The importance of ageing in place

ageing in place, importance

As Australia’s population continues to age, it’s crucial that older people have the opportunity to age in place. This means staying in their own home while maintaining independence as they grow older. The concept has expanded to include those living in senior communities who wish to preserve their independence without moving into residential aged care.

Enabling ageing in place

For most older Australians, ageing in place provides significant benefits. It allows them to remain where they feel most comfortable, preserving their independence and sense of identity, even when facing age-related challenges.

In-home care programs, such as Home Care Packages, are designed to support ageing in place. These programs have become increasingly popular as more Australians choose to remain in their homes as they age.

What are the benefits of ageing in place?

It’s easy to see why ageing in place has gained popularity. There are several key advantages that are often unavailable in residential aged care, including:

  • Independence: Stay in your home and live life on your own terms
  • Social Connection: Ageing in place keeps you close to friends, family, and your local community
  • Wellbeing: Being at home provides comfort and control over your environment
  • Lifestyle: Continue enjoying your hobbies and interests within your home and community
  • Reducing Loneliness: Residential aged care can be isolating for some. Ageing in place helps combat feelings of loneliness
  • Home Care Package Assistance: Receive the care services you need, right in the comfort of your home

Are there downsides?

While ageing in place offers many benefits, it’s important to consider a few potential challenges:

  • Access to Assistance: If you live in a remote area or need specialised care, it might be difficult to find support
  • Cost of Modifications: Home modifications, such as installing wheelchair ramps, can be expensive
  • Safety Concerns: Everyday tasks can become risky as we age. Some home adjustments may be needed to ensure safety

Is ageing in place right for me?

Before deciding to age in place, it’s important to assess your home and identify any changes that may be required. For some, this could mean downsizing to a smaller home, while others may need modifications.

You should also consider how you’ll access support at home. Two main options are available: the Commonwealth Home Support Programme and Home Care Packages. Trilogy Care has developed guide explaining the difference between the two programs. Generally, we recommend Home Care Packages, as they offer greater control and flexibility over your care.

How can Trilogy Care help?

Trilogy Care is an approved provider of Home Care Packages, helping you access in-home care and giving you the power to manage your support independently. Our self-managed Home Care Packages enable you to maintain full control over your care, allowing you to age in place successfully.

If you’d like to learn more about self-managing your support, check out our article.

Home Care Packages, like those offered by Trilogy Care, allow you to receive the care you need in the comfort of your own home. These packages come in four levels, each tailored to suit your specific care needs.

Services you can access through a Home Care Package include:

  • Personal care, such as help with bathing, dressing, getting out of bed, and taking medication
  • Domestic assistance, including cleaning, gardening, and home maintenance
  • Meal preparation
  • Transport
  • Social support
  • Hire of care equipment
  • Nursing care
  • Allied health support
  • Assistance with managing memory and behavioural changes, including dementia
  • Advanced healthcare
  • Palliative care

If you’d like to hear more about how Trilogy Care can help you age in place, contact us on our website or call us on 1300 459 190.

How to resolve your Trilogy Care complaints

complaints escalate

At Trilogy Care, we’re committed to delivering the best support possible as your Home Care Package provider. We understand that issues can occasionally arise, and when they do, we take them seriously, working quickly to resolve them.

How we handle complaints

When we receive a complaint, we immediately begin working on a resolution. Our management team investigates the issue to identify any factors that contributed to the problem, ensuring we address any organisational improvements required.

Resolving your concerns

If you have a concern, the best way to start is by contacting your Care Partner directly. They are ready to listen and provide solutions to most issues. If your Care Partner can’t resolve the concern, they can help you escalate it further.

How to escalate a complaint

If your concern hasn’t been resolved, you can submit a complaint through our online feedback form. This is the most effective way for us to review your issue in detail and provide a tailored solution. If you’re unable to lodge the complaint yourself, your Care Partner can assist.

For further guidance, refer to our aged care complaint guide. We’re here to support you throughout the process.

What happens next?

Once you submit a formal complaint, you’ll receive a confirmation from us. We’ll respond with a detailed plan of action within 28 days, outlining the steps we’re taking to resolve your concerns. If further clarification is needed, you’ll have the opportunity to respond, and we’ll continue working with you until the matter is resolved.

Additional support

If your issue requires more than a discussion, you can bring in additional parties, such as family members or third-party organisations, to help resolve it. If you’re not satisfied with the outcome, we recommend contacting an independent advocacy service like OPAN, which provides free support for older Australians.

Trilogy Care can help

For the fastest resolution, we recommend starting with a conversation. Call your Care Partner or reach out to our team at 1300 459 190 to discuss your concerns. Often, a quick conversation can resolve an issue before the need for formal complaints.

