Inclusions and exclusions - Use of Home Care Packages funds

Clients often ask us what services and items they can and can not use or purchase from their Home Care Package.

At Trilogy Care, we partner with you to determine if the service, support, or purchase is directly linked to your identified care needs and goals (as per your ACAT assessment). Appropriate purchases may support daily living and are essential to keeping you safe at home, for longer. All purchases must be considered an acceptable use of government funds while fitting within your budget. All of things which Trilogy Care assists you with.

General Expenses

These are items that would usually be paid for with general household income, such as household bills and other basic living expenses.

Examples of items that are not covered:

  • White goods
  • Appliances
  • Car expenses
  • Waste removal
  • Gift vouchers
  • Medical expenses, funeral costs
  • Heaters
  • Air conditioner
  • Social clubs memberships
  • Ongoing internet or phone costs
  • Haircuts and manicures
  • Storage
  • Supplements and vitamins.

Home Modifications and Capital items

Any home modification made, must be clinically justified and reasonable. It must only be provided to a level of functional safety (to avoid a dangerous situation) and only to a level that is adequate to provide security.

Home modification for aesthetic or embellishments are not an appropriate use of a home care package.

Examples of items that would be covered:

  • Pathways into an around the home
  • Grab rails in bathrooms and toilets
  • Chairlifts and wheelchair platform lifts
  • Internal and External handrails
  • Widening doorways and passages
  • Lever taps and door handles
  • Installation of emergency alarms
  • Bathroom/Kitchen re-design
  • Ramps (permanent and temporary)
  • Handheld showers

Home Maintenance

Any work that is reasonably required to maintain the home and garden in a condition of functional safety (not decorations) and provide an adequate level of security. There would be minor home maintenance activities that you or partner would have previously done for you but can no longer do due to safety concerns.

Examples of items that are covered:

  • Cleaning gutters
  • Changing batteries in smoke alarms
  • Essential pruning, yard clearing or lawn mowing
  • Repair of internal flooring and external access pathways to address trip and slip hazards
  • Changing light bulbs or fixing a broken door
  • Minor plumbing, electrical and carpentry repairs where safety is a concern
  • Spring clean – windows/ceiling fans and other cleaning tasks at height around the home

Food and Food Preparation

The home care package cannot pay for groceries purchased at the supermarket or the raw ingredients of pre-prepared and packed meals

Your home care package can be used to pay for someone to help you prepare meals OR prepare meals for you at home.

A portion of the cost for pre-prepared meals like Meals on Wheels, Lite N Easy and Tender Loving Cuisine can be covered from your Home Care Package (please discuss with your Care Partner).

Transport Costs

If there is a state or local government funded initiative for the use of taxi vouchers, this will be used in the first instance (please discuss with your Care Partner).

Transport and personal assistance to help you get around the community to do your shopping, attend medical appointments or social activities.

Use of taxis or taxi vouchers must be well documented in your Care Plan with the intended purpose of their use linked to your assessed needs.

Glasses

Some people are eligible for glasses to be subsidised by the state government, we must first check your eligibility for those programs.

If you are ineligible or unable to obtain glasses through a state government funded program, the “like for like” cost for subsidized glasses can be covered.

Understanding the permissible uses of Home Care Package funds is crucial for maximising their benefits while ensuring compliance with regulations. By partnering with Trilogy Care, you gain access to expert guidance and support to navigate the complexities of funding allocations. Our commitment is to empower you to make informed decisions that align with your care needs and goals, ultimately enhancing your safety, comfort, and well-being at home.

Learn more about care plans here. 

Workers compensation cover

Workers compensation cover

Workers compensation cover is an insurance payment to employees if they are injured at work or become sick due to their work.

This cover includes payments to employees to cover their wages while they are not fit to work as well as medical expenses and rehabilitation.

It is governed by individual Australian states and territories.

Who Offers Domestic Workers Compensation Cover?

