Support at Home – how will it impact your care?

support at home

As the new Support at Home program approaches, it’s natural to feel uncertain about how these changes will affect the support you receive through your Home Care Package. However, Support at Home is designed to enhance the care experience for individuals receiving home care.

What is changing with Support at Home?

In a previous article, we outlined some of the changes coming with the transition to Support at Home. Now that more information is available, we can provide further details.

Unspent funds

As you may know, existing care recipients will transition to Support at Home on 1 November 2025. Your Support at Home package will match your current funding level.

But what happens to any unspent funds you’ve accumulated?

You will retain any unspent funds accrued under your Home Care Package. These funds can continue to be used for ongoing services or as part of the Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) Scheme, which is designed for home improvements.

How is the income tested care fee changing?

If you currently pay an income tested care fee, it’s important to know how the changes will affect your payments.

You will still be required to pay a contribution, but this will be at an individualised discounted rate to ensure that you do not pay more than you currently do under the Home Care Package.

If you currently do not pay an income tested care fee, you won’t be required to pay additional fees under the new system. This ensures that no one is financially disadvantaged by the transition.

Can I still self-manage?

Yes, self-management will still be available under Support at Home. Current Home Care Package recipients can continue to manage their own care and support through Trilogy Care.

What do the new funding classifications mean?

Support at Home will introduce eight classifications for ongoing services, replacing the four Home Care Package levels. Each classification comes with a budget for participants to access services.

Here are the classifications and their approximate funding levels (these figures are yet to be finalised):

ClassificationQuarterly budgetAnnual amount
1~$2,750~$11,000
2~$4,000~$16,000
3~$5,500~$22,000
4~$7,500~$30,000
5~$10,000~$40,000
6~$12,000~$48,000
7~$14,500 ~$58,000
8~$19,500~$78,000

What if I was already receiving funding?

If you’re currently receiving Home Care Package funding, you’ll transition to the following amounts:

Transitioned home care recipientsQuarterly budgetAnnual amount
1$2,708$10,833
2$4,762$19,049
3$10,365$41,460
4$15,713$62,853

What is the AT-HM Scheme and how does it impact my funds?

Support at Home will also introduce the Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) Scheme, which gives care recipients access to assistive technology and home modifications without needing to save funds from their individual budgets.

The proposed funding amounts are as follows:

Funding tierAmount
LowUnder $500
MediumUp to $2,000
HighUp to $15,000

This scheme will allow you to receive more care hours without sacrificing essential technology or home modifications.

When will more information about Support at Home be available?

As the launch of Support at Home draws closer, more information will be shared.

We are committed to keeping you informed and providing updates so that you feel confident about the new system. In the meantime, you can learn more by visiting this this link.

If you require Home Care now, please give us a call on 1300 459 190 or contact us online.

Who is eligible for a Home Care Package?

eligible

Before starting a Home Care Package, it’s important to ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria. You may be eligible if you are:

  • 65 years of age or older (50 and over for First Nations people)
  • Living with a disability, dementia, or another care need that cannot be addressed through other methods

Additionally, eligibility may depend on factors such as:

  • Being diagnosed with a medical condition
  • Noticing changes in your memory
  • Experiencing a change in family care arrangements
  • Reduced mobility
  • Having a recent accident (like a fall)
  • A recent hospital admission

Once eligibility is confirmed, you can plan your assessment. My Aged Care conducts these assessments to determine the level of assistance you need with daily tasks. The application is available here.

Applying for the assessment

To apply for a Home Care Package, an assessment by My Aged Care is required. You can start the application by clicking the ‘Start now’ button on this page. The form takes about 20 minutes to complete and requires your Medicare card.

The application is designed for online submission, making the process more efficient. If you’re unable to complete it yourself, a trusted person can fill it out on your behalf.

Home Care Packages vs. Commonwealth Home Support Programme

When choosing between a Home Care Package and the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP), it’s important to understand their differences. The CHSP typically caters to older Australians with low-care needs, whereas Home Care Packages provide more support for individuals with complex care requirements. Knowing which option is better for your situation is essential, as each program has different eligibility criteria.

When should I apply for a Home Care Package?