You can also contact us through our website by filling out the contact form here. Our team will promptly review your message and work with you to find a solution. We encourage you to reach out—most issues can be resolved quickly with a direct conversation.

Let us work with you to ensure your care experience remains positive and supportive.

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.

Aged care volunteers - what is the ACVVS Volunteer Scheme?

Aged Care Volunteers ACVVS Volunteers Scheme

As of the 1st of July 2023, The Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme (ACVVS) replaced the Community Visitors Scheme (CVS). The ACVVS aims to provide a free resource for older Australians, particularly those at risk of being socially isolated, that connects them with volunteers.

 

Sourcing volunteers

Should you sign up to receive a volunteer, the ACVVS will help to pair you with a like-minded volunteer. You and your volunteer will have the opportunity to spend time together, chatting and doing various activities.

Volunteers are matched with care recipients who would benefit from their interaction. For example, a care recipient who prefers to speak French would be paired with a volunteer who can also speak French. In this way, the ACVVS allows you to match with a volunteer who is aligned to your cultural or linguistic background, or who has interests similar to yours.

Unfortunately, older Australians can feel isolated for a variety of reasons, and the ACVVS program allows you to connect with volunteers who can help you reconnect with your culture, heritage, or community.

In addition to providing a social experience, your ACVVS volunteers can help you engage in your favourite activities, prevent you from feeling lonely, and allow you to discuss your feelings and concerns.

Why use the ACVVS?

Studies have shown that the ACVVS positively contributes to the lives of Australians with a Home Care Package on both a mental and emotional level. Regular social interaction, particularly with a trusted volunteer, can help you feel a sense of belonging, reduce feelings of isolation, and prevent stress.

The Department of Health and Aged Care currently funds more than 140 community organisations that provide trained volunteers for social experiences with older people. Volunteers are sourced from aged care services providers and health professionals, but family and friends are also encouraged to participate. This means that there is a large number of volunteers for you to be paired with, based on what you’d like to achieve from the program.

Aged care providers’ role

Aged care providers have an essential role in the ACVVS. With direct access to care recipients, it is crucial for aged care providers to inform you of the ACVVS, and your ability to access beneficial volunteer services.

In addition, aged care providers must:

  • Refer eligible care recipients to ACVVS (particularly those from a diverse background)
  • Remain in communication with the ACVVS volunteer manager should circumstances change with the care recipient

Providers should also be aware that:

  • ACVVS volunteers should be considered similarly to visiting friends or family members, including visiting hours on weekends and after 5pm on weekdays
  • Do not need to complete a service agreement between the ACVVS organisation and the Home Care Package provider

Your care provider will always work to ensure that you are matched with a volunteer who will help enrich your life and achieve your goals.

ACVVS volunteers’ role

  • Volunteers are essential to the ACVVS; without their assistance, the scheme would be unsuccessful. Importantly, volunteers must attend at least 20 visits a year with the same care recipient to ensure a strong relationship is developing.

ACVVS volunteers should also be aware that they must:

  • Complete a national police check
  • Work within their ACVVS organisation’s rules and policies (not the Home Care Package provider)
  • Are not to access a care recipient’s personal or care records
  • Continue to work with the same care recipient

Volunteers are available to spend time with you; whether you want to play a card game, go for a walk, or just chat.

ACVVS volunteer managers’ role

ACVVS volunteer managers, or Auspice Coordinators, are the link between Home Care Package Providers and ACVVS volunteers. They play a vital role within the scheme, and their key tasks are to:

  • Recruit, train, and provide support for volunteers
  • Increase awareness of the ACVVS
  • Maintain an open line of communication between the ACVVS organisation and Home Care Package Providers they work with
  • Work to resolve any issues or concerns raised by volunteers, care providers or care recipients
  • Ensure volunteers are matched with an appropriate older person

Volunteer managers ensure that your ACVVS experience is always running smoothly. If you ever experience a problem with a volunteer, your volunteer manager is the person to speak to.

Accessing the service

The ACVVS is an important service that provides much-needed social care to older Australians who have a Home Care Package. If, at any time, you feel isolated or lonely, organising a friendly volunteer is only a phone call away.

The scheme is a great opportunity for you to connect with similar people and make new friends.

For more information on the ACVVS, visit this site or contact your Home Care Package Provider.

If you think you or someone you know may benefit from an ACVVS volunteer, visit this site or register to volunteer here.

Links by State:

New South Wales, Victoria, and the ACT

Queensland

South Australia

Western Australia

Tasmania

Northern Territory

A guide to level 4 Home Care Packages

Level 4 Home Care Package

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

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.

Unspent Funds

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. 

Understanding the 2024 Home Care Package funding increase

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.

