What is a Home Care Package?

Home Care Package What is a Home Care Package

So, what is a Home Care Package? A Home Care Package can be an essential resource for remaining independent in our homes. These packages provide the necessary support to enable ageing in place, allowing you to maintain your quality of life in the comfort of familiar surroundings.

Our homes are where we feel safe, create lasting memories, and truly belong. Home Care Packages empower you to be connected  to  the services you need in the home you love. This approach allows you to enjoy your preferred lifestyle without moving to a retirement village or nursing home.

What does a Home Care Package help with?

Home Care Packages are designed to be flexible and tailored to meet your unique care need.  Before commencing services, every new care recipient completes a care plan with their provider. This plan is essential in determining the services you need and applying them to your personal care budget.

 For example, a person with mobility issues would be allocated funds for transportation services.

By creating comprehensive a care plan, your provider can ensure that their care recipients receive the services they need. Funding may be provided for:

  • Personal care assistance
  • Household assistance
  • Meal preparation and nutrition support
  • Shopping assistance
  • Transport to appointments and activities
  • Social activities and companionship
  • Garden maintenance
  • Nursing services
  • Independent living aids and assistive technology
  • Home modifications
  • Allied health services
  • Specialised support
  • Behavioural support
  • Advanced health support
  • Constant care
  • Palliative care.

Am I eligible for a Home Care Package?

Home Care Packages are designed to be accessible to you if you cannot continue to support yourself without assistance.

To be eligible, you must be:

  • 65 years of age or older (50 and over for First Nations people), or
  • Have a disability, dementia, or other care need.

Additionally, to be eligible for a Home Care Package you must also have:

  • A medical condition
  • Changes in memory or cognition
  • Experienced a change in family care arrangement
  • Reduced mobility
  • Had a recent accident (such as a fall)
  • Been admitted to hospital.

Managing your Home Care Package

 Trilogy Care was established in 2020 to provide older Australians with a self-managed option for their Home Care Packages. Self-management allows you to take command of your Home Care Package, by paying less and enabling additional care hours.

With a self-managed package, you also have the flexibility to find and engage your own carers, choose services that suit your needs, and do so at a lower cost than with traditional providers.

There are now platforms available, such as Careseekers, that allow individuals to find and hire carers who align with their needs, giving them even greater control over their care arrangements. It may also be worth reviewing common aged care terms.

What is the role of Trilogy Care?

Trilogy Care is a leading provider in the self-managed Home Care Package sector. Since our foundation in 2020, our mission has been to offer a holistic and affordable self-management option for older Australians.

Our goal is to empower care recipients to receive more high-quality care while reducing costs. Through our lower fees, and self-management options, Trilogy Care has successfully enhanced the lives of many Australians.

If you are interested in how Trilogy Care can improve your quality of life, provide more care hours, and save you money, call our team on 1300 459 190 or contact us here.

Announcing the new face of Trilogy Care, Paula Duncan

Paula Duncan Brand Ambassador Trilogy Care

We are excited to announce that Paula Duncan, a celebrated Australian actress and advocate for positive ageing, has joined Trilogy Care as our new brand ambassador. Paula’s partnership with Trilogy Care reflects our shared commitment to supporting older Australians in living their best lives.

Paula Duncan, a distinguished actress with numerous accolades, including eight Logie Awards, the Executive Woman of the Year for Contribution to the Arts and Community, and a nomination for the Australia Day Award, will be the new face of Trilogy Care. Her on-screen career featured notable roles in popular television shows and movies, such as her eight years on Cop Shop and 121 episodes of The Young Doctors.

As a current ambassador for Australia Day, WomenCan, the Australian Gynaecological Cancer Foundation, the Focus on Ability Film Festival, and NOVA Employment, Paula has demonstrated her drive to do good for the people who need it most. Paula’s involvement with these organisations showcases her dedication to empowering those who face significant life challenges. Her advocacy resonates with Trilogy Care’s commitment to supporting those in need through tailored, compassionate care solutions.

Paula’s values align closely with Trilogy Care’s services, which focus on empowering older Australians to live independently. She values the importance of maintaining independence and receiving the right support to continue living comfortably in her own home.

