How to reactivate your Home Care Package

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Wondering how to reactivate your home care under the Home Care Package program? This blog gives you a clear, step by step path to restart safely, quickly and on your terms. You will confirm what paused, review approvals and agreements, and prioritise the first fortnight so the essentials are booked first. You will also find practical checklists, the documents your team will ask for, and guidance to get your care team back on shift with consistent days and times.

We explain how to use any unspent funds to cover priority supports now and how clients who self-manage with Trilogy Care can often unlock more hours from the same budget by choosing trusted local workers and agreeing fair rates. Your Care Partner stays alongside to help schedule services, onboard or replace workers, and keep your plan accurate and compliant. By the end you will know what to book, who to contact and how to keep things running smoothly.

Confirm where your care paused

Start with a quick stocktake. List the services that stopped, who delivered them, and any equipment you rely on. Note any changes since then, new medications, mobility needs, falls, or hospital recommendations. This lets your Care Partner see what should resume as-is, what needs a tweak, and what can wait until you’re back in a routine.

Review your approvals and agreements

Pull together your My Aged Care letter or package level, your care plan, service agreement and the latest schedule of fees. If your income or living situation has changed, tell your Care Partner so your fees and plan remain accurate. If you took formal leave from your package (for example, while in hospital), let your Care Partner know your return date so services can restart without gaps.

Prioritise the first fortnight

Focus on the essentials you need in week one, then build from there. Most clients restart in this order:

  • Personal care and medication support
  • Meal preparation and shopping
  • Transport to medical or therapy appointments
  • Domestic assistance and home maintenance
  • Social support and reablement activities

Lock those bookings in for the next two to four weeks so your routine settles and you’re not chasing appointments at the last minute.

Get your care team back on shift

If you self-manage, contact your preferred local workers to confirm availability and rates, then share the updated roster with your Care Partner. If Trilogy Care coordinates for you, we’ll confirm who is ready to return, replace anyone who is unavailable, and onboard any new workers you’d like to bring in. Either way, aim for consistent days and times – continuity builds confidence after a pause.

Sort the paperwork your team needs

Having the right documents ready speeds everything up:

  • Hospital discharge summary and any therapy recommendations
  • Updated medication list from your GP or pharmacist
  • GP referrals for nursing or allied health, if required
  • Home safety notes (for example, key safe code, pets, hazards)
  • Emergency contacts and preferred hospital

Share these with your Care Partner so your plan, risk assessment and instructions are up to date before services restart.

Make your budget work harder

A pause can leave unspent funds sitting in your account. Use them to cover the priority supports you need now and to trial short, targeted boosts (for example, extra personal care in the mornings for two weeks). If you self-manage with Trilogy Care, you can often secure more care hours from the same funding by negotiating local rates and reducing overheads. Track your spend weekly, not monthly, so you can adjust early if bookings change.

Avoid the common hiccups

A few quick habits will keep things smooth:

  • Confirm next week’s roster by Thursday so workers can hold your preferred times
  • Keep a single, dated medication list and bring it to every appointment
  • Tell your Care Partner about any hospital admissions or travel plans as soon as they’re booked
  • Put cancellation timeframes in your calendar to avoid avoidable fees
  • Review your plan after two weeks to make sure the mix of services still feels right

How Trilogy Care helps you restart fast

Trilogy Care makes reactivation simple. Your Care Partner runs a quick check-in to confirm goals, safety and preferences, then helps you schedule the first fortnight of services. If you self-manage, we support you to choose trusted locals, agree rates and onboard new workers quickly. And our governance and safety oversight mean you stay in control while we keep the admin tight and compliant.

Ready to reactivate? Contact Trilogy Care on 1300 459 190 to get your supports back in place.

Act now: How to secure a Home Care Package before the next 20,000 are released

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The government’s release of 20,000 additional Home Care Packages is great news, but demand remains high. If you want to secure a Home Care Package quickly, preparation matters. A clear plan, complete documents and fast decision-making can be the difference between getting services early and staying on the home care waitlist longer than you need to.

