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Why physiotherapy is so important for older Australians

As we age, it is common to experience physical challenges such as reduced strength, mobility, or balance. While assistive technology can help manage these issues, physiotherapy remains one of the most effective ways to maintain and improve your overall health and independence.

What is physiotherapy?

Physiotherapists work with individuals to manage and improve or mitigate health conditions including pain, diabetes, obesity, cancer, stroke, and more. They assess, diagnose, and develop personalised treatment plans to suit each person’s needs.

Physiotherapist services include:

Massage therapy
Heat treatment
Muscle stretching
Joint manipulation
Exercise planning
Acupuncture
Assistance with aids, crutches, and casts

When do I need physiotherapy?

You may benefit from physiotherapy if you experience:

Increased risk of falls
Age-related conditions
Decreased strength or mobility
The need for pre- or post-surgical rehabilitation
Assistance with exercise programs

If you are unsure whether physiotherapy is right for you, we recommend speaking with your care partner or care coordinator, doctor, or other healthcare professionals for guidance.

How to find physiotherapy services?

Physiotherapy is one of the most in-demand allied health services and is widely available across Australia. If you do not currently have a physiotherapist, Trilogy Care recommends Plena Healthcare. As the largest provider of allied health services in the country, Plena Healthcare can meet the unique needs of every Trilogy Care care recipient.

An exclusive offer for Trilogy Care care recipients

Great news! Trilogy Care has partnered with Plena Healthcare to offer our care recipients an exclusive 10% discount on allied health services.

If you would like more details on this offer, click here.

Is physiotherapy covered by my Home Care Package or Support at Home funding?

Allied health services, including physiotherapy, are funded under the Home Care Package program to support your health and independence. Self-managed care recipients can also access these services under the Inclusions and Exclusions framework.

As we transition to the Support at Home program, funding guidelines may change; however, physiotherapy services will still be available under your funding. This means you can access the support you need without delay.

Take the next step towards better health

Physiotherapy is essential for staying active, independent, and pain-free. Whether you need support with mobility, rehabilitation, or general well-being, physiotherapy offers personalised solutions to meet your needs.

At Trilogy Care, we’re here to help you every step of the way. If you have any questions about physiotherapy services or funding options, contact our friendly team today.

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

Managing chronic health conditions with allied health

Managing chronic health conditions with allied heath

As we age, we become increasingly likely to develop chronic health conditions that can make life very difficult. Chronic conditions can be extremely debilitating for older Australians, especially those living with a Home Care Package as they need to be managed. However, allied health services can assist by addressing the root cause of the problem.

What are chronic health conditions?

A chronic health condition is an illness or disease that does not improve on its own or cannot be completely cured. According to the Department of Health, they account for 52% of hospitalisations in Australia.

Examples of chronic health conditions that commonly affect older Australians include:

Dementia
Diabetes
Asthma
Cancer
Heart disease
Osteoporosis
Stroke
Mental health conditions

How can allied health services assist?

Allied health services, such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, podiatry, and more, can help individuals self-manage any conditions they may have. Allied health professionals are experienced in teaching their patients how to self-manage their conditions.

For older individuals living with more complex chronic health conditions, allied health professionals can provide in-depth case management and ongoing care to help manage or improve conditions. If required, allied health professionals are able to work together in a multidisciplinary team that can provide tailored support.

Where can I find allied health professionals?

Allied health services are widely available across Australia, with services searchable through platforms like healthdirect Australia. However, if you’d like the security of Australia’s largest allied health provider, Plena Healthcare specialises in working with older Australians.

Plena Healthcare offers physiotherapy, occupational therapy, podiatry, dietetics, and speech pathology to care recipients. With a team of more than 1,300 professionally qualified experts, you will be able to connect with health professionals who will provide you with assistance.

An exclusive offer for our care recipients

Trilogy Care is pleased to announce that we have partnered with Plena Healthcare to offer you an exclusive 10% discount on allied health services. This offer will allow you to access the services such as:

Take Trilogy Care of yourself today!

At Trilogy Care, we understand the importance of connecting with allied health services that will help you manage your health, including chronic health issues. If you are not yet with Trilogy Care, but would like to take advantage of our 10% discount on Plena Healthcare’s services, visit their site. You can also give our team a call on 1300 459 190 or contact us via our website.

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.

REDFEB – Supporting Australian heart health

This February, communities across Australia are uniting for REDFEB, a vital initiative supporting heart research. Heart disease remains Australia’s leading cause of death, making REDFEB an essential opportunity to raise funds for critical research and treatments.

What is REDFEB?

Launched in 2013, REDFEB is an annual event organised by Heart Research Australia to fund essential research into heart disease. Since its inception as the North Shore Heart Research Foundation in 1986 (renamed Heart Research Australia in 2012), the organisation has made significant contributions to cardiac care globally.

