Home Caring – why it’s vital for ageing in place

In Home Caring in-home caring ageing in place

As we age, living in a familiar and comfortable home becomes increasingly important. Our homes are where we create lasting memories and feel most at ease. However, as mobility and health issues arise, maintaining our homes can become challenging.

To this end, home caring has become increasingly popular within aged care. Home caring, a service that supports and assists individuals in their residences, enables older Australians to connect with services that increase their independence and quality of life.

Home caring options

There are many different ways that one might receive home care. These include:

  1. Home Care Packages: Home Care Packages offer personalised care and support for seniors living at home. These packages are tailored to meet everyone’s specific needs, covering daily activities, healthcare services, and social support. Home Care Packages come in 4 different levels, depending on the recipient’s care needs and can be self-managed for better value.
  1. Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP): The CHSP provides various entry-level support services to help seniors live independently at home. These services may include housekeeping, meal preparation, personal care, and social activities. CHSP is designed to be affordable and accessible, offering the support seniors need to age with dignity and autonomy in their own homes.
  1. Living with a family member: For some seniors, living with a family member may be the preferred home care option. This arrangement allows seniors to remain in a familiar and supportive environment while receiving assistance from their loved ones. Living with family members provides emotional support, companionship, and a sense of belonging that enhances overall well-being.
  1. Live-in care: This care involves a caregiver residing in the senior’s home to provide continuous support. This option is ideal for seniors needing intensive care and supervision due to health or mobility issues.
  1. Adult daycare: Adult daycare programs offer structured activities, socialisation, and supervision for seniors during the day while their primary caregivers are at work or otherwise engaged.

Which home caring option is best for me?

Selecting a home care option can be challenging, especially if you are new to aged care services. When choosing a home care provider, it’s important to consider your needs, preferences, and lifestyle.

Start by deciding what type of care suits your lifestyle. For example, if you live with a family member who is willing and able to assist with your care, that person might be best suited to provide your care. However, a Home Care Package or CHSP may be more appropriate if you live alone.

Consider what services you need. If you require more complex care, a Home Care Package can connect you with all the services necessary to age well in your home. Home Care Packages can also be self-managed, giving you greater control over your care workers and care hours.

Before making a decision, research home care agencies near you. Review the services they offer, their reputation, and their qualifications. Ask specific questions about your care needs and ensure the provider can deliver the services that match your requirements.

What are the benefits?

Home care has gained popularity in recent years, with Home Care Packages and the CHSP enabling older Australians to age in place—in the homes they love. Home caring offers many benefits, such as:

  1. Personalised Care: Home caring ensures individualised support tailored to each person’s unique needs, ensuring a more personalised and attentive approach.
  2. Independence and dignity: Remaining in their own homes allows seniors to maintain their independence, dignity, and sense of autonomy, which are vital for emotional wellbeing and a high quality of life.
  3. Familiar Environment: Home caring enables individuals to stay in familiar surroundings, reducing the stress and anxiety associated with moving to a new living environment.
  4. Enhanced lifestyle: With the support of home care services, seniors can enjoy an improved lifestyle by receiving the help they need to engage in daily activities and maintain social connections.
  5. Cost-effectiveness: In many cases, home care can be a more cost-effective option than institutional care settings, as it eliminates the expenses associated with room and board.

How to commence home care

Home care is crucial in supporting older individuals to remain in their homes for as long as possible. Personalised care promotes independence and enhances the quality of life, enabling older Australians to age in place.

If you or a loved one are considering home care, take the time to research and select a reputable provider that aligns with your needs and values. If more complex care is required, feel free to view Trilogy Care’s services and view our competitive fees.

For more information, contact us on 1300 459 190 or visit our website.

My Aged Care – who are they and what do they do?

My Aged Care What do they do?

My Aged Care is the national service that connects older Australians with aged care services. My Aged Care is responsible for assessing the eligibility of potential aged care recipients and providing information about aged care services and how they can be accessed.

How can My Aged Care help you?

My Aged Care is here to make it easier for older Australians to find and use aged care services. They handle assessments, refer you to Home Care Package providers, and help you understand the financial contributions required as part of your care package.

