What is OPAN and aged care advocacy?

OPAN, what is OPAN, aged care advocacy, Trilogy Care OPAN, Trilogy Care advocacy. Trilogy Care advocates, aged care advocates

If you’re navigating aged care in Australia, knowing your rights is essential — and that’s where OPAN, aged care advocacy, and Trilogy Care can help. The Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) provides free, independent support to older Australians receiving government-funded care, while Trilogy Care empowers clients to understand their advocacy options, manage their funding, and speak up with confidence.

What is OPAN?

OPAN (Older Persons Advocacy Network) is a national service funded by the Australian Government. It offers free, confidential, and independent advocacy services to people accessing aged care through programs like Home Care Packages, the Support at Home program or residential care.

Whether you’re at home receiving aged care, helping a parent navigate the system, or preparing for a care assessment — OPAN is here to ensure your voice is heard and your rights are protected.

What is aged care advocacy?

Aged care advocacy is the process of supporting older Australians to understand their rights, raise concerns, and make informed choices about their care.

Aged care advocates provide:

You can advocate for yourself — or work with someone who advocates with or on your behalf.

Trilogy Care and aged care advocacy

At Trilogy Care, we believe every client should feel informed, empowered and confident when navigating aged care. While we’re not a formal advocacy organisation, we actively encourage the use of aged care advocacy services like OPAN.

Our team helps clients:

  • Understand how their Home Care Package and Support at Home funding works
  • Identify when they might benefit from independent advocacy
  • Connect with aged care advocates such as those at OPAN when needed

We’re here to provide clarity and support — so our clients feel equipped to speak up, ask questions and make decisions that work for them.

When should you contact OPAN?

You can contact aged care OPAN services if:

  • You’re unsure about your rights in aged care
  • You’re unhappy with the care you or a loved one is receiving
  • You’ve experienced elder abuse or neglect
  • You want help navigating assessments, fees, or service changes
  • You need support to resolve a complaint

OPAN advocates will listen, provide advice, and support you to take action. Their services are always free and independent of any aged care provider.

Aged care advocates are crucial

Aged care can be complex — but you don’t have to navigate it alone. With support from aged care advocates, you can feel confident, informed and empowered at every stage.

Whether you need independent advocacy from OPAN or tailored guidance through Trilogy Care advocacy, support is available to help you get the most from your care experience.

What is a Home Care Package? Trilogy Care explains

Home Care Package aged care package trilogy care

As we age, staying safe, comfortable, and independent in our own homes becomes a priority. A Home Care Package (HCP), sometimes referred to as an aged care package, is a government-subsidised program designed to help older Australians access the support they need to live well at home for longer. At Trilogy Care, we specialise in making this process simple, empowering individuals to take control of their care through flexible, affordable options.

Understanding a Home Care Package

A Home Care Package provides coordinated services that support your health, safety, and daily living. Funded by the Australian Government, this program assists with everything from personal care and domestic help to allied health and nursing support.

There are four levels of HCPs, ranging from basic to high care needs. The level you receive is based on an assessment by the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT).

What's included in an aged care package?

Your Home Care Package, also known as an aged care package, can include:

  • Personal care (e.g., help with showering and dressing)
  • Domestic support (e.g., cleaning, cooking)
  • Allied health services (e.g., physio, podiatry)
  • Nursing services
  • Transport assistance
  • Equipment and home modifications

With Trilogy Care, you can choose how your funding is spent and who provides your care—giving you complete control and value.

Why choose Trilogy Care?

Trilogy Care is a leading self-managed provider that helps you maximise your Home Care Package funding. Whether you’re just getting started or switching providers, we support you with expert guidance, low fees, and transparent communication.

We make aged care simple, affordable, and tailored to your needs. You can read more about our services and pricing on our website.

So if you want to get started on you aged care package journey, give us a call on 1300 459 190 or contact us today.

Why more Australians are choosing in-home care over residential aged care

in-home care over residential aged care

For many older Australians and their families, choosing the right care option can be a challenging decision. While residential aged care has long been considered the default choice, in-home care is becoming an increasingly popular alternative—allowing older people to receive professional support while staying in the comfort of their own home.

With greater flexibility, independence, and emotional well-being, in-home care is proving to be a preferred option for those who want to maintain their lifestyle while receiving the care they need.

The comfort of home matters

Home is more than just a place to live—it’s where we feel safe, surrounded by familiar routines, personal belongings, and cherished memories. The thought of leaving that behind for an aged care facility can be daunting for many older Australians.

