Wellbeing Archives - Page 2 of 4

Plena Healthcare – improving allied health in aged care

Plena Health allied health Plena Healthcare allied healthcare

Plena Healthcare is Australia’s largest allied health service provider, with over 1,300 therapists working across the country. They make it easier for aged care recipients to access tailored allied health services that align with their individual needs. As a proud partner of Trilogy Care, Plena Healthcare is delighted to offer care recipients an exclusive 10% discount on their services.

Plena Healthcare’s expert team is dedicated to listening, connecting, and nurturing care recipients. They focus on addressing each individual’s needs through a holistic approach to healthcare.

Plena Healthcare was established through the merger of several expert organisation, with the goal of improving allied healthcare for Australians. With more than 30 years of experience in their respective fields, they deliver quality care designed to enhance your quality of life and maintain independence.

What services do they offer?

Plena Healthcare specialises in a wide range of allied health services, including:

Their highly qualified team can provide these services at a time and place that suits your lifestyle, including in-home care. Every team member holds the necessary certifications, insurance, and a current national police check for your peace of mind.

Physiotherapy for long-term solutions

Plena Healthcare understands the immense value of physiotherapy in enhancing the quality of life for older Australians. Whether you’re experiencing mobility challenges or balance concerns, physiotherapy can play a key role in maintaining your independence and wellbeing.

Here are three significant benefits of physiotherapy for older individuals:

Preventing falls and injuries
As we age, maintaining balance and mobility becomes increasingly important. Physiotherapy can help strengthen muscles, improve coordination, and boost confidence to reduce the risk of falls and related injuries.
Promoting heart health
Regular physiotherapy can support better circulation and cardiovascular health, helping you stay active and feel energised.
Overcoming age-related challenges
From easing chronic pain to assisting with recovery after surgery or injury, physiotherapy addresses the physical challenges of ageing. It helps you stay mobile, achieve your personal goals, and enjoy an active lifestyle.

No matter your health needs, physiotherapy can offer tailored support to help you feel your best as you age.

Coverage across Australia

Plena Healthcare offers national coverage, delivering services to clients across regional, rural, and remote locations. With a workforce of over 1,300 allied health specialists, they are well-equipped to support clients regardless of location.

What’s on offer for care recipients?

As a Trilogy Care client, you can enjoy a 10% discount on Plena Healthcare services. Simply arrange your appointment through your care partner or care coordinator, who will assist with applying the discount to your service.

For additional information about Plena Healthcare’s services, visit their website here. Alternatively, contact your care partner or reach out to Trilogy Care directly on 1300 459 190. You can also connect with us via our website at anytime.

How can older people support their local community?

At Trilogy Care, we understand how important your local community is to you. It can even form part of your care circle. Giving back to your community is a meaningful way to stay connected.

There are plenty of ways you can make a difference! In this article, we explore how care recipients can give back and feel more engaged.

How can I do to support my community?

Older Australians contribute to their local communities in many ways. Whether it’s preparing food, babysitting, or donating money, every act of kindness matters. These activities not only benefit others but also provide a sense of purpose and help combat feelings of isolation.

Looking after the little ones

For many older Australians, spending time with grandchildren is one of the most rewarding parts of life. Being asked to babysit offers an opportunity to create precious memories and share valuable life skills. It’s also a great way to stay actively involved in your family’s life.

Preparing food

Cooking and sharing meals is a time-honoured way to bring people together. Many older Australians love preparing food for family and friends, especially during the holiday season when it can be a huge help for those going through tough times.

If preparing large quantities of food has become less practical for you, services like Cookaborough make it easy to continue giving back. They provide meals from more than 150 kitchens nationwide and even offer special deals for Home Care Package recipients.

Donating to those in need

Donations are another impactful way to support your community. Whether it’s clothes, food, blankets, money, or your time, every contribution helps.

It’s heartening to see older Australians leading the way in charitable giving. According to the Institute of Community Directors Australia, senior Australians lead the way for post-pandemic donations, reinforcing their vital role in supporting local charities.

