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Continue readingA guide to level 4 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 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—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.
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.
A guide to Level 3 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 3 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 3 Home Care Package?
A Level 3 Home Care Package is assigned to senior Australians living with intermediate care needs. Typically, they require visits on most days of the week, as those on this package need frequent assistance with many day-to-day tasks to remain healthy and independent. A standard Level 3 Home Care Package provides around 24 hours of assistance every two weeks, depending on what your provider charges.
What services are included in a Level 3 Home Care Package?
Those on a Level 3 Home Care Package tend to receive assistance with social, physical, and medical tasks and may also have psychological care needs. Those on a Level 3 package often 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 rails 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
- Support with managing memory and behavioural changes
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.
Who is eligible for a Level 3 Home Care Package?
Eligibility for a Level 3 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 low-level care needs may need to be visited three to four times 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 3 Home Care Package?
A Level 3 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 3 package is currently set at around $1,554.56 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 $111.04 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 3 Home Care Package
Applying for a Level 3 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 How to choose a Home Care Package provider.
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.
Understanding the 2024 Home Care Package funding increase
In welcome news to care recipients, the Federal Government have announced an increase to the Home Care Package subsidies and supplements, effective 1 July 2024. This adjustment is part of an ongoing effort to maintain the quality and sustainability of care services for older Australians, ensuring they receive the best possible support in their homes.
Trilogy Care is pleased to confirm that it is not making any changes to its fee structure and will continue to charge a low fixed percentage from your package each month.
What's changed?
The funding adjustment involves an increase in the overall subsidy for all Home Care Package levels, in addition to an increase to supplement amounts. This increase is necessary to account for rising operational costs and to ensure that care providers can continue to deliver high-quality services.
The government subsidy and Trilogy Care pricing for each package level is as follows:
Self Managed (15%)
Self Managed PLUS (26%)
The 1 July 2024 changes to the Home Care Package funding structure underscore the commitment to sustaining and enhancing the quality of home-based care, ensuring that older Australians continue to receive the support they need most efficiently and effectively.
The above pricing is to be used as guide. For more information on the subsidy increase and how it will change your personal Home Care Package, please log onto the Trilogy Care Portal or speak to your care partner.
What qualifications do my carers need?
If you self-manage your home care package your carers will need the right qualifications and compliance checks - this is what they will need.
Continue readingThe difference between self-managed and fully managed Home Care Packages
Self-management is the revolutionary new way for senior Australians to maximise their home care package - these are the key differences.
Continue readingFinding care workers or support services
Finding care workers or support services when self-managing your Home Care Package can be easy if you know how!
One of the benefits of self-managing your Home Care Package is having the flexibility to choose your care or support service providers.
There are many ways to find support services in your area and, depending on where you live, there could be many people in your area looking for new clients.
How to source support services
- Workers are already working with you
- Recommended by a friend, family member or health worker
- Local service providers
- Online support service platforms or carer marketplaces
Local support services can be found through
- Local directory boards
- Community support groups
- Local newspapers
- Google search
- Social media groups
Online support service platforms or carer marketplaces include websites such as:
Engaging in community forums, such as online community groups, can provide insights into preferred service providers in your area.
Another critical aspect to consider is the compatibility between the carer and the client. This goes beyond professional qualifications and includes factors such as personality, interests, and communication style. A good match can significantly enhance the quality of care and the overall experience for both parties. Some online platforms offer matching services based on these criteria, so it’s worth investigating these options.
Finally, always ensure that the service providers you are considering have a transparent pricing structure. Understanding the costs involved upfront can help you manage your Home Care Package funds more effectively and avoid any unexpected expenses. Regularly reviewing and assessing your care needs and the effectiveness of your chosen providers is also important to ensure you are getting the best value and care possible
If you need help understanding what to look for when finding care worker or support service, you can read our article on factors to consider when choosing a carer or service provider.
It’s important to note that service providers will need correct qualifications and complete Trilogy Care compliance checks to be paid under your Home Care Package funds. You can read more about service provider qualification requirements on our carer qualifications page.
By taking these additional factors into account, you can make a more informed decision when choosing care or service providers for your Home Care Package, ensuring a more satisfying and effective care experience.
Factors to consider when choosing a care worker or support service
Having access to reliable and consistent care workers and support services can make self-managing your Home Care Package a more secure and reassuring process than navigating a Home Care Package with an unreliable traditional provider. This article will help you understand they key factors to consider for when choosing for new care workers or support services to help you identify a carer that will suit your ongoing needs.
Consider your needs:
Firstly, it’s best to identify the type of support you’re looking for, any health conditions you have that may impact the type of support you need and your availability. Whether you need domestic help or nursing support, understanding your needs before reaching out to new service providers will help you to explain your needs and determine whether a service provider aligns with your requirements.
Finding care workers and support services:
Once you’ve identified your needs, you can start looking for suitable care workers and support services. There are many places to look for a new support services including:
- Recommendations from friends, family or neighbours,
- Online directories such as Careseekers or HireUp
- Local organisations like seniors’ groups, your local community centre or medical centre
- Your local newspaper, or
- Google search
Interview and visit:
Contact the service providers you're interested in and schedule interviews or visits. This will help you assess their suitability, ask questions, and get a feel for their approach and environment.
Compare costs:
Inquire about the costs associated with the care services. Compare prices and consider your budget.
Check references and online reviews:
Ask for references from the care providers and contact them to learn about their experiences. Online and Google reviews can also help you understand how other clients rate their services.
Trust your instincts:
Trust your gut feeling about a provider. Personal rapport and trust are crucial in care relationships.
Consider compatibility:
Evaluate if the provider's schedule, location, and approach align with your needs and preferences.
Carer credentials and qualifications:
Trilogy Care provides a compliance service for all new care providers and support workers. We background check any staff you would like to work with to ensure they have a current ABN, insurance and other requirements relevant to the work they will perform.
Review contracts and agreements:
Carefully review any contracts or service agreements before making a final decision. The Trilogy Care compliance team and your Trilogy Care care partner can also assist with reviewing any care agreements.
Remember that finding the right care provider may take some time and effort, but it's essential to ensure the well-being of yourself or your loved ones. Take your time to research and make an informed choice.
Would you like to know more about how to self-manage your Home Care Package? You can read more on our website or complete the below form and a member of our team will reach out to you.