Paula said: “I’ve always said that as I get older, I get stronger. I’ve partnered with Trilogy Care because they help people like me enjoy the process of ageing. Home Care Packages let older people get the support they need. Trilogy Care’s self-managed options give you the freedom to take control of your care and empower your life.”

“A few years ago, I experienced a nasty accident in my home that left me needing significant assistance. I required rehab support and help sourcing medical equipment,” she added.

 “Trilogy Care is the perfect organisation to provide these services – they can organise my transport to appointments and provide medical advice whenever needed. This has allowed me to remain strong and independent, even as I work through my health issues,” Paula said about Trilogy Care’s services.

“We are excited to collaborate with Paula Duncan on future Trilogy Care initiatives,” said Trilogy Care chief executive officer, Will Whitelaw. “Like us, Paula is driven to affect positive change for Australians in the aged care system. As a fierce advocate for women and those affected by cancer, Paula embodies the values we strive to operate under each day.”

With Paula Duncan as our ambassador, we are confident that her influence will help more Australians understand the benefits of self-managed Home Care Packages. Her relatable approach and passion for making a difference align perfectly with our mission to empower older Australians to maintain their independence and live fulfilling lives.

The upcoming campaign will feature a series of informative workshops, digital content, and events aimed at educating older Australians about the benefits of self-managed care. Through this campaign, we aim to provide valuable resources and guidance to help you make informed decisions about your Home Care Package.

As the brand ambassador for Trilogy Care, Paula will be featured in marketing and promotional material, which will be used in both digital and physical media. She will also join the Trilogy Care team at major events for older Australians.

“Trilogy Care has given me the freedom to manage my care the way I want. With their support, I’ve been able to stay active and connected to my community,” says Joan, a Trilogy Care client.

Trilogy Care provides reliable Home Care Packages to support older Australians in maintaining independence and living in their homes longer. Our team enables care recipients to self-manage their Home Care Packages, saving them money and allowing them to receive more care hours. Since 2020, Trilogy Care has helped Australians live in the homes they love for longer.

 

To learn more about our partnership with Paula Duncan and how Trilogy Care can support you or your loved ones, visit our website or contact us today. Join us in embracing the journey of ageing with dignity, choice, and control.

A guide to level 4 Home Care Packages

Level 4 Home Care Package

Understanding the options for home care services can be overwhelming, especially with the various levels of Home Care Package available. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the level 4 Home Care Package, detailing its services, eligibility criteria, costs, and the application process. Understanding these elements can help you or your loved one make informed decisions about accessing appropriate support. 

What is a level 4 Home Care Package?

A level 4 Home Care Package is assigned to older Australians living with high-level care needs. Typically, they require visits every day of the week, as those on this package require significant levels of assistance with many day-to-day tasks to remain healthy and independent. A standard level 4 Home Care Package provides around 36 hours of assistance every two weeks, depending on what your provider charges. 

What services are included in a level 4 Home Care Package?

A care recipient on a level 4 Home Care Package will receive assistance with most tasks, including social, physical, and medical tasks, as well as psychological care needs. Those one a level 4 package may receive care in the form of:

  • Personal care assistance: Help with bathing, dressing, and grooming
  • Household assistance: Keeping your home clean and tidy
  • Meal preparation and nutrition support: Ensuring you have healthy meals
  • Help with shopping: Assistance with groceries and other shopping needs
  • Transport to appointments and activities: Getting you to medical appointments and social events
  • Social activities and companionship: Promoting social engagement and preventing isolation
  • Garden maintenance: Taking care of your garden
  • Nursing services: Including wound care and medication management
  • Independent living aids and assistive technology: Enhancing mobility and safety
  • Home modifications: Such as installing safety equipment in your home
  • Allied health services: Including podiatry, physiotherapy, and speech therapy
  • Specialised support: Such as hearing and vision services, dementia care, and cognitive support
  • Behavioural support: Support with managing memory and behavioural changes
  • Advanced health support: Support for chronic health conditions, including dementia and severe heart conditions
  • Constant Care: 24-hour monitoring and care
  • Palliative Care

 These services are designed to allow care recipients to maintain a high quality of life and remain in their own homes for as long as possible.

Who is eligible for a level 4 Home Care Package?