If you have not applied yet, start now. Use My Aged Care to request an assessment, and ask your GP and hospital team for any recent reports that evidence your needs. If you already have approval, shift your focus to package readiness so you can say “yes” as soon as a place is offered.

What 20,000 new Home Care Packages means

More places will be assigned over the coming weeks and months. Clients who are already approved, and ready to choose, often move faster because allocation teams can finalise the match quickly. That is why the best strategy is simple: complete your paperwork, know your preferences and be available to take the allocation call when it comes.

Applying for a Home Care Package: the essentials

Before you apply for a home care package, set yourself up to move fast. Use this focused readiness checklist:

  • Confirm that My Aged Care has your correct contact details
  • Compile basics: Medicare card, photo ID, GP summary and medication list
  • Write your top goals at home so your care partner can build a practical plan
  • Shortlist providers and compare inclusions, hourly rates and care management
  • Nominate a trusted representative who can speak on your behalf if needed

Move off the home care waitlist faster

While you wait, remove delays you can control. Keep your phone close and answer calls from “No Caller ID”, as allocation teams often use it. If you are offered an interim, lower-level package, consider accepting so essential supports can begin, then request an upgrade when available. Be flexible with start days and times in the first fortnight to secure earlier appointments. If risks change, for example, a fall or recent hospital stay, ask your GP for updated notes and share them with My Aged Care.

How Trilogy Care helps you secure your care

Trilogy Care partners with you from day one. Your dedicated care partner helps you apply for a Home Care Package, prepares your documents, and builds a clear, budget-smart plan so services can start quickly once your package is assigned. We keep you informed at every step and make it easy to compare options, choose providers and get the right help at home, sooner.

Start your package readiness checklist with Trilogy Care today before Support at Home begins on 1 November by calling 1300 459 190.

From 65 and beyond: The aged care statistics that matter

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Australia’s population is ageing at a significant rate. In 2023, more than 4.4 million Australians were aged 65 and older, representing 17.1 per cent of the total population. This proportion has grown steadily from 13.3 per cent in 2009 and is projected to reach nearly one in four Australians by 2050. These numbers alone demonstrate the growing need for aged care services across the country, particularly in the home care space.

As more Australians enter this age group, their preferences about how and where they receive care are clear. Most older people would prefer to age in place. In fact, approximately 70 per cent of older Australians say they would rather receive support in their own homes than move into residential care.

Home care is no longer optional, it is essential

The home care sector has seen remarkable growth to meet this rising demand. Between 2017 and 2024, the number of Australians using home care increased from 71,900 to 275,000. This represents a 283 per cent rise in just seven years. For people aged 65 and over, per capita usage more than tripled, from 18 to 58 people per 1,000.

In 2024, nearly 40 per cent of older Australians living at home required some level of assistance with everyday tasks such as meal preparation, transport, or personal care. These figures show that aged care in Australia is undergoing a structural shift, with home care is taking centre stage.

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Trilogy Care is ready for the future of home care

Trilogy Care is proud to be a leading provider of self-managed home care, supporting older Australians to live independently, safely and with choice. We are already trusted by thousands of clients across the country to coordinate high-quality care that meets their unique needs.

As the government transitions to the new Support at Home program from 1 November 2025, Trilogy Care is well-positioned to scale our services and meet the evolving expectations of older people and their families. The new program will bring changes to funding, service categories and care planning, and we are actively preparing to ensure a seamless experience for both current and future clients.

We understand that high demand requires more than just capacity. It demands compassion, adaptability and personalised support. That is what Trilogy Care delivers – today, and into the future. Call us on 1300 459 190 today to learn more.

Mental wellbeing matters: 5 simple ways to support your emotional health

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Queensland Mental Health Week, starting in October, is an opportunity to raise awareness and start conversations about mental wellbeing. While this week highlights the importance of mental health support, the reality is that mental health affects everyone, every day, not just during awareness campaigns.

