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Home modifications to support ageing

As part of the Home Care Package program, aged care recipients receiving in-home care can make home modifications to support their ageing. My Aged Care offers funding assistance for changes to your home that help you live safely and independently.

How can I get funding for home modifications?

If you’re planning to use your Home Care Package for modifications, you’ll need to confirm eligibility with My Aged Care. As with all Home Care Package funding, modifications must be related to your ageing needs. Additionally, they must be support by an assessment and recommendation from an appropriately qualified health professional such as an Occupational Therapist.

From 1 July 2025, the new Support at Home program will introduce changes to the funding scheme. The Assistive Technologies and Home Modifications (AT-HM) Scheme will allow quicker access to the home changes you need, ensuring older Australians can stay safe and independent at home.

What home modifications should I make?

Modifications to your home should always reflect your assessed needs. For example, if you’re concerned about falling, you might consider installing grab rails in your shower.

If you’re unsure about the types of modifications you need, reach out to your care partner at Trilogy Care. They can make a referral for an in-home assessment to recommend modifications tailored to your circumstances.

Example home modifications

Here are some common household modifications that can improve your safety and independence:

Grab rails – prevents falls in the shower, bath, or toilet
Ramps – ensures easy wheelchair access
Easy-access taps – helps if you have arthritis or a weakened grip
Accessible cooking appliances – provides assistance for those with mobility challenges
Long-handled gardening tools – enhances safety while gardening
Step modifications – ensures safer movement around your home
Handrails – improves safety on stairs
Adapted cutlery – assists those with weak grips or tremors while eating

Speak to us today for assistance!

Our friendly team at Trilogy Care is ready to help you start the process of modifying your home. Reach out to your care partner anytime with any questions or concerns you may have.

Not with Trilogy Care yet? Call us on 1300 459 190 or visit our website to learn more.

A guide to level 1 Home Care Packages

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 1 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 1 Home Care Package?

A Level 1 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 to provide entry-level support to those with basic 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 1 Home Care Package?

A Level 1 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.

Who is eligible for a Level 1 Home Care Package?

Eligibility for a Level 1 Home Care Package is determined through an assessment process conducted by the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) or Aged Care Assessment Service (ACAS) in Victoria. 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 basic or low-level care needs that can be managed with entry-level support.

Living situation: Preferably living at home and needing assistance to continue living independently.

You can check if you can receive services by 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 1 Home Care Package involves several steps. Start by contacting My Aged Care, the Australian Government’s gateway to aged care services, either online or via phone. An ACAT/ACAS assessor will visit your home to evaluate your care needs and discuss your situation, with this assessment being free of charge. If eligible, you’ll receive a letter confirming your approval for a Home Care Package, specifying the level of care. Next, choose an approved home care provider who will develop a personalised care plan based on your needs and preferences. Finally, begin receiving the services included in your care plan, with regular reviews to ensure the care provided remains appropriate. If you want to read in detail, go through our 5 steps to apply for a Home Care Package.

Trilogy Care offers a flat fee of just 15% on your Self-Managed care services and 26% on your Self-Managed Plus Care Coordination. 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.

My Aged Care letters – what do they mean?

When you sign up for a Home Care Package, you will receive several My Aged Care letters that guide you through each stage of the process. While these letters are intended to be helpful, we know they can sometimes be confusing. As such, we’ve created this easy-to-follow guide to help you understand what to expect and what each letter means.

Welcome letter

The first letter you’ll receive from My Aged Care is the welcome letter. This arrives after you’ve applied for a Home Care Package and confirms your application. It also contains your unique aged care ID number.

It’s important to keep this letter safe, as you’ll need your aged care ID number throughout the process. We recommend storing it in a secure place to ensure it’s easily accessible when needed.

Eligibility letter

Once you’ve completed your ACAT assessment, you’ll receive the Eligibility Letter. This confirms that your assessment has been completed, and you’re now on the waiting list for your Home Care Package.

Your eligibility letter also includes referral codes for accessing additional aged care services while you wait for your package to begin, which can take up to four months. You may wish to access these services as it can take up to four months for your Home Care Package to begin.

Get ready letter

About three months before your Home Care Package starts, you’ll receive a get ready letter. This serves as a reminder to start planning for the services you’ll need.

At this time, you should consider completing the income tested care fee assessment. If you need more information on the income tested care fee, view our article.

Government fee letter

You will receive the government fee letter once your income-tested care fee assessment is finalised. The letter contains all the details of your budget, including what fees you will have to pay.

Assignment letter

The final letter you will receive from My Aged Care is the assignment letter. You will receive this letter once your Home Care Package has been approved and your funding is allocated.

