CHSP at Clota Cottage FAQ

CHSP Social Support Group Program Objective: To provide opportunities for adults 65+ years to participate in community life and feel socially included through structured, group-based activities that develop, maintain and support independent living and social interaction whilst facilitating your wellness goals. CHSP supports independence, which means doing this with you, not for you. It is ideal for people with low-care

Service Type: Social Support Group provides opportunities for you to join activities conducted away from your home, in a community setting. These structured activities are provided in a group-based environment and designed to develop, maintain and support social interaction, independent living and maintain health and wellbeing.

Schedule - English: Currently most of our My Aged Care funded Social Group activities take place on Thursdays, and occasional Wednesdays. Of course participants may attend any other suitable activity offered by Clota Cottage, such as classes, garden group, community lunches, etc.

Schedule - Chinese: Chinese speaking activities are on Fridays. Currently the Social Computer Group requires term enrolment, however newcomers may ‘come and try’ a session. At times we offer other activities including social activities and Chinese community lunches - contact us for more information or to volunteer to assist.

Who Can Participate: All seniors may participate, with some activities specifically for participants registered with My Aged Care to attend Social Group activities at Clota Cottage. Activities are designed to meet the needs of older adults living independently at home. Most of our older adults activities are open to anyone, regardless of age or registration in the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP). People from all cultural backgrounds may participate in our CHSP activities. Priority is given to participants currently registered with My Aged Care to attend Social Group Activities at Clota Cottage. More information about CHSP eligibility is outlined below, or come along to one of our Drop In Sessions.

As this social program supports those living independently at home, we suggest those who require ongoing carer assistance or other additional needs contact us prior to attending. We encourage you to call to discuss any requirements with Kate, our Social Group Facilitator (Wednesdays and Thursdays).

CHSP and My Aged Care: Those registered with My Aged Care to attend CHSP Social Group activities at Clota Cottage receive priority to attend when numbers exceed capacity and are also eligible for subsidised rates for most activities.

Program Access for CHSP or Support at Home participants: Support at Home participants who have transitioned from the CHSP may continue to access theirpre-existing CHSP social support group on an ongoing basis to allow the continuity of social relationships. This only applies to participants attending a pre-existing CHSP social support group service. Those who are assessed for Support at Home (without a prior CHSP assessment), must access Group Social Support activities through their Support at Home provider. We encourage you to speak with us to understand how this might affect your access to activities, and any financial implications.

CHSP is designed to be straightforward. The Government pays Clota Cottage for most of the program costs. Participants pay a contribution to the specific activity they chose to participate in. There is no income or assets test with CHSP. It is a simple, entry level program ideal for those living independently at home.

How Do I Participate: Newcomers are always welcome. We strongly recommend that you contact Kate, our Social Group Facilitator, and organise to attend a Drop In morning tea to have a chat and a cuppa.

Activity Costs: Fees are applied in line with the CHSP Fees Policy and Guidelines. To access CHSP prices participants must be assessed and approved by My Aged Care for Social Group Activities at Clota Cottage. Those not yet assessed may participate when places are available. There is no formal means testing for CHSP participant contributions. We aim to keep fees as low as possible, and charge no more than the cost of providing the activity. Costs vary depending on the activity. Participants experiencing hardship may request a fee reduction or waiver and should speak with our Manager for more information.

Waitlist: Some of our most popular activities will have a waitlist so we encourage early enrolment to avoid disappointment. Activities may be cancelled if there is insufficient enrolment.

Feedback: We encourage all participants to provide feedback and input into program activities.