First of all, please check your household insurance policy to see if it includes Public Liability and/or Domestic Workers insurance – the wording may include the likes of “this optional cover is only applicable in states or territories where this insurance can be offered in conjunction with a home contents policy.

Australian Capital Territory, Tasmania and Western Australia are the States and Territories where this cover is able to be obtained as an optional extra.

In all other states you will have to take out domestic workers insurance as a separate insurance policy as these States and Territories have no provision for adding these services to home insurances,

In NSW, Victoria and South Australia, the government authorities have approved designated insurers called “Scheme Agents” who act as Providers of such insurance policies.

Queensland is the only State where the State Government manages and provides coverage under “WorkSafe” – formerly known as WorkCover.

Domestic Work Cover - States & Territories

Here’s a state-by-state rundown of who offers domestic workers cover:

NSW Scheme Agents:

  • Allianz
  • CGU Workers Compensation
  • EML
  • GIO
  • QBE

VIC Scheme Agents:

  • Allianz
  • CGU Workers Compensation
  • EML
  • Gallagher Bassett
  • Xchanging

QLD (State Operated):

  • WorkCover Queensland's Household Worker's Insurance Policy

WA Private Providers (May be available as optional add-on to home and contents insurance):

  • Allianz
  • Catholic Church Insurance
  • GIO
  • Guild Insurance
  • CGU Workers Compensation
  • QBE Insurance
  • Wesfarmers General Insurance
  • Zurich

SA Scheme Agents:

  • EML
  • Gallagher Bassett

TAS Private Providers (May be available as optional add-on to home and contents insurance):

  • Allianz
  • Catholic Church Insurance
  • GIO
  • Guild Insurance
  • CGU Workers Compensation
  • QBE
  • Zurich

ACT Private Providers (May be available as optional add-on to home and contents insurance):

  • Allianz
  • Catholic Church Insurance
  • GIO
  • Guild Insurance
  • CGU Workers Compensation
  • QBE
  • Zurich

NT Private Providers:

  • Allianz
  • GIO
  • CGU Workers Compensation
  • QBE

Please check the relevant State or Territory website for specific information relating to your responsibilities regarding insurance coverage in your individual situation.

ACT

NSW

NT

SA

QLD

TAS

VIC

WA

For more information on your support workers qualifications follow this link. Make sure you are ready to self-manage your Home Care Package by following this checklist. Start your self-managed journey today by clicking on 'Get Started' below this article.

5 Questions to ask your Home Care provider

5 Questions to ask your Home Care Provider

When entering the aged care system, there is a large amount of information to understand while navigating this structure. This information is important for seniors to be aware of, so they can receive the best care suited for them. Recognising the difference between a Home Care Package (HCP), Nursing Home, and Retirement Home or the difference between self-managed and fully managed Home Care Packages is vital when considering what kind of support you require to stay healthy, independent, safe and connected to the community. Choosing the right Home Care Package provider is essential for personalised care and support.

Choosing Wisely Australia ® has created a handy checklist for healthcare consumers to ask their doctors or healthcare provider to make sure they end up with the right amount of support.

Do I really need this test, treatment or procedure?

Tests may help you and your doctor or other health provider determine the problem. Treatments, such as medicines, and procedures may help to treat it. Consider what the outcomes could be, if treatment is not received right away, and how this will affect your support group.

What are the risks?

Will there be side effects to the test or treatment? what are the chances of getting results that are not accurate? Could that lead to more testing, additional treatments or another procedure? By understanding the risks of a treatment or procedure, you are better educated of the potential outcomes, and can make an informed decision.

Are there simpler, safer options?

Are there alternative options to treatment that could work? Lifestyle changes, such as eating healthier foods or exercising more, can be safe and effective options. Exploring all your options, can assist you in discovering effective solutions to your care needs. Always consult with a medical professional before coming to a conclusion.

What happens if I don't do anything?

Ask if your condition might get worse – or better – if you do not have the test, treatment or procedure right away. Reassess your lifestyle, current care needs and potential future support, and if they can be covered by your HCP funds. Consult with your carers, friends or family on their experience’s.