For older Australians, changes in routine, social isolation or health concerns can increase the risk of feeling disconnected, anxious or overwhelmed. Supporting mental wellbeing is not about doing more – it’s about doing what matters. Often, small daily activities can make a big difference.

At Trilogy Care, we support older Australians to live independently through flexible, self-managed home care. Mental wellbeing is part of this, and we work with clients to ensure their support plans reflect both physical and emotional needs.

Everyday activities that support mental health

Mental wellbeing doesn’t always require specialist intervention. Everyday ways to support emotional strength, focus and connection include:

  • Gardening – Spending time in the garden offers more than fresh air. Planting, watering or caring for a veggie patch brings routine and a sense of purpose, while exposure to nature is known to lower stress hormones. For older Australians, gardening can also encourage gentle physical activity and connection with neighbours through community gardens.
  • Meditation – Mindfulness practices don’t have to be complicated. Simple breathing exercises, guided meditation or short daily moments of stillness can reduce anxiety, improve focus and help with sleep. These techniques can be done anywhere and are especially helpful for older people managing health changes or feelings of worry.
  • Creative activities – Painting, knitting, journalling or playing music are more than hobbies; they provide an outlet for self-expression and mental stimulation. Creative pursuits can improve memory, coordination and problem-solving skills, while also helping process emotions that may be difficult to express in conversation. Joining a local art or craft group adds the extra benefit of social connection.
  • Group volunteering – Giving back creates a sense of meaning and contribution. Many older Australians find that volunteering in groups, whether at an op shop, a community kitchen or a charity event, helps them feel valued while also building friendships. The shared purpose of volunteering supports emotional resilience and strengthens ties to the community.
  • Lifelong learning – Staying curious keeps the brain active. Taking a short course, learning to use technology, or exploring a new hobby stimulates cognitive function and builds confidence. For older Australians, lifelong learning can also reduce feelings of isolation by opening doors to new social circles. Community centres, libraries and online programs often make learning affordable and accessible.

Trilogy Care - Your partner in wellbeing

Trilogy Care supports clients to build support plans that include more than just daily tasks. We focus on the whole person, recognising that staying well means staying connected, creative and engaged.

Queensland Mental Health Week is a chance to talk more openly about what mental health means in later life. It also reminds us that mental wellbeing is not a one-off event. It is something we can support every day, in small but meaningful ways.

If you or someone you care for could benefit from support that includes mental wellbeing as part of everyday life, Trilogy Care is here to help.

BREAKING: 20,000 new Home Care Packages announced

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In great news for older people, the Australian Government has announced 20,000 additional Home Care Packages. If you have been waiting for care at home, this is your chance to move off the waitlist sooner.

Ready to move? Register your interest now or call 1300 459 190 to secure your place with Trilogy Care.

Why new packages matter

Demand for care at home is rising fast. Extra packages mean more approvals converting into services, quicker. If you have already been assessed, or you are in the process, acting now improves your chances of being matched to the right level of support without delay.

Who can benefit

Home Care Packages help older people stay independent and safe at home with support such as personal care, domestic assistance, nursing and allied health. If you or a family member has previously been approved for funding, this release increases the likelihood of an offer. If you have not started the process yet, beginning your application now puts you in the queue for assistance while new packages are being assigned.

How to move fast

  1. Book or confirm your My Aged Care assessment so your needs and funding level are on record
  2. Gather key details such as ID, Medicare card, and GP information
  3. Shortlist providers that can start quickly at your level and in your location
  4. Register your interest with Trilogy Care so we can match you as places are released and line up services without fuss

Already approved? Tell us your referral code and preferred start date. We will guide onboarding and get your services underway as soon as your package lands.

Why choose Trilogy Care

So why choose Trilogy Care?

  1. Personalised care planning that fits your goals and budget
  2. Transparent pricing with clear monthly statements
  3. A dedicated care partner who coordinates services and checks in regularly
  4. Fast, friendly onboarding and ongoing support for you and your family

Get started today

Do not wait on the sidelines while new places are available. Register your interest now to secure your place with Trilogy Care. We will confirm eligibility, prepare your onboarding pack and organise services so you can start support as soon as your package is assigned.