Assistance from Trilogy Care

This article highlights some common ways to give back to your community. If you’d like to explore these options further but aren’t sure where to start, your care partner at Trilogy Care is here to help.

If you’re not yet part of the Trilogy Care family and want to experience the freedom and value of a self-managed Home Care Package, call us today on 1300 459 190 or visit our website to learn more.

Diet tips for care recipients

As we grow older, maintaining a healthy and well-rounded diet becomes even more essential. At Trilogy Care, we understand that various factors can influence your ability to maintain good eating habits. In our role of supporting you as our care recipients, we’ve prepared some simple nutrition tips to help you stay healthy.

Dietary guidelines

A great starting point for a healthy diet is following the Australian Dietary Guidelines:

Enjoy a variety of foods from the five food groups
Drink plenty of water—aim for eight cups daily
Limit foods high in saturated fats
Choose foods with mostly polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats
Reduce foods and drinks with added salt and sugar
Minimise alcohol intake
Keep ‘extras’ or ‘sometimes foods’ to a minimum
Stay physically active

Why a healthy diet matters

Age-related health changes can make it harder to eat or enjoy meals. However, providing your body with essential vitamins, minerals, and fibre is vital for staying strong and energetic.

More than 65% of adults over 50 are affected by bone health issues like osteoporosis or osteopenia, according to Nutrition Australia. Ensuring adequate calcium intake is especially important to maintain healthy bones.

Other health issues related to diet

Good nutrition can help reduce or manage various health conditions, including those listed below:

Arthritis: Managing your weight and including fish oil in your diet can help alleviate symptoms
Vitamin D deficiency: Vitamin D supports bone health. If sun exposure is limited, foods like milk, sardines, tuna, yoghurt, and cheese can help
Constipation: Fibre-rich foods, such as fruits, beans, lentils, wholemeal bread, and wholegrain cereals, promote regularity
Calcium deficiency: Dairy products like milk, cheese, and yoghurt, along with canned salmon, are excellent sources of calcium
Teeth problems: If chewing is difficult, opt for soft foods like fish, eggs, cheese, and soft fruits

Healthy diet examples

Everyone’s nutritional needs are different, but here are some general recommendations:

Meat and/or protein: 3 to 4 serves daily
Vegetables: 5 cups daily
Fruit: 2 serves daily
Dairy: 3 to 4 serves daily
Grains (bread, pasta, rice, potatoes): 3 to 5 serves daily

A daily diet might include:

Breakfast: Cereal or muesli with milk or yoghurt, eggs on toast, or a smoothie
Lunch: A sandwich with protein, a salad with protein, or soup with cheese and crackers
Dinner: Meals such as fish with pasta, stir-fry, soup, wraps, risotto, lamb and potatoes, chicken casserole, or spaghetti

Can Trilogy Care help me improve my diet?

If you’re looking to improve your diet, Trilogy Care can connect you with dietitians and nutritionists, arrange transport for grocery shopping, and provide access to meal services. Our partnership with Plena Healthcare means you can access allied health services, including dieticians, with a discount.

Additionally, we partner with Cookaborough, which offers meals from over 150 high-quality food provider services across Australia. Their program is designed specifically for Home Care Package recipients, providing a convenient way to enjoy ready-made, nutritious meals.

By partnering with Trilogy Care, you can take simple steps toward better nutrition and healthier living. Connect with us today on 1300 459 190 or visit our website.

International Day of People with Disabilities

On December 3 each year, the world comes together to observe International Day of People with Disabilities (IDPWD). This year’s theme, “Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future,” highlights the importance of inclusion and empowerment.

At Trilogy Care, while we are best known for our support for older Australians, we are proud to assist many individuals who identify as having a disability. We are dedicated to fostering an environment that meets the unique needs of every care recipient, including those with that may identify as having one or more disabilities.

