Important changes to the Support at Home program - annual caps

Support at Home annual caps

Important news was released today, 19 November, about the upcoming Support at Home program. Following strong resistance to the annual caps on cleaning and gardening from care recipients, their families, and aged care workers, the government has announced a change. The proposed annual caps have been removed from the aged care bill altogether. 

What does this mean for care recipients?

This is excellent news for care recipients, particularly those who heavily rely on cleaning and gardening services. The latest information indicates that annual caps will not be enforced on these services, allowing you to allocate funding as needed. 

For clients who are self-managing their Home Care Packages, this means you will continue to have the freedom and choice to select your support services as required for your current living situation. 

What else is changing?

As federal discussions continue around the Support at Home program, it is clear that more changes are needed. With the federal opposition suggesting 30 additional changes to the reform, more changes are likely on the way. 

One suggestion already made is greater transparency surrounding wait times for Home Care Packages and the Commonwealth Home Support Program. 

As always, the team here at Trilogy Care will keep you informed of the changes as we learn about them ourselves. 

What are the five main advantages of self-management?

Trilogy Care is widely recognised across Australia as a leader in Home Care Packages through our self-management options, empowering older Australians and their families to customise in-home care to match personal needs and preferences. By providing flexible, tailored care services, we ensure that each recipient can maximise their funding on support services to enhance their quality of life. 

There are many self-management advantages; below are the top five benefits our care recipients most often share with us about self-managing their Home Care Packages:

1. Better value

Trilogy Care offers two tiers of self-managed Home Care Package support: Self Managed and Self Managed PLUS. Our Self Managed tier has a package management fee of just 15%, while Self Managed PLUS is set at 26%—both providing significant savings when compared to industry standards. This added value means more funds are available for essential support services you need.

2. Enhanced flexibility

Flexibility is a key benefit for our care recipients. The freedom to adjust care services and schedules supports independence at home and relieves stress by adapting to individual needs. Trilogy Care’s flexible approach prioritises your comfort and choice.

3. Empowered choice

One of the greatest benefits of Trilogy Care is the ability to make personal choices about your care. From developing initial care plans to selecting care providers and support services, we work closely with each recipient to ensure they have meaningful input every step of the way.

4. In-home comfort and security

Staying in the comfort of one’s own home while receiving personal and medical care can make a profound difference. In-home care helps maintain a sense of familiarity and control, supporting safety, happiness, and overall wellbeing.

5. Trilogy Care community

Trilogy Care Connect, our dedicated Facebook community, enables care recipients to stay connected, share experiences, and access support in a safe online space. This platform allows us to gather feedback directly from our community, helping us refine our services to meet their evolving needs effectively.

Furthermore, it allows care recipients and their families to share self-management advice and tips to improve their experience while receiving in-home care.

Discover Trilogy Care’s many advantages

If you’re ready to experience the benefits of self-managed care with Trilogy Care, we’re here to help. From value and flexibility to choice, comfort, and community, our services are designed to improve your health, lifestyle, and wellbeing.

Get in touch today to start your Home Care Package journey: click here or call us on 1300 459 190.

What type of self-management is best for me?

what type of self-management

Trilogy Care offers two management options for your Home Care Package that allow for more value, choice and flexibility:Self Managed and Self Managed PLUS. Before beginning your Home Care Package journey, it’s important to consider which of our two self-management options best suits your unique circumstances.

What is self-management?

Self-managed Home Care Packages offer significant benefits compared to traditionally managed options, empowering care recipients to:

  • Increase their care hours
  • Collaboratively create a care plan and budget with a dedicated care partner
  • Gain control over how funds are spent
  • Select services and prices suited to their lifestyle

Many care recipients prefer a self-managed approach as it allows them to tailor their support services to meet their specific needs and preferences.

What options are available?

Trilogy Care offers both Self Managed and Self Managed PLUS options to cater to all preferences. Each has unique advantages, and it’s helpful to consider these before making a choice. Below is a breakdown of what each option includes.

Self Managed

Self Managed is Trilogy Care’s first tier of Home Care Package support. For 15% of your Home Care Package fee, you’ll receive:

Care management: A dedicated care partner to help create a care plan and budget that can be reviewed as needs evolve

Clinical support: Access to our in-house nursing team for any medical or health concerns

Compliance support: Background checks by our compliance team on service providers to ensure your safety

Package management: Assistance with the financial aspects of your package, including invoices and reimbursements

Portal access: All care recipients have access to the Trilogy Care Portal, allowing you to manage your Home Care Package at any time.

Self Managed PLUS

Self Managed PLUS is Trilogy Care’s second tier of Home Care Package support. It includes all the benefits of the Self Managed tier, along with:

Care coordination: An additional service where a coordinator assists in sourcing and matching support service providers to best suit your needs

What are the prices?

Trilogy Care recognises the importance of your funding in maintaining your independence. Our pricing structure is designed to allow more of your funding to go towards support services.

Self Managed: 15% of the Home Care Package fee

Self Managed PLUS: 26% of the Home Care Package fee

 

Self-management Home Care Package price

Which option is right for me?

When choosing Trilogy Care as your Home Care Package provider, you’ll need to decide between the Self Managed and Self Managed PLUS service types. The primary difference, apart from cost, is the addition of care coordination services in the Self Managed PLUS tier.