The letter also contains your referral code for Home Care Package providers. It is important to keep this code as you will need it to sign up with a Home Care Package provider.

Importantly, once you have received your assignment letter, you must select a provider for your Home Care Package within 56 days.

Selecting Trilogy Care as a provider

At this stage, you may wish to select Trilogy Care as your Home Care Package provider. To begin accessing your Home Care Package funding through Trilogy Care, contact us through our website or call 1300 459 190.

Trilogy Care offers many unique advantages that other Home Care Package providers do not. We offer self-management to our care recipients, allowing them to control their care workers and care hours, in addition to saving money through cheaper fees.

Introducing Home Care Academy

As the global population ages, the need for quality home care services continues to grow. Families, caregivers, coordinators, and care recipients all want to ensure that in-home care is both effective and compassionate. Introducing Home Care Academy—an educational platform created by Trilogy Care to elevate the standards of home care through accessible and comprehensive education for everyone involved in the care journey.

What is Home Care Academy?

Home Care Academy is an innovative online platform powered by Trilogy Care, designed to equip caregivers, family members, and care recipients with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate in-home care. Whether you are a professional support worker, a family member caring for a loved one, or a care recipient wanting to understand and engage in your care, Home Care Academy offers resources tailored to your needs.

Quality care starts with quality education. Providing or receiving care at home can present unique challenges, from managing daily tasks to addressing complex medical needs. Home Care Academy offers tools, guidance, and confidence to navigate these challenges with compassion and respect.

Why Home Care Academy?

Home Care Academy is committed to delivering high-quality, practical training and resources for everyone involved in home care. Our curriculum covers essential topics like personal care, managing chronic conditions, dementia care, and emergency preparedness, ensuring that learners can immediately apply their knowledge to real-life situations. Developed by industry experts, our courses are accurate, relevant, and designed for flexible, on-demand learning that fits your schedule.

We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and diverse learning environment. Our training materials are culturally sensitive, ensuring all learners feel respected and supported regardless of background, culture, or experience level. Upon completion, learners receive certifications that acknowledge their skills and commitment to quality care.

Beyond education, we foster a supportive community where caregivers, families, and care recipients can connect, share experiences, and continue learning. Courses will be released progressively, offering a comprehensive and accessible learning journey for all.

A resource for everyone involved in care

Home Care Academy was designed for a wide audience. Professional caregivers can enhance their skills and advance their careers, while family members can gain the confidence they need to care for loved ones at home. Care recipients can better understand their care, empowering them to take an active role in decisions that affect their daily lives. Care coordinators can deepen their expertise to provide effective support and manage care plans.

Looking ahead

As we prepare to launch Home Care Academy, we are excited about the impact it will have on home care across the country. By providing comprehensive education and fostering a community of informed and compassionate individuals, we aim to raise the standard of home care—ensuring that every person receiving or providing care at home does so with dignity, respect, and the highest quality of service.

We invite you to join us on this journey. Whether you’re a professional caregiver, a family member, a care recipient, or a coordinator, Home Care Academy is here to support you every step of the way.

Click here to view Home Care Academy!

Discover the future of home care education with Home Care Academy—where knowledge meets compassion.

Support at Home – how will it impact your care?

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):

Classification	Quarterly budget	Annual 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 recipients	Quarterly budget	Annual 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 tier	Amount
Low	Under $500
Medium	Up to $2,000
High	Up 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?

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.

The importance of ageing in place

As Australia’s population continues to age, it’s crucial that older people have the opportunity to age in place. This means staying in their own home while maintaining independence as they grow older. The concept has expanded to include those living in senior communities who wish to preserve their independence without moving into residential aged care.

Enabling ageing in place

For most older Australians, ageing in place provides significant benefits. It allows them to remain where they feel most comfortable, preserving their independence and sense of identity, even when facing age-related challenges.

In-home care programs, such as Home Care Packages, are designed to support ageing in place. These programs have become increasingly popular as more Australians choose to remain in their homes as they age.

What are the benefits of ageing in place?

It’s easy to see why ageing in place has gained popularity. There are several key advantages that are often unavailable in residential aged care, including:

Independence: Stay in your home and live life on your own terms
Social Connection: Ageing in place keeps you close to friends, family, and your local community
Wellbeing: Being at home provides comfort and control over your environment
Lifestyle: Continue enjoying your hobbies and interests within your home and community
Reducing Loneliness: Residential aged care can be isolating for some. Ageing in place helps combat feelings of loneliness
Home Care Package Assistance: Receive the care services you need, right in the comfort of your home

Are there downsides?