What are the costs?

Costs can be financial, emotional or a cost of your time. Where there is a cost to the community, is the cost reasonable or is there a cheaper alternative? How long will I need to recover? Will my health continue to deteriorate after this procedure? Can I do anything to recover effectively? Consider if Home Care Package funds can be used for to assist you after you have received the procedure.

Remember to keep in touch with your care manager when your health or care needs change or as new health conditions are diagnosed. This will help ensure your care plan can be updated to reflect your needs. Trilogy Care’s team is dedicated to working with your reassess your care needs regularly so that you are always receiving the right amount of support. Look for a Home Care provider that values transparency, offering clear communication and honest guidance throughout the care journey. By partnering with a dedicated Home Care provider, seniors can access a wide range of services designed to enhance their quality of life and promote overall well-being.

Contact Trilogy Care on 1300 459 190, to speak with your Care Manager, email care@trilogycare.

 

What is a care plan?

A woman helps an elderly lady review a document at home, highlighting home care planning.

Understanding Care Plans

Upon committing to a self-managed Home Care Package (HCP) provider, such as Trilogy Care. You will be required to attend a Care Plan Meeting, which will assess your lifestyle, care needs, goals, and the services you would like to receive from the Home Care Package Program.  

Care Plans are a necessary and important part of receiving a Home Care Package. The Care Plan meeting is to assess your needs and goals so that you are able to receive services under the Home Care Package program. It also ensures what is included/wanted is acceptable under the Home Care Package guidelines and aligns with the program.  

For example, you may say your goal is to stay healthy and therefore need your medication paid for – this does not align with the scope of the program and therefore cannot be included in your services. Learn more about Home Care Packages Inclusions & Exclusions. 

Care Plans

Care Plans begin with a range of comprehensive assessments that assist in building a clear picture of each consumer as an individual. By completing the assessments, your care needs will be matched with suitable services. Your assessments, goals, care plan and budget are all inter-connected, and they guide the way your package funds are allocated every month.

1.Home Care Package providers are to provide care recipients a written Care Plan before home care services begin, or within 14 days of their Trilogy commencement date. 

2. As your provider, we work in partnership with you to develop and agree on the care plan goals and actions, so that you are satisfied with the care you are receiving. 

3. Your ACAT assessment and Provider care assessments are the joint foundations for your care plan development. It does not matter how long ago your ACAT assessment occurred – this assessment is how you were approved for the HCP program. 

4. Your goals, needs and preferences should be reflected in your care plan – and because everyone is different, it is individually tailored to your specific needs. 

5. Trilogy Care evaluates Care Plans for new consumers as required and when changes need to be made. Additionally, a formal annual review happens every year to assess changes in care needs. Check-in calls are completed quarterly to ensure oversight of care and services. 

6. Your package level and budget is matched to your care needs and is meant to be fully utilised to meet those assessed needs. Unless you need to accumulate funds for something specific, there is usually no need to save funds. 

7. Your plan should include your goals, and the actions and services in place to help you meet those goals. 

8. It should include all the informal care and supports you receive to help you meet your goals, even if the package does not directly pay for them. Including the help your family, friends, and others provide you. 

9. Relevant parts of your plan should be shared with people who will be helping you to meet your goals, such as support workers, nurses, or other relevant parties. 

10. When new supports or services are recommended for you, so you are remaining healthy, Trilogy Care is flexible in changing and updating the document. All package spending is aligned with the care plan. 

What you can do

You can keep your care plan up-to-date by ensuring your support workers, care managers, family and friends are aware of any changes, and by participating in the necessary updates when new services and supports are recommended or required.  

Keeping in contact with Trilogy Care by speaking with your care manager to discuss your care plan, goals, and to make sure your package budget is being fully utilised to meet your assessed care needs. 