Your care, your way, sooner – get started with Trilogy Care today on 1300 459 190.

Pension changes in September and what they mean for you

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If your Age Pension takes a hit, it impacts life fast. In September, some part-pensioners may see their fortnightly payment reduced as Centrelink updates assessed income from financial assets. The goal now is to protect your care hours and keep more of your Home Care Package working for you.

At Trilogy Care, we help you take control so more of your budget reaches the frontline, not overheads.

Protect your care hours even if your pension is reduced

Centrelink uses assumed earnings on bank accounts, term deposits, shares and super in retirement phase to work out your assessed income. If assessed income rises, the income test can reduce your Age Pension. Some people will still see a small increase from September indexation, others may see little change, and some will see a reduction. The best response is a plan that keeps essential services in place.

Quick actions to take this month

  1. Update your recorded balances in myGov so Centrelink assesses current figures
  2. Ask your provider for a clear fee breakdown showing care versus overheads
  3. Review your care plan and use any unspent funds to shore up priority supports

Stretch your Home Care Package when income tightens

When every dollar counts, provider efficiency matters. Focus on the levers you control.

  • Compare provider fees and inclusions side by side so you are not overpaying for administration
  • Consider self-management or our Self Managed PLUS model to keep more funding in direct services
  • Match your care roster to what you need now and cut budget leaks like long travel times

Why switching provider can feel like a pay rise for your care

When assessed income changes, your provider choice becomes a financial decision. Trilogy Care is built to keep more of your package in actual support.

  • Transparent pricing and monthly clarity so you can see where every dollar goes
  • Self-management and hybrid options that give you control and reduce overheads
  • Proactive care plan reviews to target the highest impact services first

If you are also hearing about Support at Home changes this year, we can walk you through what they mean for your budget and your home care fees.

see how you can save with Trilogy Care

What else is changing this year?

  • Care management will be set at 10% of your quarterly budget
  • Package management will roll into service prices rather than a separate fee
  • Budgets will move to quarterly with limits on how much you can roll over
  • Assistive Technology and Home Modifications will have a separate funding pool

Pension changes by the numbers

  • Pension payments index in September, but some part-pensioners may see a reduction if assessed income rises
  • Hundreds of thousands of older Australians could be affected
  • Deeming rates are scheduled to lift on 20 September and can influence assessed income
    • Lower rate 0.75%
    • Upper rate 2.75%
    • Lower-rate thresholds $64,200 for singles and $106,200 for couples combined
  • Outcomes vary person to person because the income test and assets test both apply

This article is general information only. Your Age Pension outcome depends on your specific income and assets. Trilogy Care can help you understand options, but we do not provide financial advice. Call our team on 1300 459 190 to discuss how we can help you make the most of your budget.

Understanding Support at Home Quarterly Budgets

Support at Home Quarterly Budget

From 1 November 2025, all clients will receive a Quarterly Budget under the new Support at Home program. This replaces the daily subsidy model used under Home Care Packages.

If you’re a Grandfathered or Hybrid client, this change affects how your Trilogy Care budget is delivered, managed, and spent.

What’s changing under Support at Home?

Your funding will be allocated as a Quarterly Budget, based on your classification level. This means:

  • Your annual classification funding is divided into four equal quarters
  • 10% of each quarter is allocated to your care management
  • The remaining 90% is available for services in your care plan
  • You cannot spend more than the available balance in your current quarter
  • Any unspent funds, now known as Carryover Funds, can be rolled over, up to $1,000 or 10% of your budget (whichever is higher)

This change gives you greater visibility over your care funding and helps with planning across the year.

Why this change matters for you

Unlike the daily subsidy model, your Support at Home Quarterly Budget is fixed each quarter. This allows you and your Care Partner to plan services more effectively and ensures your funding is matched to your needs in real time. However, it also means:

  • Overspending is not permitted – you cannot use funds from future quarters
  • Underuse may lead to unused funds, which are subject to rollover limits
  • Service scheduling may need to be reviewed more regularly

Careful budgeting will help you get the most value from your Trilogy Care budget and ensure you can access the right supports when you need them.

