Important changes to the Support at Home program - annual caps

Support at Home annual caps

Important news was released today, 19 November, about the upcoming Support at Home program. Following strong resistance to the annual caps on cleaning and gardening from care recipients, their families, and aged care workers, the government has announced a change. The proposed annual caps have been removed from the aged care bill altogether. 

What does this mean for care recipients?

This is excellent news for care recipients, particularly those who heavily rely on cleaning and gardening services. The latest information indicates that annual caps will not be enforced on these services, allowing you to allocate funding as needed. 

For clients who are self-managing their Home Care Packages, this means you will continue to have the freedom and choice to select your support services as required for your current living situation. 

What else is changing?

As federal discussions continue around the Support at Home program, it is clear that more changes are needed. With the federal opposition suggesting 30 additional changes to the reform, more changes are likely on the way. 

One suggestion already made is greater transparency surrounding wait times for Home Care Packages and the Commonwealth Home Support Program. 

As always, the team here at Trilogy Care will keep you informed of the changes as we learn about them ourselves. 

What type of self-management is best for me?

what type of self-management

Trilogy Care offers two management options for your Home Care Package that allow for more value, choice and flexibility:Self Managed and Self Managed PLUS. Before beginning your Home Care Package journey, it’s important to consider which of our two self-management options best suits your unique circumstances.

What is self-management?

Self-managed Home Care Packages offer significant benefits compared to traditionally managed options, empowering care recipients to:

  • Increase their care hours
  • Collaboratively create a care plan and budget with a dedicated care partner
  • Gain control over how funds are spent
  • Select services and prices suited to their lifestyle

Many care recipients prefer a self-managed approach as it allows them to tailor their support services to meet their specific needs and preferences.

What options are available?

Trilogy Care offers both Self Managed and Self Managed PLUS options to cater to all preferences. Each has unique advantages, and it’s helpful to consider these before making a choice. Below is a breakdown of what each option includes.

Self Managed

Self Managed is Trilogy Care’s first tier of Home Care Package support. For 15% of your Home Care Package fee, you’ll receive:

Care management: A dedicated care partner to help create a care plan and budget that can be reviewed as needs evolve

Clinical support: Access to our in-house nursing team for any medical or health concerns

Compliance support: Background checks by our compliance team on service providers to ensure your safety

Package management: Assistance with the financial aspects of your package, including invoices and reimbursements

Portal access: All care recipients have access to the Trilogy Care Portal, allowing you to manage your Home Care Package at any time.

Self Managed PLUS

Self Managed PLUS is Trilogy Care’s second tier of Home Care Package support. It includes all the benefits of the Self Managed tier, along with:

Care coordination: An additional service where a coordinator assists in sourcing and matching support service providers to best suit your needs

What are the prices?

Trilogy Care recognises the importance of your funding in maintaining your independence. Our pricing structure is designed to allow more of your funding to go towards support services.

Self Managed: 15% of the Home Care Package fee

Self Managed PLUS: 26% of the Home Care Package fee

 

Self-management Home Care Package price

Which option is right for me?

When choosing Trilogy Care as your Home Care Package provider, you’ll need to decide between the Self Managed and Self Managed PLUS service types. The primary difference, apart from cost, is the addition of care coordination services in the Self Managed PLUS tier.

Consider whether care coordination would benefit you. While some care recipients find this service invaluable, others are comfortable finding support providers independently or with assistance from a family member, friend, or representative.

With the Self Managed tier at just a 15% fee, you’ll have more funds to allocate towards services, though with less support in selecting providers. Ultimately, the choice depends on your needs, abilities, and preferences.

At Trilogy Care, we know your needs and preferences may change over time. Self-managing with us means you’ll always have the freedom to adjust your care as needed. Anytime you wish to modify your support services, we’re here to help.

Enjoy self-management with Trilogy Care

At Trilogy Care, we’re committed to helping you remain independent, healthy, and in control of your care. Our two approaches to self-management empower you to control your funding while receiving the support that best meets your needs.

Whether you choose Self Managed or Self Managed PLUS, you can trust Trilogy Care to support your journey. To discuss our self-managed Home Care Packages, call us on 1300 459 190 or contact us via our website.

The importance of personalised care at home

Since in-home support became part of the aged care system, major benefits have emerged for care recipients and providers alike. Many care recipients report that having access to personalised care in the comfort of their own home enhances their quality of life and well-being.

Your preferences matter

Self-managing with Trilogy Care empowers you to tailor your care and support to match your unique needs, wants, and preferences. One of the most essential aspects of in-home care is honouring your preferences. Having access to the activities and items you want in your life helps you maintain both your empowerment and independence, enabling you to live life on your terms.

At Trilogy Care, we prioritise your preferences throughout our service delivery. From the moment you join us, we work with you to develop a personalised care plan that reflects your individual needs and choices.

Flexibility is important

The ability to decide when and where you want services is key to reliable care. By self-managing with Trilogy Care, you’re empowered to be flexible in how you use your support hours and select the services that suit you best.