Eligibility for a level 4 Home Care Package is determined through an assessment process known as the Single Assessment System. As of July 2024, the Single Assessment Systems replaced the Aged Care Assessment Teams (ACATs) in an effort to provide care recipients with a more streamlined, consistent, and flexible assessment process. Details regarding the new Single Assessment System can be found at this site.

The Single Assessment System evaluates the individual’s care needs and determines their suitability for different levels of Home Care Package. Generally, the following criteria must be met:

  • Age: Typically, available to those aged 65 and over or 50 and over for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
  • Care needs: Individuals with complex care needs may need to be visited most days a week.
  • Living situation: Preferably living at home and needing assistance to continue living independently.

You can check if you can receive services using My Aged Care’s eligibility check or apply for an assessment online if you are ready.

Are there costs associated with a level 4 Home Care Package?

A level 4 Home Care Package is divided into two main components:

Government contribution: The federal government provides a subsidy to cover the care costs. The subsidy for a level 4 package is currently set at around $2,356.62 a fortnight.

Individual contribution: Depending on your financial situation, you may be asked to contribute towards the cost of your care. This contribution can include:

    • Basic daily fee: This is a small fee that everyone receiving a Home Care Package may be asked to pay, currently capped at $168.33 per day. Trilogy Care DO NOT charge a basic daily fee.
    • Income-tested fees: Home Care Packages are means tested by Services Australia. Depending on your income, you may need to make an additional contribution. Full pensioners and people with an income less than $32,332 per year do not pay an income tested fee.

You can find a detailed breakdown of all the costs and fees associated with the Home Care Package here.

How to apply for a level 4 Home Care Package?

Applying for a level 4 Home Care Package involves contacting My Aged Care online or by phone. If you meet the minimum eligibility requirements, a member of the Single Assessment System workforce will visit your home for a free assessment. If eligible, you’ll receive an approval letter specifying your care level.

For more details, see our 5 steps to apply for a Home Care Package.

Choosing the right provider

After receiving approval for a Home Care Package, it’s essential to find an approved provider to ensure you get the best care possible. Use My Aged Care’s ‘Find a Provider’ tool to identify local providers that meet the standards set by the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission.

Here are some important factors to consider when selecting a provider:

  • Service Area: Does the provider offer services in your location?
  • Service Types: Do they provide the specific services you need?
  • Availability: Do they have availability to take you on as a client?
  • Personal Alignment: Do they respect and cater to any cultural or faith-based needs that are important to you?

Choosing a provider is a personal decision, and while recommendations can be valuable, it’s crucial to find the right match for your needs. Consider how involved you want to be in managing your care. Providers may offer fully managed, shared managed, or self-managed services, each affecting your budget, flexibility, and control differently. Not all providers offer both self-managed and fully managed options, so decide on your preferred level of involvement before making your choice.

For more details, see our blog on How to choose a Home Care Package provider.

How we can help

At Trilogy Care, we are completely transparent in our pricing. Our services are charged at a flat percentage – we do not hide behind any hidden fees or surcharges. We offer 15% of your Home Care Package for our Self-Managed tier or 26% of your Home Care Package for Self-Managed PLUS tier. 

 

This lower fee structure means more of your funds go directly towards your care rather than administrative costs. We can offer a more efficient use of your Home Care Package funds if you’re looking to switch providers or need a new provider.

 

Contact us today if you’d like to find out how Trilogy Care can help with your level 4 Home Care Package.

 

 

A guide to Level 3 Home Care Packages

Home Care Package Level 3

Understanding the options for home care services can be overwhelming, especially with the various levels of Home Care Package available. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the Level 3 Home Care Package, detailing its services, eligibility criteria, costs, and the application process. Understanding these elements can help you or your loved one make informed decisions about accessing appropriate support.

What is a Level 3 Home Care Package?

A Level 3 Home Care Package is assigned to senior Australians living with intermediate care needs. Typically, they require visits on most days of the week, as those on this package need frequent assistance with many day-to-day tasks to remain healthy and independent. A standard Level 3 Home Care Package provides around 24 hours of assistance every two weeks, depending on what your provider charges.

What services are included in a Level 3 Home Care Package?