Income Tested Fees

If your income is above a certain threshold, your home care package provider must collect a fee on behalf of Services Australia. Here are the details.

Continue reading

Ensuring your invoices and reimbursements are paid quickly

invoice reimbursements bill Trilogy Care quickly

At Trilogy Care, we understand how important timely payments are, and we strive to process and pay invoices within 14 days of submission. However, delays can sometimes occur due to incomplete invoices, budget shortfalls, or unapproved items. To help ensure your invoices and reimbursements are processed smoothly and on time, we’ve put together this helpful guide with key tips to avoid common hold-ups.

1. Submit bills and reimbursements online

When you submit your invoices or reimbursement requests online, they are entered into our system immediately. You can find the submission links in the website header or in the Trilogy Care Portal.

VISIT NOW

To avoid delays, please refrain from resubmitting an invoice or reimbursement, as this can create duplicates and extend processing times.

2. Submit complete invoices only

Incomplete invoices or reimbursement requests may cause delays, as our team needs to gather additional information before they can be processed.

To ensure a smooth and timely payment process, please make sure your invoice includes:

  • Date of service
  • Business name
  • Business ABN
  • Care recipient information
  • An itemised list of services or products included
  • Invoice amount
  • GST amount (if applicable)
  • Total invoice amount

Providing all the necessary details upfront helps us process your payment efficiently.

3. Support service or carer compliance checks

If you are a support worker, please ensure that all required compliance documents have been submitted and your compliance check is complete before submitting any invoices.

If you are a care recipient, we recommend confirming that your support services have completed their compliance checks before they begin working with you.

4. Available budget

A common reason invoices or reimbursements may be delayed is insufficient funds in the available Home Care Package budget. Care recipients can check their available budget anytime through the Trilogy Care Portal or by contacting their care partner for assistance.

5. Care plan coverage

For an item or service to be covered by your Home Care Package, it must be included in your Care Plan. If it’s a new service or amendment of hourly rates/ number of hours, please reach out to your care partner for these changes to be added in your budget so that we can process your invoices seamlessly. Ensure you are aware of inclusions and exclusions.

By following these guidelines, you can help ensure that your invoices and reimbursements are processed smoothly and without delays.

If you are experiencing payment delays, you can review your current bills through the Trilogy Care Portal or contact our Accounts Team at 1300 459 190 for assistance.

Stay connected and manage your care with ease. Visit the Trilogy Care Portal to view your Care Plan and access important resources.

Log in

Introducing the Trilogy Care Portal: an online service platform for care recipients

Advertisement for Trilogy Care Portal, a new way to access Home Care Package information

Trilogy Care is thrilled to announce the launch of our new online service platform, the Trilogy Care Portal. This innovative platform gives you greater control and flexibility in managing your Home Care Package, providing the tools and information you need to make informed decisions about your care. 

Who will use the Portal

The Trilogy Care Portal is designed for Trilogy Care recipients, their authorised representatives, service providers, and care coordinators. The Portal will provide online access to information relevant to the administration of your Home Care Package. It will offer easy access to your care plan, care budget, and other information necessary to manage your Home Care Package. 

A visual overview of your care needs and goals

Our new platform brings everything you need into one convenient location. Whether you need access to your care plan, want to track your spending, or need to contact your care partner, the Trilogy Care Portal has it all. The Portal makes it easier to stay on top of your care and make the most of your Home Care Package. 

Accessible and convenient

The Trilogy Care Portal is designed with accessibility in mind. It is available on all devices, including computers, tablets, and smartphones, ensuring you can manage your care from anywhere. The platform’s intuitive design makes it easy to navigate, even for those who may not be tech-savvy. 

Transparent budget tracking

One of the key features of the Trilogy Care Portal is its budget transparency. You can easily track your Home Care Package budget, view your expenditures and plan for future needs. This provides a clear view of where your funds are going, allowing you to make informed choices about your care and ensure that your budget is used effectively. You have complete control over your financial decisions, giving you peace of mind and confidence in managing your Home Care Package. 

Other features include: 

  • Real-time financial overview 
  • Detailed breakdown of fees 
  • Recent transaction history 
  • Historical account statements 
  • Improved communication with nominated contacts

Register for the Trilogy Care Portal

All Trilogy Care recipients and their authorised representatives have been emailed an invitation to register for the Portal. 

The email provides steps on how to set up your user account. 

Once you have finalised the registration, you will have immediate access to the Trilogy Care Portal.

If you’re a Trilogy Care care recipient or authorised representative who didn’t recieve an invitation to register, contact your care partner to ensure we have your up-to-date email details on file and they will resend the invitation.  

Help and support: 

Log into the Trilogy Care Portal: portal.trilogycare.com.au  

Click here