Trilogy Care’s commitment to you

Before you start receiving self-management support through Trilogy Care, our team collaborates with you to create a tailored care plan based on your specific needs and circumstances. This ensures that the services you receive comprehensively address your individual requirements.

For care recipients who identify as having a disability, our commitment remains steadfast. We provide custom support services to help maintain independence and quality of life.

Disabilities faced by older Australians

It’s common for older Australians to develop age-related disabilities, such as dementia, vision impairment, diabetes, or osteoarthritis. At Trilogy Care, we specialise in providing the support you need to manage these conditions, offering assistance with medication, transportation to appointments, in-home nursing, and more.

What happens if I develop a disability while on a Home Care Package?

Age-related conditions can often arise unexpectedly. If your circumstances change, our clinical team is here to help update your care plan and guide you in accessing any new services you require.

What if my disability makes self-management too difficult?

We understand that self-management might feel daunting, especially if you identify as having a disability. That’s why Trilogy Care offers support at every step of your self-managed Home Care Package journey.

If self-management becomes overwhelming, our Self Managed PLUS tier provides additional care coordination. With this service, we take care of sourcing support providers and care workers on your behalf, allowing you to focus on your well-being.

Speak with Trilogy Care today

Trilogy Care is committed to ensuring that every care recipient receives comprehensive, personalised support tailored to their needs. Whether you’re managing complex healthcare issues or seeking to improve your care, we’re here to help as we push towards amplifying the opportunities for people who identify as having a disability.

Following the IDPWD theme’s footsteps, we aim to help you achieve your goals and wants while receiving care at home.

Call us today at 1300 459 190 or visit our website to learn more.

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.

Maintaining independence while receiving in-home care

An essential part of self-management is empowering you to maintain independence in your own home. Trilogy Care’s team works closely with each client to create tailored care plans that ensure recipients are safe and in control of their lives at home.

What is independence at home?

Remaining independent can look different for each person based on their needs. For care recipients with lower-level needs, in-home care may be required for just a few hours each week, allowing for minimal disruption to daily life.

For those with complex care needs, daily support, lifestyle adjustments, and home modifications may be necessary to uphold independence. This is why each care plan we create is specifically tailored to meet the unique needs of each client.

Creating care plans

When a new care recipient begins their Home Care Package journey with Trilogy Care, our assessment team collaborates with them to understand their specific care needs. This collaborative approach enables us to create tailored care plans that reflect each care recipient’s unique journey. Through this process, we identify the support services required to deliver the best possible care.

What supports independence during in-home care?

Trilogy Care supports independence by empowering care recipients to self-manage their Home Care Package funding. Our team assists by enabling recipients to select the support services they need, arrange essential home modifications, and access assistive technology to enhance their wellbeing. By identifying these needs early, we ensure that each recipient receives the advice and guidance needed to self-manage effectively and independently.

Self-managing independently

At Trilogy Care, we are dedicated to helping care recipients self-manage their Home Care Packages independently, allowing them full control over their care. For those who prefer or require additional support, we offer our Self Managed PLUS tier, providing coordinated services.

Trilogy Care is your gateway to independence at home

For those on a Home Care Package, Trilogy Care represents an opportunity to reclaim control over their lives. Our team works alongside you to ensure you can live independently, empowered by your choices.

If you’re ready to discover how to regain independence at home, give our friendly team a call on 1300 459 190 or contact us here.

Home modifications to support ageing

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.

World Diabetes Day

Every year on 14 November, people around the globe recognise World Diabetes Day. Established in 1991 by the International Diabetes Federation, the event was created in response to growing concerns about diabetes. It advocates for better access to care and support for those living with diabetes, providing an opportunity for healthcare professionals, advocates, and policymakers to raise awareness and take action.

What is the theme of World Diabetes Day in 2024?

In 2024, the theme of World Diabetes Day is wellbeing. People living with diabetes deserve the opportunity to live fulfilling lives, regardless of their condition. The event raises awareness about the quality-of-life issues faced by those with diabetes.