They also offer valuable information for you and your loved ones about in-home care, ensuring you understand the different types of aged care available and helping you choose what best suits your needs.

The ACAT Team

One of My Aged Care’s primary services is the ACAT assessment, which determines whether an older person is eligible for a Home Care Package. The ACAT team visits a potential aged care recipient’s home to assess their health, wellbeing, and lifestyle. This allows them to determine if an older person is eligible for funding and what level of Home Care Package they need.  

The ACAT team is made up of professionals from various health-related fields, including doctors, social workers, and occupational therapists, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of your health needs.

What does My Aged Care require?

In order to begin receiving aged care services from My Aged Care you must complete an ACAT assessment. To start the process, you must have a Medicare card. Additionally, you will need:

  • Medicare card
  • A form of ID
  • Contact details for your health professional, including your GP
  • A copy of any referrals from your doctor
  • Information on the support you are receiving

Accessing My Aged Care

To learn more about My Aged Care or begin the ACAT assessment process you can visit My Aged Care’s website or call 1800 200 422 for assistance. You can also contact My Aged Care via this page. If you need more details on getting help at home, or arranging support, My Aged Care can assist.

Trilogy Care can also advise you on how to start the ACAT process. If you need further information on My Aged Care, our site also contains article on how to apply for a Home Care Package and how to nominate a representative on My Aged Care.

For more help, visit our site or call us at 1300 459 190.

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.

 

 

What are Home Care Package unspent funds?

Unspent Funds

Unspent funds—what are they, and why are they important? Every Home Care Package recipient will eventually have unspent funds in their account. Knowing what these funds are and how to use them is crucial.

What are unspent funds?

Put simply, unspent funds are the total funds left over in your Home Care Package that have not been assigned to a service or a fee. If the cost of your Home Care Package services and fees is less than what you received from your monthly package government subsidy, unspent funds are accrued in your account.

How unspent funds are accrued

Below is an example of how unspent funds are accrued on Home Care Packages.

Our example person, Drew, is on a level 4 Home Care Package and receives a monthly subsidy of $4,713.24. Drew’s care plan has budgeted $3,500 of his monthly funds for various care services that help him stay safe and independent at home. Drew is a full pensioner who self-manages at Trilogy Care, who only charge a 15% flat rate. Therefore his monthly fee is only $706.98. If we put this into our formula, we see that Drew is accruing $506.26 of unspent funds per month.

Unspent Funds

There are many reasons why a care recipient may begin accruing unspent funds. The most common reasons are:

  • Your package has been upgraded
  • You require less services
  • You have chosen to save funds
  • You have not been using services for some time

Managing unspent funds

The Department of Health and Aged Care states that unspent funds are yours to manage, so long as you do not leave aged care. Therefore, it is important to remember that your unspent funds are available to be used whenever required. Alternatively, if you know your future circumstances will change within the next few months, you can choose to continue saving unspent funds. This will mean you have a larger balance available for services in the future.

If you have a self-managed Home Care Package with Trilogy Care, you can simply call your care partner to discuss using your unspent funds effectively. Your care partner will be able to provide you with options for additional support services that your unspent funds can cover.

Changing providers

Your unspent funds are yours to keep, including when changing Home Care Package providers. Within 56 days of terminating your service with a provider, you will receive a written notice. This notice will outline your unspent care amount, any deducted fees (such as exit fees), and the timeframe and method for how they will pay unspent home care amounts.

Funds must be transferred from your original provider to your new provider within 70 days of selecting a new Home Care Package. This option is only available if you choose to remain in care. Otherwise the funds will be returned to the Australian Government.

Using unspent funds with Trilogy Care

At Trilogy Care, we understand that every provider may not match your goals and needs. We can assist you with coordinating your transfer over to our self-managed Home Care Package, where a care partner can help discuss what services to use your unspent fees on.

With our flat 15% fee, we can ensure you have more control over your support services. Our dedicated care partners will assist you in understanding how to manage the unspent funds you have accrued.

If you wish to discuss how Trilogy Care can best manage your unspent funds, give our friendly team a call on 1300 459 190 or contact us online. An online unspent fund example is available here, should you need more details on how to manage your Home Care Package funds.