With in-home care, individuals can continue to live in a space they know and love, maintaining their daily routines while receiving tailored support that fits their lifestyle. Whether it’s waking up at their usual time, relaxing in their favourite chair, or staying close to neighbours and family, being at home contributes to emotional and physical well-being.

Care that fits your needs

One of the biggest advantages of in-home care is that it’s completely tailored to individual needs. Unlike residential aged care, which operates on standardised schedules and shared resources, in-home care provides one-on-one support that evolves as needs change.

From assistance with daily tasks like cooking and personal care to more specialised support for health conditions, in-home care ensures that individuals receive exactly the help they need—nothing more, nothing less. This flexibility allows for better care outcomes and a higher quality of life.

A more affordable option

Cost is often a major consideration when choosing between in-home care and residential aged care. While the upfront costs of in-home care might seem high, it often becomes a more cost-effective solution in the long run.

Instead of paying for a full suite of services (as is required in residential aged care), in-home care allows individuals to choose only the services they need, making it a more budget-friendly and customisable option. Plus, with government funding and Home Care Packages available in Australia, in-home care is more accessible than many people realise.

Maintaining strong family connections

One of the biggest concerns about residential aged care is that it can sometimes create distance between individuals and their families. Visiting hours, structured schedules, and location constraints can make regular visits more challenging.

With in-home care, families can stay actively involved in their loved one’s care—whether it’s through frequent visits, participating in daily activities, or being part of the care planning process. This ongoing involvement helps maintain strong emotional bonds and ensures older Australians continue to feel connected and supported.

Enhanced emotional and mental well-being

Moving into residential aged care can be an emotional adjustment. It’s not uncommon for older Australians to experience feelings of isolation, anxiety, or loss of independence when transitioning to a facility-based setting.

In-home care helps preserve a sense of normalcy and stability. Being surrounded by familiar faces, cherished belongings, and the comforts of home contributes significantly to emotional well-being. Additionally, maintaining a level of independence—whether it’s choosing their daily routine or staying involved in their community—can boost self-esteem and mental health.

Trilogy Care will support you

Every person’s care journey is unique, but for many Australians, in-home care is the best way to stay independent, comfortable, and connected while receiving the support they need.

If you’re exploring aged care options for yourself or a loved one, Trilogy Care is here to help. Give us a call on 1300 459 190 or visit our website to learn more about how in-home care can work for you.

Take Trilogy Care of yourself

Take Trilogy Care of yourself

Founded in 2020, Trilogy Care is dedicated to delivering effective, efficient self-management options to older Australians living with a Home Care Package. Our mission is to provide value, choice, and flexibility, empowering care recipients to live independently at home for as long as possible.

What is Trilogy Care?

Trilogy Care was established to provide Australians with self-managed Home Care Package solutions. Since our inception, we have grown to become one of the country’s leading providers of self-management options, valued for our commitment to choice and independence.

Learn more about our foundation and journey here.

What sets Trilogy Care apart?

At Trilogy Care, we pride ourselves on offering true value and choice in care. By focusing on flexibility and independence, we enable our care recipients to maintain control over their care.

The Trilogy Care difference includes:

  • Savings of up to $12,288 per year on administration fees
  • Up to 446 additional care hours annually
  • Low fees—just 15% of your Home Care Package
  • An online service portal to support self-management
  • No hidden or exit fees
  • Freedom to source and manage your own care workers
  • Flexibility to negotiate rates and select the support you want

We understand the importance of having choice, freedom, and flexibility in your care. That’s why we provide a wide range of options to give you full control over your Home Care Package.

What is self-management?

Trilogy Care specialises in self-managed Home Care Packages, which enable care recipients to actively participate in managing and coordinating their services. Unlike traditional providers, we empower you to:

  • Select and manage your preferred care workers
  • Tailor your services to align with your lifestyle

Improve your lifestyle with Trilogy Care

We are here to help you enhance your quality of life and well-being. Our team works with you to create a personalised care plan that connects you to services relevant to your needs, ensuring you only receive the care you require.

Speak with us today

Starting your Home Care Package journey can be challenging, but our team is here to make the process as smooth as possible.

If you have any questions or need guidance, call our friendly team on 1300 459 190 or contact us via our website. Let us help you take the first step toward greater independence and well-being.

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.

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.

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.

 

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.