The focus is on three categories of well-being:

Physical wellbeing – Encourages staying physically active and maintaining a healthy diet to manage diabetes and related complications.
Societal wellbeing – Seeks to break down barriers that prevent people with diabetes from living full, unrestricted lives.
Mental wellbeing – Highlights the mental challenges of living with diabetes, including stress and anxiety.

Diabetes in aged care

Managing diabetes can be particularly challenging for people in aged care. As we age, our bodies respond differently to diabetes, making it critical to monitor how your body reacts. Older people need to focus on leading an active lifestyle, including regular exercise, to improve insulin sensitivity.

A healthy diet is also crucial. Poor eating habits can lead to low blood glucose, triggering a diabetic episode. It’s common for older people to have fewer warning signs of diabetes, so close monitoring is essential.

Symptoms of diabetes

There are several signs of diabetes that people living with the condition and their carers should be aware of:

Frequent urination
Excessive thirst
Increased or reduced appetite
Extreme tiredness
Weight loss
Glucose in the urine
Dry mouth, lips, or skin; sunken eyes
Flushed face
Irritability
Blurred vision
Itchiness
Vaginal thrush in women and, occasionally, pubic thrush in men
Loss of sexual desire in women
Impotence in men

It’s important to note that symptoms can vary, especially in older people, where signs may be misread as part of the ageing process. Extra care is needed to manage diabetes in older adults.

Advice from the Trilogy Care clinical team

Trilogy Care’s clinical team offers the following tips for care recipients living with diabetes:

Maintain a healthy diet – Avoid excessive carbohydrates and sugar. You can use your Home Care Package funding to consult a dietitian
Participate in physical activities – Incorporate regular aerobic and strength exercises to improve glucose regulation and maintain a healthy BMI. Physio sessions can be funded through your Home Care Package
Have regular health checks – Visit your GP every 3-6 months to create a chronic disease management plan
Check blood glucose levels regularly
Manage medication carefully
Conduct regular foot checks
Involve allied health professionals – Work with diabetes educators, dietitians, physios, and podiatrists as part of a multidisciplinary care team

Managing diabetes with Trilogy Care

Trilogy Care has extensive experience supporting care recipients living with diabetes. Our clinical team is always available to assist with escalating health concerns, while our care partners provide tailored advice and support.

To learn how Trilogy Care can help improve your well-being and quality of life, call us on 1300 459 190 or contact us here.

What community services are available to older Australians?

There are many community services available for older Australians. These are typically free and allow you to engage with government and community-run programs to enhance your lifestyle and wellbeing. For those on a Home Care Package, community services may assist with items and tasks that are not covered by the package funding.

What are community services?

Community services come in many forms, often as group activities run by volunteers or people passionate about supporting aged care. These groups might meet once a week for coffee, a walk, or just a chat. While the activities may be simple, they offer valuable opportunities for social interaction with people of a similar age.

One great example is the Rockhampton 60 and Better Program, where the group meets on the first Wednesday of each month for coffee and on the second Monday for lunch. These meet-ups provide older people with the chance to connect and have meaningful conversations.

Regular social interaction like this can play a vital role in preventing feelings of isolation and loneliness, which is particularly important for older people.

Who provides community services?

Community services can be delivered by individuals or organisations that want to provide their time and effort to improve the wellbeing of others. Local governments may also provide community services based on their location.

Government services

Local governments offer a range of community services that help older Australians access programs to enhance their quality of life. These services may include:

Immunisation clinics – Councils often offer free vaccinations, particularly to those who are vulnerable
Cab services – Councils offer cab services to people who find it challenging to complete essential tasks, such as grocery shopping or accessing medical appointments. If you live in Brisbane for example, you can check if you are eligible for this service here
Events and activities – Councils often run programs such as classes, social outings, or even award nights for older residents
Pension concessions – Certain councils offer discounted rates for pensioners
Bin collection service – Councils can arrange in-home bin collection services if you’re unable to manage it yourself

Volunteer services

Many community services are provided by volunteers, often coordinated by organisations dedicated to providing care services. These services can include any assistance that older Australians require, including:

Gardening
Household maintenance
Social visits
Administration tasks
Running classes or courses
Helping in respite care
Assisting in residential aged care

How can I connect with community services?