Many older Australians apply for a Home Care Package following significant life changes, such as a medical diagnosis, an accident, or memory issues. It’s important to apply as soon as possible due to the national waiting list for Home Care Packages, which can take between two and six weeks for approval. In some cases, CHSP funding may be available while you wait.

What if I’m not eligible?

If you’re not eligible for a Home Care Package but still want support, there are other options. You can contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 to discuss your situation. They may review your eligibility or suggest alternate services. Additionally, non-government providers can offer support at any time. For more guidance, you can also explore Trilogy Care’s helpful articles here.

Starting on a Home Care Package

After being approved for a Home Care Package, you might have questions about what comes next. Trilogy Care provides a helpful ‘Getting started’ section on our website to answer common questions. We also offer articles to help you manage your Home Care Package.

To learn more about what Trilogy Care can offer, visit the ‘Our Services’  or ‘Pricing’ sections on our website, or call us at 1300 459 190.

What community services are available to older Australians?

what community services are available

There are many community services available for older Australians. These are typically free and allow you to engage with government and community-run programs to enhance your lifestyle and wellbeing. For those on a Home Care Package, community services may assist with items and tasks that are not covered by the package funding.

What are community services?

Community services come in many forms, often as group activities run by volunteers or people passionate about supporting aged care. These groups might meet once a week for coffee, a walk, or just a chat. While the activities may be simple, they offer valuable opportunities for social interaction with people of a similar age.

One great example is the Rockhampton 60 and Better Program, where the group meets on the first Wednesday of each month for coffee and on the second Monday for lunch. These meet-ups provide older people with the chance to connect and have meaningful conversations.

Regular social interaction like this can play a vital role in preventing feelings of isolation and loneliness, which is particularly important for older people.

Who provides community services?

Community services can be delivered by individuals or organisations that want to provide their time and effort to improve the wellbeing of others. Local governments may also provide community services based on their location.

Government services

Local governments offer a range of community services that help older Australians access programs to enhance their quality of life. These services may include:

  • Immunisation clinics – Councils often offer free vaccinations, particularly to those who are vulnerable
  • Cab services – Councils offer cab services to people who find it challenging to complete essential tasks, such as grocery shopping or accessing medical appointments. If you live in Brisbane for example, you can check if you are eligible for this service here
  • Events and activities – Councils often run programs such as classes, social outings, or even award nights for older residents
  • Pension concessions – Certain councils offer discounted rates for pensioners
  • Bin collection service – Councils can arrange in-home bin collection services if you’re unable to manage it yourself

Volunteer services

Many community services are provided by volunteers, often coordinated by organisations dedicated to providing care services. These services can include any assistance that older Australians require, including:

  • Gardening
  • Household maintenance
  • Social visits
  • Administration tasks
  • Running classes or courses
  • Helping in respite care
  • Assisting in residential aged care

How can I connect with community services?

Accessing community services varies depending on where you live. We recommend visiting your local council’s website to explore the services available. For instance, Brisbane City Council’s community support page lists all the services offered in their area.

Additionally, you can use sites such as My Community Directory or Our Community to find organisations that can provide you with services you need. You may also wish to read our article on the aged care volunteer scheme for more information.

If you would like to get involved with volunteering or providing community support, there are websites such as Seek Volunteer that can connect you to relevant services.

If you need more assistance, please contact us via our website, or call 1300 459 190.

How often do I need a care assessment?

care assessment how often

Care assessments are crucial in determining what support services you need. They allow My Aged Care to determine the level of care you need and confirm your available funding.

This means it is essential to have an up-to-date care assessment, as your care needs may change over time. You may not be able to determine when your requirements change, so a care assessment ensures that you are receiving the services you need.

What is a care assessment?

A care assessment is an important part of the aged care process. It allows My Aged Care to assess your care needs based on a thorough review of your living situation, health, wellbeing, lifestyle, and ability to manage tasks at home.

Care assessments are typically conducted in your home, providing an accurate understanding of your circumstances. In some cases, they may take place at a medical practice or over the phone if necessary.

You can apply for a care assessment on the My Aged Care website or call 1800 200 422 for more information.

When should I have another care assessment?