While ageing in place offers many benefits, it’s important to consider a few potential challenges:

Access to Assistance: If you live in a remote area or need specialised care, it might be difficult to find support
Cost of Modifications: Home modifications, such as installing wheelchair ramps, can be expensive
Safety Concerns: Everyday tasks can become risky as we age. Some home adjustments may be needed to ensure safety

Is ageing in place right for me?

Before deciding to age in place, it’s important to assess your home and identify any changes that may be required. For some, this could mean downsizing to a smaller home, while others may need modifications.

You should also consider how you’ll access support at home. Two main options are available: the Commonwealth Home Support Programme and Home Care Packages. Trilogy Care has developed guide explaining the difference between the two programs. Generally, we recommend Home Care Packages, as they offer greater control and flexibility over your care.

How can Trilogy Care help?

Trilogy Care is an approved provider of Home Care Packages, helping you access in-home care and giving you the power to manage your support independently. Our self-managed Home Care Packages enable you to maintain full control over your care, allowing you to age in place successfully.

If you’d like to learn more about self-managing your support, check out our article.

Home Care Packages, like those offered by Trilogy Care, allow you to receive the care you need in the comfort of your own home. These packages come in four levels, each tailored to suit your specific care needs.

Services you can access through a Home Care Package include:

Personal care, such as help with bathing, dressing, getting out of bed, and taking medication
Domestic assistance, including cleaning, gardening, and home maintenance
Meal preparation
Transport
Social support
Hire of care equipment
Nursing care
Allied health support
Assistance with managing memory and behavioural changes, including dementia
Advanced healthcare
Palliative care

If you’d like to hear more about how Trilogy Care can help you age in place, contact us on our website or call us on 1300 459 190.

Support at Home - How will it change aged care at home?

The Home Care Package program will be replaced by the Support at Home program from 1 November 2025. As part of the aged care reforms, all Home Care Package recipients will be transitioned to this new system. The Support at Home 2025 program has been developed to enable more funding, provide a higher quality of care, and improve the overall system as Australia’s population continues to age and aged care at home becomes more important.

No Worse Off Principle

To ensure all Home Care Package recipients continue to receive the funding they need, the “No worse off” principle has been introduced. This ensures that your funding will not be reduced during the transition to the Support at Home 2025 program.

Moving to Support at Home

The introduction of the Support at Home program allows individuals with a Home Care Package to maintain their funding level and keep any unspent funds. This ensures that no care recipient will lose the care they need under the new system.

The “No worse off principle” will apply to contributions arrangements for people who, as of 12 September 2024, were either receiving a Home Care Package, on the National Priority System, or assessed as eligible for a package. These participants will not face higher contributions compared to what they would have paid under the Home Care Package arrangements.

What else is changing?

The Support at Home 2025 system is being reformed to improve the delivery of care and funding within aged care at home. Some key changes include:

Faster access to funding, reducing waiting times
Expanded classification system, now with ten categories, providing more funding options for care recipients
Defined services list, offering greater transparency about what the Support at Home program covers
Capped price system to prevent aged care recipients from being overcharged, allowing more care hours and assistance

Independence at home

The Support at Home system places a strong emphasis on independence. Clients managing aged care at home will have immediate access to assistive technology and home modifications through the new Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) Scheme. This separate funding scheme means that care recipients no longer need to save their package funds for these supports.

The AT-HM scheme will cover prescriptions, item purchases, delivery, and installation. Additionally, extra funding is available for restorative care and end-of-life care, with up to $25,000 provided over a 12-week period, as needed.

What are the fees?

Contributions in the Support at Home 2025 system differ from the Home Care Package. The new program is designed to help keep people at home and out of hospital. Services are divided into three categories: clinical care, independence, and everyday living.

Clinical care (e.g., nursing and physiotherapy): Fully funded by the government across the aged care system to help keep care recipients healthy and active
Independence services (e.g., personal care): Moderately funded, reflecting their importance in maintaining independence
Everyday living services (e.g., cleaning and gardening): Attract higher contribution rates, as these are not typically covered by government funding

Fees will depend on your funding level and personal circumstances (whether you are a full pensioner, part pensioner, or self-funded retiree). However, under the no worse off principle, current Home Care Package recipients will not pay more when they move to the Support at Home program.

When do the changes take effect?

The Support at Home system will take effect from 1 November 2025. This allows time for care recipients, carers, service providers, and My Aged Care to prepare for the transition to the new aged care at home program.