Accessing community services varies depending on where you live. We recommend visiting your local council’s website to explore the services available. For instance, Brisbane City Council’s community support page lists all the services offered in their area.

Additionally, you can use sites such as My Community Directory or Our Community to find organisations that can provide you with services you need. You may also wish to read our article on the aged care volunteer scheme for more information.

If you would like to get involved with volunteering or providing community support, there are websites such as Seek Volunteer that can connect you to relevant services.

If you need more assistance, please contact us via our website, or call 1300 459 190.

International Day of Older Persons

October 1, 2024, marks the annual International Day of Older Persons, a global event celebrating the invaluable contributions older people make to society and highlighting the key issues they face.

This day encourages organisations and communities worldwide to reflect on the challenges older individuals encounter and take action. At Trilogy Care, we’re proud to celebrate International Day of Older Persons by sharing how our Home Care Packages help older Australians live life to the fullest.

Celebrating Trilogy Care’s care recipients

At Trilogy Care, we’re dedicated to supporting individuals to live well in their homes. We provide care services that enable people to stay engaged with their hobbies, interests, and social activities, continuing to enjoy life as they always have.

In recognition of International Day of Older Persons, we spoke with Harry Knowles, a long-time Trilogy Care care recipient. Harry’s journey with us, since 2021, exemplifies how Home Care Packages empower people to maintain a vibrant, fulfilling life.

Meeting Harry

Harry Knowles, aged 78, is more than just a care recipient – he’s a man with a rich history and a love for life. He and his wife, Emmy, have been married for 58 years, happily residing in their remote Northern Queensland community. In his spare time, Harry restores vintage caravans and builds intricate scale models and dioramas.

But Harry doesn’t keep his passions to himself. He actively shares his creations with other care recipients through Trilogy Care Connect—our Facebook community group. On the page, Harry regularly posts updates on his caravan restorations, model building, and home projects, inspiring others to embrace their own interests.

Harry is committed to spreading the message that ageing doesn’t mean slowing down. “People need to stop thinking old,” he told us. “If I can inspire just one person to keep going and enjoy their hobbies, then I’ve succeeded.”

On this International Day of Older Persons, we celebrate all of our care recipients, especially those like Harry, who continue to live life to the fullest and overcome the challenges that come with ageing.

Why a Home Care Package?

Harry and Emmy live in a remote Northern Queensland community, where traditional home care providers often struggle due to limited availability of local care workers. Fortunately, with Trilogy Care’s self-managed Home Care Package, Harry is able to hire a neighbour as a paid carer when extra help is needed. This ensures that Harry and Emmy can maintain their lifestyle without having to compromise.

“The support I receive helps both Emmy and me maintain our way of life,” Harry shared. “With Home Care Package funding, Emmy doesn’t have to give up her freedom. If she’s away, we can get help from our neighbour, whether it’s for yard work or other tasks.”

Self-managing with Trilogy Care

Harry, with the support of his eldest daughter, manages his Home Care Package seamlessly. While Trilogy Care simplifies the process, Harry’s daughter steps in whenever needed, particularly with administrative tasks.

“She understands the paperwork side of things,” Harry explained. “And while Trilogy Care makes managing the package easier, it’s great knowing my daughter can step in if we ever need help.”

Trilogy Care is committed to empowering care recipients like Harry to continue living well in the homes they cherish. This International Day of Older Persons, we encourage you to explore whether self-management could enhance your lifestyle or help you maintain it.

Take the next step

To discover how Trilogy Care can help you make the most of your Home Care Package, give us a call on 1300 459 190 or visit our website to learn more.