It’s important to request a new care assessment if your needs change. If you feel your support requirements are not being met, it’s time for another assessment.

Changes in health, reduced mobility, or new challenges are all indicators that your care needs may have changed. However, even if you don’t notice any significant changes in your health, wellbeing, or lifestyle, it’s still recommended to have a reassessment. This ensures any unnoticed changes in your health are addressed.

Confirming your health needs

Even without obvious changes, it’s essential to receive updated care assessments regularly. My Aged Care recommends a full care assessment once every 12 months to ensure your care needs are being properly met. This allows a professional to confirm your current needs and assess if additional care is required.

Care assessments for Home Care Packages

For those receiving a Home Care Package, it’s important to regularly update your care assessment. Should your needs change, an updated assessment allows for additional funding. What worked for you before may no longer be enough as time passes.

Updating your care assessment also enables Trilogy Care’s team to revise your care plan. Once you notify us of your updated care assessment, our team will contact you to discuss any necessary changes to your plan.

For more details on the importance of care assessments, see our articles on care plans or ACAT assessments. Feel free to contact us or call 1300 459 190 for further assistance.

International Day of Older Persons

International Day of Older Persons

October 1, 2024, marks the annual International Day of Older Persons, a global event celebrating the invaluable contributions older people make to society and highlighting the key issues they face.

This day encourages organisations and communities worldwide to reflect on the challenges older individuals encounter and take action. At Trilogy Care, we’re proud to celebrate International Day of Older Persons by sharing how our Home Care Packages help older Australians live life to the fullest.

Celebrating Trilogy Care’s care recipients

At Trilogy Care, we’re dedicated to supporting individuals to live well in their homes. We provide care services that enable people to stay engaged with their hobbies, interests, and social activities, continuing to enjoy life as they always have.

In recognition of International Day of Older Persons, we spoke with Harry Knowles, a long-time Trilogy Care care recipient. Harry’s journey with us, since 2021, exemplifies how Home Care Packages empower people to maintain a vibrant, fulfilling life.

Meeting Harry

Harry Knowles, aged 78, is more than just a care recipient – he’s a man with a rich history and a love for life. He and his wife, Emmy, have been married for 58 years, happily residing in their remote Northern Queensland community. In his spare time, Harry restores vintage caravans and builds intricate scale models and dioramas.

But Harry doesn’t keep his passions to himself. He actively shares his creations with other care recipients through Trilogy Care Connect—our Facebook community group. On the page, Harry regularly posts updates on his caravan restorations, model building, and home projects, inspiring others to embrace their own interests.

Harry is committed to spreading the message that ageing doesn’t mean slowing down. “People need to stop thinking old,” he told us. “If I can inspire just one person to keep going and enjoy their hobbies, then I’ve succeeded.”

On this International Day of Older Persons, we celebrate all of our care recipients, especially those like Harry, who continue to live life to the fullest and overcome the challenges that come with ageing.

Why a Home Care Package?

Harry and Emmy live in a remote Northern Queensland community, where traditional home care providers often struggle due to limited availability of local care workers. Fortunately, with Trilogy Care’s self-managed Home Care Package, Harry is able to hire a neighbour as a paid carer when extra help is needed. This ensures that Harry and Emmy can maintain their lifestyle without having to compromise.

“The support I receive helps both Emmy and me maintain our way of life,” Harry shared. “With Home Care Package funding, Emmy doesn’t have to give up her freedom. If she’s away, we can get help from our neighbour, whether it’s for yard work or other tasks.”

Self-managing with Trilogy Care

Harry, with the support of his eldest daughter, manages his Home Care Package seamlessly. While Trilogy Care simplifies the process, Harry’s daughter steps in whenever needed, particularly with administrative tasks.

“She understands the paperwork side of things,” Harry explained. “And while Trilogy Care makes managing the package easier, it’s great knowing my daughter can step in if we ever need help.”

Trilogy Care is committed to empowering care recipients like Harry to continue living well in the homes they cherish. This International Day of Older Persons, we encourage you to explore whether self-management could enhance your lifestyle or help you maintain it.

Take the next step

To discover how Trilogy Care can help you make the most of your Home Care Package, give us a call on 1300 459 190 or visit our website to learn more.