Consider whether care coordination would benefit you. While some care recipients find this service invaluable, others are comfortable finding support providers independently or with assistance from a family member, friend, or representative.

With the Self Managed tier at just a 15% fee, you’ll have more funds to allocate towards services, though with less support in selecting providers. Ultimately, the choice depends on your needs, abilities, and preferences.

At Trilogy Care, we know your needs and preferences may change over time. Self-managing with us means you’ll always have the freedom to adjust your care as needed. Anytime you wish to modify your support services, we’re here to help.

Enjoy self-management with Trilogy Care

At Trilogy Care, we’re committed to helping you remain independent, healthy, and in control of your care. Our two approaches to self-management empower you to control your funding while receiving the support that best meets your needs.

Whether you choose Self Managed or Self Managed PLUS, you can trust Trilogy Care to support your journey. To discuss our self-managed Home Care Packages, call us on 1300 459 190 or contact us via our website.

Support at Home - key information for care recipients

The Department of Health and Aged Care has released new details about the upcoming Support at Home program. Trilogy Care has reviewed the updates and summarised the key changes for you below. It is important to note that these changes are subject to the passage of the new Aged Care Act through Parliament.

New pathways for support

One significant change in the Support at Home program is the increase in classification levels for care recipients. The existing four levels under the Home Care Package system will expand to eight levels, plus two short-term pathways: Restorative Care and End-of-Life Pathways.

These short-term pathways are designed for those who need additional support to remain at home. The Restorative Care Pathway offers up to 12 weeks of support, while the End-of-Life Pathway is available for individuals with three months or less to live.

The eight classification levels of Support at Home

Below are the funding amounts for the eight levels of Support at Home, along with the short-term pathways:

ClassificationQuarterly BudgetAnnual Amount
1~$2,750~$11,000
2~$4,000~$16,000
3~$5,500~$22,000
4~$7,500~$30,000
5~$10,000~$40,000
6~$12,000~$48,000
7~$14,500~$58,000
8~$19,500~$78,000
Restorative Care Pathway

~ $6,000 (12 weeks)

May increase to ~$12,000 when eligible		N/A
End-of-Life Pathway~$25,000 (12 weeks)N/A

Details on the Restorative Care Pathway

The Restorative Care Pathway provides up to 12 weeks of additional support to help maintain and improve independence, offering:

  • Up to 12 weeks of restorative services
  • Additional services alongside existing Support at Home services
  • An extra budget of ~$6,000 (or up to $12,000 if required) for allied health services

Details on the End-of-Life Pathway

The End-of-Life Pathway allows recipients to receive higher levels of in-home care during their final months, providing:

  • Up to 12 weeks of support with a funding cap of $25,000
  • Access to enhanced care services to support comfort and dignity

What will change for Home Care Package care recipients?

The key differences for those transitioning from Home Care Packages to Support at Home include:

The “No Worse Off Principle” ensures that current Home Care Package recipients will maintain their level of funding and support under Support at Home.

Changes to Unspent Funds

Unlike the current system, the Support at Home program features quarterly budgets, providing greater flexibility. Unspent funds can be carried over to the next quarter, up to a maximum of $1,000 or 10% of the budget.

Any funds accrued under the Home Care Package Program will be retained upon transitioning to Support at Home, and are not subject to quarterly rollover limits.

Quarterly Timeframes:

  • July to September
  • October to December
  • January to March
  • April to June

Is re-assessment required?

No re-assessment is needed for current Home Care Package recipients or those on the National Priority System; all will transition to Support at Home from 1 November 2025.

Is there additional support for people from diverse backgrounds?

Care recipients from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds may qualify for additional care management supplements. Providers can also apply for a 2-year thin market grant to support care in rural or remote areas and for diverse populations.

Additional funding can be providing for:

  • Individuals referred by the care finder program
  • Older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
  • Those at risk of homelessness
  • Care leavers (people separated from family by forced adoption)
  • Veterans approved for the Veteran’s Supplement

Is respite included in Support at Home?

The Support at Home program does not include temporary leave provisions like respite care.

What are the annual caps for gardening and cleaning?

The initial annual caps proposed by the government have been removed and are no longer a part of the Support at Home program. 

Trilogy Care will look after you

Trilogy Care is committed to making your transition to the Support at Home system as smooth as possible. We aim to provide high-quality care and support, enabling you to continue benefiting from self-management.

We will keep you updated as more information becomes available. If you have any concerns, please reach out to your care partner or contact us via our website.

Home modifications to support ageing

Home modifications

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

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?

My Aged Care Letters

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

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?

support at home

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

What is changing with Support at Home?

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

Unspent funds

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

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

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

How is the income tested care fee changing?

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

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

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

Can I still self-manage?

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

What do the new funding classifications mean?

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

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

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

What if I was already receiving funding?

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

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

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

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

The proposed funding amounts are as follows:

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

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

When will more information about Support at Home be available?

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

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

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

Who is eligible for a Home Care Package?

eligible

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

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

Additionally, eligibility may depend on factors such as:

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

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

Applying for the assessment

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

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

Home Care Packages vs. Commonwealth Home Support Programme

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

When should I apply for a Home Care Package?

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

What if I’m not eligible?

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

Starting on a Home Care Package

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

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