What are Carryover Funds?

Carryover Funds are the portion of your quarterly budget that remains unspent at the end of the quarter. You can carry over:

  • Up to $1,000 or 10% of your total quarterly budget (whichever is higher)
  • Any amount retained from your original unspent Home Care Package funds (as of 30 June 2025)

These funds can only be used for approved services in your Support Plan and must meet all government requirements.

Your monthly statement will show how much of your Quarterly Budget has been used and what amount, if any, has carried over.

Plan ahead with Trilogy Care’s budget calculator

To support your planning, Trilogy Care has developed a free Support at Home Quarterly Budget Calculator. It helps you:

  • Estimate your total Quarterly Budget
  • See how much is allocated to care management
  • Review expected service costs
  • Understand rollover limits for Carryover Funds

You can use the calculator to plan care that fits your funding level and avoid underspending or overcommitting.

How Trilogy Care helps you stay on track

Your Care Partner will work with you to:

  • Review your classification level and confirm your quarterly funding
  • Update your Support Plan to reflect your current care needs
  • Monitor how your Quarterly Budget is being used
  • Make adjustments to ensure you remain within your budget each quarter

Trilogy Care is here to support you to make informed decisions and get the most from your Support at Home budget.

Struggling to understand Support at Home? View our case studies!

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With the Support at Home program set to replace Home Care Packages on 1 November 2025, many people are still unclear about how the aged care system is changing. To help guide people through the process, Trilogy Care has developed a series of real-life case study videos to help explain exactly what’s coming and what it means for you.

These videos form part of our aged care 2025 guide, practical resources designed to support older Australians, their families, and carers in understanding the changes.

Whether you’re a Grandfathered client, a Hybrid client, or just starting out, the videos walk through realistic scenarios that show how Support at Home will work day to day.

Why watch the Support at Home case study series?

The reforms introduce new budgets, contribution rules, service categories and provider processes. But for many people, it’s hard to translate this into what it means in real life.

Our Support at Home guide resources include case study videos to break it down. Each video follows a client scenario and shows how services, fees and support options apply under the new model.

These case studies are designed for:

  • Clients transitioning from a Home Care Package
  • Families supporting someone in aged care
  • People preparing to enter care after 1 November 2025
  • Anyone considering self-management under the new system

What do the videos cover?

Each video is under ten minutes and focused on a key topic:

You can watch one or all, depending on your needs.

Straightforward, real-life examples

These videos don’t over-explain or rely on jargon. They show what the new model looks like for people with different care needs and funding levels, so you can better prepare for the changes ahead.

Whether you’re managing services yourself or working with a Registered Provider, these videos will help you understand your options.

Watch now and learn about Support at Home

The full case study series is now available on Trilogy Care’s YouTube channel. Trilogy Care is committed to helping clients make informed, confident decisions as the aged care system transitions.

These case studies are just one part of our ongoing support, and we’ll continue to update the series as more details are confirmed ahead of the November launch. For more Support at Home information, call 1300 459 190 or visit our Support at Home information hub.

Home care approvals create choice, not commitment

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Home care approvals are one of the most significant considerations in aged care planning. Whether you’re applying for a Home Care Package, preparing for Support at Home approvals or considering self-management approvals to secure services and funding, acting early can make all the difference.

At Trilogy Care, we regularly speak with families who delay the approvals process, only to face limited choices when needs suddenly change. Many people believe that applying for aged care approvals means locking into care. In fact, approvals do not create obligations. They create options. And those options become essential when care needs shift quickly.

Early approvals support better self-managed care

Getting approval for funding and services does not mean you have to start receiving services immediately. It means you are ready to respond when care is needed without the stress of last-minute assessments or delays.

This is especially helpful for those considering self-managed care. With self-management, you are in control of who provides your care, how it is delivered and how your budget is spent. When early Home Care Package approvals or Support at Home approvals are in place, you can step into self-management with confidence and flexibility.