While the system is changing, it is expected that recipients will receive more comprehensive, high-quality care under Support at Home. These reforms aim to enhance the level of support available to you at home.

For more information, visit the Department of Health’s website or sign up for the online webinar.

What is your Home Care Package budget?

Every person with a Home Care Package is given a budget based on their care needs and package level. This budget covers the total funds available to help with age-related care and services. In some cases, extra funds may be available depending on your specific circumstances.

When you choose a Home Care Package provider and sign your Home Care Agreement, your budget is allocated to a care plan designed to provide the services you need to live comfortably at home.

Managing your budget

Managing your Home Care Package budget can be straightforward. You’ll need to:

Pay invoices
Check statements
Keep your receipts safe

Your Home Care Package provider will help plan and schedule the care services that fit within your budget. If your needs change, let your provider know so they can adjust your plan and budget accordingly.

Receiving statements

Each month, your Home Care Package provider will send you a statement showing your spending for that month. You can receive these statements by mail, email, or access them online. The statement will show:

The amount of home care subsidy for the month
Any home care fees paid or outstanding
A breakdown of the care services your provider has charged for
The total of any unspent funds

What are Home Care Package budget supplements?

You may also qualify for extra funding (known as supplements) for specific care needs. For example, if you have dementia or require enteral feeding, you could receive additional funding to help cover the cost.

The Australian Government provides these supplements for people with specific health needs, such as:

Dementia and cognition supplement: For people with moderate to severe cognitive impairment, including dementia
Enteral feeding supplement: For those who receive nutrition through a feeding tube
Oxygen supplement: For people who need ongoing oxygen therapy
Top-up supplement: For those who moved from an EACH-D package to Home Care Package Level 4 with a dementia supplement
Veterans’ supplement: For veterans with mental health conditions related to their service
Hardship supplement: For people facing financial difficulty in paying aged care fees
Viability supplement: For residents in rural and remote areas where care services are more expensive

Trilogy Care’s Home Care Package budget

At Trilogy Care, we believe in empowering you to take control of your budget. By self-managing, you can choose the care workers and services that suit your needs.

As a self-managed provider, we are here to help you get the most value from your Home Care Package. Unlike traditional providers, we offer lower fees, meaning more of your budget goes toward your care.

To learn how Trilogy Care can support you, visit our website or call us at 1300 459 190.

Home Care Package providers – why do I need one?

Why do I need a Home Care Package provider Home Care Package providers

Home Care Package providers are essential in Australia’s aged care industry. They help older Australians access the care and support they need through Home Care Package funding, allowing them to continue living in their cherished homes.

As our population ages, the ability to age in place has never been more important. Providers like Trilogy Care are here to support you, offering self-management options that give you greater control and ensure you get the most value from your Home Care Package.

What do Home Care Package providers do?

The Department of Health advises that Home Care Package providers should collaborate with care recipients to tailor care and services to support your specific needs and goals. That’s why choosing a provider who truly has your best interests in mind is essential.

Home Care Package providers will work with you to develop a care plan and manage your budget. These are critical, as your care plan and budget determine the type and amount of support you can access each day.

Your care plan and budget are based on your ACAT assessment and further refined by your provider to meet your unique requirements. In addition, your provider takes care of the daily administration of your package—this includes matching you with a care partner, paying invoices, and offering budget management support.

Why do I need a Home Care Package provider?

To start receiving your support services, you must sign up with a registered Home Care Package provider. This is because providers are legally responsible for delivering services according to national requirements.

Providers ensure that care recipients receive high-quality care and that funds are managed properly, in line with national standards and regulations. Additionally, the cost of managing these services must be considered ‘reasonable’ and agreed upon in advance.

At a minimum, all Home Care Package providers must:

Provide a monthly statement for care recipients
Conduct an annual review of your Home Care Agreement and care plan

Choosing a provider

It’s important to consider what type of Home Care Package provider best suits your lifestyle and needs. There are two kinds of providers – fully managed and self-managed.

Both fully managed and self-managed Home Care Packages have advantages and disadvantages. It’s crucial to think about which type of provider can best meet your care and support requirements.

In short, self-management allows you to choose your own care workers, set their working hours, negotiate rates, and is typically more cost-effective. However, if you feel you may struggle to organise your care, fully managed providers can coordinate this for you—though they often charge higher fees for this service.

Another option to consider is Trilogy Care’s Self Managed PLUS service. This option offers care coordination for less than traditional providers. For more information on self-managed and fully managed Home Care Package providers, view our blog on the topic.

To discuss which option is best for your lifestyle and care needs, contact us at any time or call our team on 1300 459 190.