Those on a Level 3 Home Care Package tend to receive assistance with social, physical, and medical tasks and may also have psychological care needs. Those on a Level 3 package often receive care in the form of:

  • Personal care assistance: Help with bathing, dressing, and grooming
  • Household assistance: Keeping your home clean and tidy
  • Meal preparation and nutrition support: Ensuring you have healthy meals
  • Help with shopping: Assistance with groceries and other shopping needs
  • Transport to appointments and activities: Getting you to medical appointments and social events
  • Social activities and companionship: Promoting social engagement and preventing isolation
  • Garden maintenance: Taking care of your garden
  • Nursing services: Including wound care and medication management
  • Independent living aids and assistive technology: Enhancing mobility and safety
  • Home modifications: Such as installing safety rails in your home
  • Allied health services: Including podiatry, physiotherapy, and speech therapy
  • Specialised support: Such as hearing and vision services, dementia care, and cognitive support
  • Support with managing memory and behavioural changes

You can check if you can receive services using  My Aged Care’s eligibility check, or apply for an assessment online if you are ready.

Who is eligible for a Level 3 Home Care Package?

Eligibility for a Level 3 Home Care Package is determined through an assessment process known as the Single Assessment System. As of July 2024, the Single Assessment Systems replaced the Aged Care Assessment Teams (ACATs) in an effort to provide care recipients with a more streamlined, consistent, and flexible assessment process. Details regarding the new Single Assessment System can be found at this site.

The Single Assessment System evaluates the individual’s care needs and determines their suitability for different levels of Home Care Package. Generally, the following criteria must be met:

  • Age: Typically, available to those aged 65 and over or 50 and over for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
  • Care needs: Individuals with low-level care needs may need to be visited three to four times a week.
  • Living situation: Preferably living at home and needing assistance to continue living independently.

You can check if you can receive services using My Aged Care’s eligibility check or apply for an assessment online if you are ready.

Are there costs associated with a Level 3 Home Care Package?

 A Level 3 Home Care Package is divided into two main components:

Government contribution: The federal government provides a subsidy to cover the care costs. The subsidy for a Level 3 package is currently set at around $1,554.56 a fortnight.

Individual contribution: Depending on your financial situation, you may be asked to contribute towards the cost of your care. This contribution can include:

    • Basic daily fee: This is a small fee that everyone receiving a Home Care Package may be asked to pay, currently capped at $111.04 per day. Trilogy Care DO NOT charge a basic daily fee.
    • Income-tested fees: Home Care Packages are means tested by Services Australia. Depending on your income, you may need to make an additional contribution. Full pensioners and people with an income less than $32,332 per year do not pay an income tested fee.

You can find a detailed breakdown of all the costs and fees associated with the Home Care Package here.

How to apply for a Level 3 Home Care Package

Applying for a Level 3 Home Care Package involves contacting My Aged Care online or by phone. If you meet the minimum eligibility requirements, a member of the Single Assessment System workforce will visit your home for a free assessment. If eligible, you’ll receive an approval letter specifying your care level.

For more details, see our 5 steps to apply for a Home Care Package.

Choosing the right provider

After receiving approval for a Home Care Package, it’s essential to find an approved provider to ensure you get the best care possible. Use My Aged Care’s ‘Find a Provider’ tool to identify local providers that meet the standards set by the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission.

Here are some important factors to consider when selecting a provider:

  • Service Area: Does the provider offer services in your location?
  • Service Types: Do they provide the specific services you need?
  • Availability: Do they have availability to take you on as a client?
  • Personal Alignment: Do they respect and cater to any cultural or faith-based needs that are important to you?

Choosing a provider is a personal decision, and while recommendations can be valuable, it’s crucial to find the right match for your needs. Consider how involved you want to be in managing your care. Providers may offer fully managed, shared managed, or self-managed services, each affecting your budget, flexibility, and control differently. Not all providers offer both self-managed and fully managed options, so decide on your preferred level of involvement before making your choice.

For more details, see our How to choose a Home Care Package provider.

At Trilogy Care, we are completely transparent in our pricing. Our services are charged at a flat percentage – we do not hide behind any hidden fees or surcharges. We offer 15% of your Home Care Package for our Self-Managed tier or 26% of your Home Care Package for Self-Managed PLUS tier. 

