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.

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.

What is your Home Care Package budget?

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.

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.