REDFEB continues this proud tradition by spotlighting the serious impact of heart disease and raising awareness and support for those affected.

Heart disease in Australia: The facts

Prevalence: Around 1 in 6 Australians (over 4 million people) live with cardiovascular disease
Mortality: Heart disease causes 1 in 4 deaths nationwide

These figures highlight the urgent need for ongoing research and effective prevention measures.

Who is at risk?

Heart disease can affect anyone, but some groups face a higher risk. For example, men and older people are more susceptible. Lifestyle factors like smoking, poor diet, lack of physical activity, and excessive alcohol intake increase the likelihood of developing heart disease.

Additionally, medical conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, and being overweight can significantly raise the risk.

Reducing your risk of heart disease

Taking steps to improve your heart health is crucial, especially as you age. Here are some effective strategies:

Quit smoking
Follow a heart-healthy diet: Prioritise wholegrains, fibre, vitamins, antioxidants, and healthy fats while minimising unhealthy fats, salt, and added sugars
Exercise regularly: Aim for 30–60 minutes of physical activity daily, such as a walk or other manageable exercise
Maintain a healthy weight
Limit alcohol consumption: Stick to no more than 10 standard drinks per week and no more than four in one day
Get a heart health check: Consult your doctor for personalised advice

Each small change can contribute to reducing your risk and improving your overall health.

Why REDFEB matters

By participating in REDFEB, you contribute to vital heart disease research that saves lives. The funds raised support advancements in treatment, prevention, and care, helping Australian families and communities fight this widespread condition.

How to get involved

To participate in REDFEB 2025, visit Heart Research Australia’s website for details. You can make a donation or raise awareness in creative ways:

Gather friends and family for an activity wearing red
Explore the REDFEB webpage for inspiration
Speak to your Trilogy Care partner for more ideas

Not yet part of the Trilogy Care community? Call us at 1300 459 190 or visit our website today to learn more about how we can support your health and well-being.

By coming together, we can help fund life-changing research and improve heart health for all Australians. Let’s make REDFEB 2025 a success!

How can older people improve their nutrition intake?

As you age, your dietary needs can start to change. You might find yourself eating less, choosing healthier options, or needing specific nutrients. No matter what changes you’re making, ensuring your nutritional intake aligns with your health needs is increasingly important as your body, lifestyle, and appetite evolve.

The importance of good nutrition

As we grow older, it becomes crucial to consume a diet rich in essential vitamins and minerals. Without adequate nutrition, older Australians may become more susceptible to chronic illnesses or experience weakened immune systems, leading to more frequent sickness.

What should I change about my diet?

Nutrition Australia recommends starting with simple dietary improvements, such as:

Choosing foods rich in vitamins
Reducing salt intake
Increasing calcium through milk or yoghurt
Drinking more water
Limiting alcoholic beverages
Cutting down on unhealthy fats

These small, practical steps can help improve your overall health and reduce illness.

What support is available?

If you’re looking to eat healthier and improve your nutrition, Trilogy Care is here to support you. Your care partner can provide advice tailored to your needs, and you can also use your Home Care Package funding to access professional support from a nutritionist or dietitian.

One challenge for Home Care Package recipients is receiving healthy, nutritious meals regularly. However, Trilogy Care clients using Cookaborough can select from an extensive range of menus offered by various food providers.

Cookaborough delivers ready-made, nutritious meals directly to your door, and these meals can be funded through your Home Care Package. As a bonus, Cookaborough is currently offering a $20 discount on your first order, making it the perfect time to explore their healthy meal options.

What if I have a poor appetite?

If you’re struggling with a lack of appetite, it can feel challenging to eat nutritious meals. Below are some practical tips to help maintain healthy eating habits:

Include high-protein supplemental foods to meet your nutrient needs when you’re unable to eat full meals
Focus on meals that are high in protein and calories if you’re experiencing weight loss
Use healthy snacks to supplement meals if larger portions feel overwhelming

These strategies can help you maintain a balanced diet and support your health, even when your appetite isn’t at its best.

Supporting your nutrition journey

As a self-managed Home Care Package recipient, you’re in control of your support. If you’re ready to make positive changes to your diet and lifestyle, our team at Trilogy Care will ensure you have the right resources and guidance to achieve your goals.

To learn more about improving your nutrition or receiving healthy, ready-made meals through Cookaborough, call your care partner today. If you’re not yet with Trilogy Care but want to find out how we can support your goals, lifestyle, and preferences, contact our team on 1300 459 590 or visit us at our website.