This lower fee structure means more of your funds go directly towards your care rather than administrative costs. We can offer a more efficient use of your Home Care Package funds if you’re looking to switch providers or need a new provider.

Protect yourself from scam calls

Australians continue to be targeted by online messages, phone calls, and text scams designed to separate you from your money. In 2023 alone, scam calls led to the loss of $116 million dollars throughout the country.  

At Trilogy Care, we understand the importance of protecting your valuables and personal information. It is crucial to remain vigilant against scam calls that ask for your details or access to your accounts.

 

When will Trilogy Care call?

Trilogy Care’s team may be required to verify your banking details to process invoices or payments. Currently, this is done by calling our care recipients and confirming the details we need.

When this occurs, we understand that you may be worried about whether the call is legitimate.  We have provided instructions below on what to do if you are concerned that a call may be a scam.

 

What to do if you are worried

In the event you are unsure whether a call is from Trilogy Care, you should hang up the phone and contact your care partner as soon as possible to verify the details. You can also access details of your care plan and other important information through the Trilogy Care Portal.

Remember, the Trilogy Care Portal can be used to ensure your contact details and communication preferences are up to date. This will ensure the Trilogy Care team is aware of when and how to contact you to avoid worrying you about potential scams.

Our team is actively working to improve the portal further, with the next update including options to add or update bank account details without the need to make a phone call. This will be very useful for care recipients who have income-tested fees or must make contributions. Additionally, it will act as another safeguard against any scam call attempts.

 

How else can you protect yourself from scams?

While Trilogy Care will always confirm if our calls are legitimate or not, scammers will continue to attempt to contact you. With more than 143,000 reported scams in 2024 alone, we must all remain vigilant to scams.

Trilogy Care has provided a list of helpful techniques you can use if you think you are being scammed.

  1. Check contact details – confirm the name and phone number of anyone who contacts you. If you don’t recognise the number, hang up.
  2. Call organisations directly – if you are contacted by an organisation asking you for personal details, hang up and give them a call back to confirm you are speaking with a member of that organisation.
  3. Avoid links – be careful clicking on strange or unknown links
  4. Confirm with someone else – if you are still unsure whether a call or text is legitimate, ask a friend or family member to check for you.
  5. Report scams immediately – if you have been the target of a scam, visit Scam Watch and report the scam.
  6. If you are the victim of a scam, visit this site and follow the instructions.

 

Scams are a severe problem in Australia, and older people are at a significant risk of being targeted. If you have doubts about whether a call is legitimate, hang up the call and return to this guide.

Trilogy Care will always tell you if our calls are authentic, so feel free to call us if you need confirmation.

Understanding the 2024 Home Care Package funding increase

Understanding the 2024 Home Care Package funding increase

In welcome news to care recipients, the Federal Government have announced an increase to the Home Care Package subsidies and supplements, effective 1 July 2024.  This adjustment is part of an ongoing effort to maintain the quality and sustainability of care services for older Australians, ensuring they receive the best possible support in their homes.

Trilogy Care is pleased to confirm that it is not making any changes to its fee structure and will continue to charge a low fixed percentage from your package each month.

What's changed?

The funding adjustment involves an increase in the overall subsidy for all Home Care Package levels, in addition to an increase to supplement amounts. This increase is necessary to account for rising operational costs and to ensure that care providers can continue to deliver high-quality services.

The government subsidy and Trilogy Care pricing for each package level is as follows:

Self Managed (15%)

Self Managed PLUS (26%) 

The 1 July 2024 changes to the Home Care Package funding structure underscore the commitment to sustaining and enhancing the quality of home-based care, ensuring that older Australians continue to receive the support they need most efficiently and effectively.

The above pricing is to be used as guide. For more information on the subsidy increase and how it will change your personal Home Care Package, please log onto the Trilogy Care Portal or speak to your care partner.

Income Tested Fees

If your income is above a certain threshold, your home care package provider must collect a fee on behalf of Services Australia. Here are the details.

Continue reading

A guide to level 2 Home Care Package

A guide to level 2 Home Care Package

Understanding the options for home care services can be overwhelming, especially with the various levels of Home Care Package available. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the Level 2 Home Care Package, detailing its services, eligibility criteria, costs, and the application process. Understanding these elements can help you or your loved one make informed decisions about accessing appropriate support. 

