping you stay active, independent and connected to everyday life.
Your support person can accompany you on the activities and errands that keep life running smoothly. That might mean getting to a medical appointment, visiting friends or family, attending a community event, or simply getting out of the house for some fresh air and company. They can also support you with daily activities that have become harder to manage on your own.
What does Individual Social Support include?
Individual Social Support through Holdsworth can include:
- Accompanying you to community events, appointments, or social occasions
- Helping you engage with hobbies, interests, and regular activities
- Providing companionship and meaningful conversation
- Supporting you to maintain important relationships and social connections
- The specific activities and focus of your individual support will be shaped by your own goals and interests.
Who is eligible for Allied Health & Therapy through CHSP?
To access Individual Social Support through Holdsworth under CHSP, you need to:
- Be aged 65 or over (or 50 or over for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people)
- Have a My Aged Care assessment that includes Individual Social Support as a funded service
- Live in an area where Holdsworth provides services
Why one-on-one support makes a real difference
There are many reasons why Individual Social Support may be the right choice. Perhaps you have experienced hearing loss that makes group settings challenging. Perhaps you live with mild cognitive decline and find familiar, consistent company easier to navigate. Perhaps you are simply someone who values personal connection over group settings.
Whatever the reason, having a dedicated support person offers something unique: consistency. Your support person gets to know you, your preferences, your history, and your humour. Over time, that relationship becomes a source of comfort, confidence and connection.
For families, Individual Social Support also provides reassurance. Knowing that a trusted person is spending regular time with your loved one, not just checking in, but genuinely engaging with them, makes an enormous difference to everyone’s peace of mind.
Individual Social Support for people from culturally diverse backgrounds
For older people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds, Individual Social Support can be especially meaningful. Being supported by someone who shares your language, cultural background, or values can make the difference between a service that feels foreign and one that feels like home.
Holdsworth is committed to matching clients with support workers in a way that respects individual identity and cultural background wherever possible. If this is important to you or your family, please let us know when you get in touch.
How to access Individual Social Support through Holdsworth
- Step 1: Contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 or visit myagedcare.gov.au.
- Step 2: A free assessment will confirm your eligibility and identify Individual Social Support as a funded service.
- Step 3: Contact Holdsworth to discuss your needs and be matched with a support person. We will take the time to understand what matters most to you.
Frequently asked questions
What is Individual Social Support under My Aged Care?
Individual Social Support is a service funded under the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP), accessed through My Aged Care. It provides one-on-one support from a trained worker who helps older people stay connected with their community, their interests, and the people they care about. It is different from Group Social Support because all the focus is on the individual.
What is the difference between individual and group social support under CHSP?
Group Social Support involves attending activities and outings with other participants in a shared group setting. Individual Social Support is one-on-one a dedicated support person, who works exclusively with you, tailoring their time to your needs, preferences and goals. Both are funded through CHSP and accessed via My Aged Care.
Is there someone who can visit a loved one and take them out?
Yes. Individual Social Support through CHSP is designed for this purpose. A trained Holdsworth support person can visit your loved one regularly, accompany them on outings, help them stay engaged with their interests, and provide companionship. Start with a My Aged Care assessment.
How can a support person help a loved one stay engaged?
A good support person builds a real relationship with your loved one over time. They get to know what the person enjoys, what matters to them, and how they like to spend their time. They can help your loved one attend community activities, maintain friendships, keep up with hobbies, and feel less isolated. It is consistent, personalised support that has a genuine impact on quality of life.
Get started
If you or someone you care for is considering CHSP services, Holdsworth’s friendly team is here to support you. Contact us to discuss your needs and eligibility, and learn how our programs can help you stay independent at home.