Discover Cookaborough – A fresh approach to meal delivery

Finding high-quality, reliable meal options has long been a challenge for Home Care Package recipients. Cookaborough is here to change that, delivering an extensive range of ready-made meals directly to your door.

A meal delivery service for Home Care Package recipients

Cookaborough was created to ensure Home Care Package recipients can enjoy the meals they want in the comfort of their home. Through its intuitive platform, food delivery services offer a curated menu of delicious, ready-made meals that care recipients can choose from fortnightly.

Whether you’re craving a specific cuisine, seeking something local, or need meals tailored to your dietary requirements, Cookaborough offers options to suit every taste.

Experience the taste of home

Cookaborough partners with premium food preparation services, providing an impressive variety of menus. Whether you’re yearning for Greek, Indian, Italian, Thai, Chinese, or other cuisines, Cookaborough connects you to the flavours you love.

Relive the comfort and joy of your favourite meals from home.

What are care recipients saying about Cookaborough?

Don’t just take our word for it—here’s what real Home Care Package recipients have shared about their Cookaborough experience:

Karren: “Consistently delicious food with a varied menu. So convenient to pick each week and enjoy the best restaurant-quality meals.”

Caroline: “Using Cookaborough both in Sydney and Melbourne. Great concept. Love Rhubarb in Sydney and Spoonful in Melbourne. So great to be able to deliver delicious meals to friends and family in need. I will definitely be ordering for my home too!”

Amanda: “I’m so glad this platform exists. It’s a great way to support small businesses and get access to really great food.”

Chin-Tao: “Accessing authentic, fresh Chinese meals is beautiful!”

Even more good news for care recipients!

Cookaborough has been designed to work seamlessly with Home Care Packages. Recipients only pay 30% of the meal cost upfront, ensuring your budget stretches further. The remaining 70% of the meal will be covered by your HCP budget.

Even better, Trilogy Care care recipients can enjoy a $20 voucher for their first order with Cookaborough. With Cookaborough’s payment structure, the discount means you can receive an order of us to $66 in value for free!

A new part of your Home Care journey

Cookaborough is revolutionising meal delivery for Home Care Package recipients, offering flexibility and choice to self-managed care recipients with Trilogy Care.

Enhance your diet, enrich your lifestyle, and bring more variety to your meals with Cookaborough.

To get started or for assistance signing up, call Trilogy Care at 1300 459 190 or visit our website. Order today and take advantage of this fantastic promotion!

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.

The importance of stroke awareness

Maintaining stroke awareness and knowing how to respond is crucial for Australians as they age. Across Australia, a stroke occurs every 11 minutes, making it one of the country’s biggest killers.

This is why initiatives like Stride4Stroke, a movement-based fundraising event, are so important. By raising awareness of the F.A.S.T. signs of stroke, more people can recognise and assist individuals experiencing a stroke.

What is a stroke?

A stroke occurs when the brain does not receive enough oxygen, typically due to a blood clot or bleeding. This lack of oxygen causes cell death in the affected area, potentially resulting in irreversible brain damage. Strokes are more likely in people with high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

In Australia, over 445,000 people live with the effects of stroke, and one in four Australians will experience a stroke in their lifetime, costing the country over $26 billion in 2020 alone.

What are the signs of a stroke?

Recognising a stroke quickly is essential for a rapid response. The F.A.S.T. method helps identify a stroke:

Face – Check for mouth drooping
Arms – See if they can raise both arms
Speech – Look for slurred speech
Time – Act fast and call 000 immediately

Additional stroke indicators include:

Difficulty swallowing
Severe headaches
Vision loss or impairment
Difficulty speaking
Loss of consciousness
Confusion
Dizziness
Weakness or numbness in the face, arms, or legs
Decreased balance

How to respond to a stroke

Knowing how to respond is critical when someone is experiencing a stroke. Here are the steps for responding:

Call 000.
Help the person sit or lie down comfortably with their head and neck supported.
Loosen any tight clothing to keep them comfortable and warm.
Wipe away fluids from the mouth as needed.
Offer reassurance, especially if they are having difficulty communicating.
Stay with them until help arrives.

Raising awareness

There are many ways to raise awareness and funds to prevent strokes and support recovery. National events like World Stroke Day on 29 October and National Stroke Week in August promote this cause.

At Trilogy Care, we’re raising funds for the Stroke Foundation’s Stride4Stroke event. Our team is actively contributing to this important fundraiser, which resonates with many of our care recipients and their families.

Trilogy Care can assist with your health

If you’re concerned about your health, particularly your risk of stroke, our team is here to help. We have a dedicated clinical team, including trained nurses, to support your healthcare needs.

If you’re interested in working with a Home Care Package provider focused on enhancing your health and helping prevent stroke, call Trilogy Care at 1300 459 190 or contact us here.