What is a Level 2 Home Care Package?

A Level 2 Home Care Package is part of the Australian Government’s initiative to support older Australians in staying at home rather than moving into residential care. This package is designed for people who have been assessed as having low-level care needs.  It aims to improve the quality of life, allowing individuals to maintain their independence and continue living comfortably in their homes. 

What services are included in a Level 2 Home Care Package?

A Level 2 Home Care Package offers various services tailored to meet the individual’s needs. These services can include: 

  • Personal care: Assistance with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and grooming. 
  • Domestic assistance: Help with household chores like cleaning, laundry, and meal preparation. 
  • Transport: Support with transportation for shopping, medical appointments, or social outings. 
  • Social support: Companionship and assistance in engaging in community activities. 
  • Home modifications: Minor modifications to improve safety and accessibility within the home. 
  • Nursing support: Basic medical care and health monitoring from a qualified nurse. 

These services are designed to ensure the well being and comfort of the individual and promote a healthier and more active lifestyle. 

Are there costs associated with a level 2 Home Care Package?

 A Level 2 Home Care Package is divided into two main components: 

Government contribution: The federal government provides a subsidy to cover the care costs. For a Level 2 package, the subsidy is currently set at around $714.28 a fortnight. 

Individual contribution: Depending on your financial situation, you may be asked to contribute towards the cost of your care. This contribution can include: 

  • Basic daily fee: This is a small fee that everyone receiving a Home Care Package may be asked to pay. As of 20 March 2024, the basic daily fee for  Home Care Package level ranges from $11.43 to $12.75 per day. Trilogy Care DO NOT charge a basic daily fee.  
  • Income-tested fees: Services Australia means-tests Home Care Packages. Depending on your income, you may need to make an additional contribution. Full pensioners and people with an income less than $33,070.80 per year do not pay an income-tested fee. 

You can find a detailed breakdown of all the costs and fees associated with the Home Care Package here. 

Who is eligible for a Level 2 Home Care Package?

Eligibility for a Level 2 Home Care Package is determined through an assessment process conducted by the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT). The assessment evaluates the individual’s care needs and determines their suitability for different levels of Home Care Package. Generally, the following criteria must be met: 

  • Age: Typically available to those aged 65 and over or 50 and over for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. 
  • Care needs: Individuals with low-level care needs who may need to be visited three to four times a week.  
  • Living situation: Preferably living at home and needing assistance to continue living independently. 

You can check if you can receive services using My Aged Care’s eligibility check, or apply for an assessment online if you are ready. 

How do I apply for a Home Care Package?

Applying for a Level 2 Home Care Package involves these steps: Contact  My Aged Care, online or by phone. If you meet the minimum eligibility requirements, an ACAT or ACAS assessor will visit your home for a free assessment. If eligible, you’ll receive an approval letter specifying your care level.  

For more details, see our 5 steps to apply for a Home Care Package.

Select a Home Care Package provider

Once you’ve been approved for a Home Care Package, finding an approved provider is crucial to ensure you receive high-quality care. Use My Aged Care’s ‘Find a Provider’ tool to locate providers in your area that meet the standards set by the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission. 

When selecting a provider, consider these key factors: 

  • Do they provide services in my area? 
  • Do they provide the type of services I want? 
  • Do they have availability? 
  • Are they in alignment with anything particularly important to me, e.g., culture or faith? 

Choosing a provider is a personal decision, and while recommendations are helpful, it’s essential to find the right fit for your needs. Consider how ‘hands-on’ you want to be with your care. Providers may offer fully managed, shared managed, or self-managed services. The level of provider involvement can affect your budget, flexibility, and control over your care. Not all providers offer both self-managed and fully managed options, so determine your desired level of involvement before making your selection. 

For more details, see our How to choose a Home Care Package provider.

At Trilogy Care, we are completely transparent in our pricing. Our services are charged at a flat percentage – we do not hide behind any hidden fees or surcharges. We offer 15% of your Home Care Package for our Self Managed tier or 26% of your Home Care Package for Self Managed PLUS tier.  

This lower fee structure means more of your funds go directly towards your care rather than administrative costs. We can offer a more efficient use of your Home Care Package funds if you’re looking to switch providers or need a new provider.