Mollie's self-managed journey

Self managed

Mollie started receiving care services in early March, and chose Trilogy Care as her provider to assist her self-manage her Home Care Package funds. Mollie was kind enough to share her story.

This is Mollie and her carer Jessie who is assisting Mollie create a little garden project outside her bedroom.

This is an important and valued project for Mollie as she requires an oxygen concentrator, and is in isolation.

The project is designed so Mollie can participate in its ongoing creation.

What was life like before you started receiving care services?

Extremely difficult in not being competent in doing everyday tasks such as cleaning, laundering etc.

It was also very lonely as all of a sudden because of my illness I had become isolated within my home. Prior to HCP I was receiving CHSP for 3 hours a week.

I was unable to choose support workers and it was very frustrating having different workers on almost a weekly basis.

What care services did you require before starting care?

Most services as I was on 24/7 home oxygen.

Most important of all was my meals as because of the oxygen I was unable to cook anything.

This was a very emotional and mentally trying time in my life. Adjusting to being tethered to a machine.

Why did you choose Trilogy Care over other providers?

I was actually on the verge of signing with another provider but that provider was taking their time in answering some questions I had so while waiting I put up another google search and came across Trilogy Care.

I watched James Whitelaw’s video about his in-laws and how and why he founded Trilogy Care and was so impressed I contacted Trilogy Care and finally made the decision to do self-management with them.

Their honesty is what surprised me the most about Trilogy Care.

What has benefited you the most since starting self-managed care?

The ability to self-manage my needs and wants is so empowering.

My self confidence has been restored, I am able to select my own
carers and support workers and this is very important to one’s wellbeing.

What would you tell someone who is considering our services?

I would be very happy to inform anyone considering Trilogy Care as a provider that their needs and wants would be taken care of and that they would be getting excellent value for their money.

My experience with Trilogy Care has been empowering.

By self-managing your Home Care Package, you can feel empowered like Mollie, spend less on management fees, so you can focus on the things that matter... better-long-term-care and services. Continuing to live, healthy, independent, and supported lives.

Self-management checklist

Self management

If you’re considering a Home Care Package (HCP) or in the process of obtaining one, this checklist is your essential guide. We understand that embarking on this journey can feel overwhelming, which is why we’ve created a comprehensive checklist to help you navigate the HCP program. Make informed decisions and ensure that you are well-prepared before receiving a HCP. Take charge of your care journey today with our HCP Self-Management Checklist.

Are you prepared to?

  • Give some time to self-manage your Home Care Package.
  • Recognise the need for a review of your Care Plan package and start it.
  • Consider your current health, risks, and safety.
  • Develop plans and methods to stay connected to the community.
  • Find, communicate with, and roster your own care workers.
  • Be unbiased when discussing and determining your care needs.
  • Coordinate and track a simple budget, including managing invoices.
  • Examine bank statements, identifying anything which appears incorrect.
  • Record tax invoices for the products and services you have purchased.
  • Communicate and resolve disagreements regarding payments and services.

These steps are essential in self-managing a Home Care Package. Trilogy Care will be with you every step of the way to ensure your experience is seamless while self-managing. To effectively assess your needs, take a look at our self-management packages available to you to determine if you require extra assistance while self-managing with Trilogy Care.

Do you currently?

Understand your rights as a Home Care Package consumer.

  • Know the items and services available for purchase with package funds,
  • Have the ability to access and use the internet as well as view documents online and access emails regularly.
  • Plan ahead regarding medical or other conditions that may affect your wellbeing and home care package.
  • Understand/recognise your care needs and how to plan for them.

What should I do now?

This checklist is an essential guide in determining if you are ready to self-manage a Home Care Package. Trilogy Care offers a wealth of experience in assisting clients manage their Home Care Package, so clients can continue to live independent, healthy, and supported lives.

For further information about Home Care Packages, go to our resources and FAQ pages. To receive up-to-date news about Home Care Packages, follow us on Facebook. Contact us on 1800 622 890 or email: info@trilogycare.com.au