With Trilogy Care, you can self-manage care on your own terms by choosing your own workers, setting your schedule and adjusting services as your needs evolve. Getting approved for funding gives you more flexibility, not less.

Delaying funding approval: A common mistake

A frequent challenge we see is people accepting only short-term approvals such as respite care without considering long-term needs. Later, when circumstances change, the lack of broader approvals can result in wait times, fewer care options or rushed decisions. It is a preventable source of stress in many aged care journeys.

There is a common misconception that aged care approvals mean locking into a specific type of care. In reality, they provide the flexibility to choose what works best for you and when.

Whether you are seeking home care approvals, other aged care approvals or even getting approved for Support at Home funding, getting in early ensures you are prepared, not committed. You stay in control of your care journey.

How Trilogy Care supports your next steps

Once your Home Care Package or Support at Home approval comes through, Trilogy Care will help you every step of the way.

We will explain your funding approval, develop a personalised care plan, help you connect with experienced support workers and show you how to manage your budget through our self-management model. You remain in control with expert guidance to help you navigate the system with confidence.

Take action before circumstances change

Care needs can change quickly. With your aged care funding approved and self-managed support from Trilogy Care, you can act with clarity and confidence.

Call Trilogy Care on 1300 459 190 to explore your options, get help with applying for the right Home Care Package or Support at Home funding and plan your future with peace of mind.

What to do while waiting for your Home Care Package

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Waiting for your Home Care Package (HCP) can feel like a long process, especially if you need extra support right away. The good news is there are practical steps you can take to make the most of this Home Care Package waiting period. By acting now, you can access help sooner, prepare for your services, and ensure you’re ready to start as soon as your funding is assigned.

If you’ve been wondering “what to do while waiting for my Home Care Package” or “how to prepare for my Home Care Package”, this guide will walk you through the best options and resources available.

Access support while you wait

Before your package begins, you might be able to get temporary help through the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP). This entry-level program offers essential services like domestic assistance, transport, personal care, and meals.

Because availability can vary between regions, it’s worth contacting all local CHSP providers to see if they are accepting new participants. If they’re full, ask to join their waiting list and follow up regularly. Even short-term help can make daily life easier while waiting for your Home Care Package to start.

Make use of community programs

Community support can be just as valuable as funded care. Local councils, neighbourhood houses, and community centres often run low-cost or free activities, including:

  • Social groups and outings
  • Gentle exercise classes
  • Transport to appointments or shopping
  • Volunteer visitor programs

These services are a great way to stay active, connected, and supported during the waiting period.

Decide on your provider early

One of the most important steps in preparing for your Home Care Package is deciding on your Registered Provider before your funding is released. When comparing providers, look for:

Knowing who you want to work with means you can start services without delay when your package becomes available.

Plan your care priorities

Think about the services that matter most to you – whether that’s domestic help, allied health, social outings, home modifications, or personal care. Being clear about your goals will help you and your provider create a care plan that supports your independence and wellbeing from day one.

Update My Aged Care if your needs change

If your health or living situation changes during the Home Care Package waiting period, notify My Aged Care immediately. A Support Plan Review may lead to a higher funding classification and potentially reduce your wait.

Stay informed about your application

After your aged care assessment with the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT), you’ll receive a Notice of Decision confirming your approved Home Care Package level and whether you are a high or medium priority. You can check your place in the national priority system by:

  • Calling My Aged Care on 1800 200 422

Keeping track of your application ensures you’re ready to move forward as soon as your funding is allocated.

How Trilogy Care can help

At Trilogy Care, we know the Home Care Package waiting period can feel uncertain. We help older Australians explore every available support option while they wait, from CHSP services to community programs, so they feel prepared and supported.

By accessing interim help, connecting with community activities, choosing your provider early, and planning your care priorities, you can make the most of this time and start your Home Care Package with confidence.

If you’d like personalised advice on support options while waiting for your Home Care Package, contact Trilogy Care today. We’re here to support you every step of the way.