Choosing your care workers with Trilogy Care puts you in control of the services you receive and their frequency. For instance, if you need extra support during a specific week, you have the flexibility to increase your care if desired.

Your care - your choice

Trilogy Care’s main goal is to empower you to make the choices that matter most. Our team will work closely with you whenever your preferences evolve. Whether your needs shift weeks or months after beginning your Home Care Package journey, you’re free to choose different services that better suit you.

Simply reach out to your care partner to discuss any changes to your needs or preferences. We are here to collaborate with you and your care circle to adjust your support as needed.

Personalise your support with Trilogy Care

Trilogy Care empowers all care recipients to manage their own care, providing the flexibility to personalise support within Home Care Package guidelines. Our care team is available to assist whenever needed, so if your preferences shift, just contact your care partner to discuss how we can adapt your support.

If you’re not already with Trilogy Care and would like to enjoy the benefits of personalised care, flexibility, and choice, call our friendly team on 1300 459 190 or contact us at any time.

Support at Home - key information for care recipients

The Department of Health and Aged Care has released new details about the upcoming Support at Home program. Trilogy Care has reviewed the updates and summarised the key changes for you below. It is important to note that these changes are subject to the passage of the new Aged Care Act through Parliament.

New pathways for support

One significant change in the Support at Home program is the increase in classification levels for care recipients. The existing four levels under the Home Care Package system will expand to eight levels, plus two short-term pathways: Restorative Care and End-of-Life Pathways.

These short-term pathways are designed for those who need additional support to remain at home. The Restorative Care Pathway offers up to 12 weeks of support, while the End-of-Life Pathway is available for individuals with three months or less to live.

The eight classification levels of Support at Home

Below are the funding amounts for the eight levels of Support at Home, along with the short-term pathways:

ClassificationQuarterly BudgetAnnual Amount
1~$2,750~$11,000
2~$4,000~$16,000
3~$5,500~$22,000
4~$7,500~$30,000
5~$10,000~$40,000
6~$12,000~$48,000
7~$14,500~$58,000
8~$19,500~$78,000
Restorative Care Pathway

~ $6,000 (12 weeks)

May increase to ~$12,000 when eligible		N/A
End-of-Life Pathway~$25,000 (12 weeks)N/A

Details on the Restorative Care Pathway

The Restorative Care Pathway provides up to 12 weeks of additional support to help maintain and improve independence, offering:

  • Up to 12 weeks of restorative services
  • Additional services alongside existing Support at Home services
  • An extra budget of ~$6,000 (or up to $12,000 if required) for allied health services

Details on the End-of-Life Pathway

The End-of-Life Pathway allows recipients to receive higher levels of in-home care during their final months, providing:

  • Up to 12 weeks of support with a funding cap of $25,000
  • Access to enhanced care services to support comfort and dignity

What will change for Home Care Package care recipients?

The key differences for those transitioning from Home Care Packages to Support at Home include:

The “No Worse Off Principle” ensures that current Home Care Package recipients will maintain their level of funding and support under Support at Home.

Changes to Unspent Funds

Unlike the current system, the Support at Home program features quarterly budgets, providing greater flexibility. Unspent funds can be carried over to the next quarter, up to a maximum of $1,000 or 10% of the budget.

Any funds accrued under the Home Care Package Program will be retained upon transitioning to Support at Home, and are not subject to quarterly rollover limits.

Quarterly Timeframes:

  • July to September
  • October to December
  • January to March
  • April to June

Is re-assessment required?

No re-assessment is needed for current Home Care Package recipients or those on the National Priority System; all will transition to Support at Home from 1 November 2025.

Is there additional support for people from diverse backgrounds?

Care recipients from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds may qualify for additional care management supplements. Providers can also apply for a 2-year thin market grant to support care in rural or remote areas and for diverse populations.

Additional funding can be providing for:

  • Individuals referred by the care finder program
  • Older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
  • Those at risk of homelessness
  • Care leavers (people separated from family by forced adoption)
  • Veterans approved for the Veteran’s Supplement

Is respite included in Support at Home?

The Support at Home program does not include temporary leave provisions like respite care.

What are the annual caps for gardening and cleaning?

The initial annual caps proposed by the government have been removed and are no longer a part of the Support at Home program. 

Trilogy Care will look after you

Trilogy Care is committed to making your transition to the Support at Home system as smooth as possible. We aim to provide high-quality care and support, enabling you to continue benefiting from self-management.

We will keep you updated as more information becomes available. If you have any concerns, please reach out to your care partner or contact us via our website.

Maintaining independence while receiving in-home care

Maintaining independence 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.

Register for the Trilogy Care Portal

Register for the Trilogy Care Portal

In May 2024, Trilogy Care launched The Trilogy Care Portal —our online service portal for care recipients and their authorised representatives. This portal provides a secure and convenient way to manage your Home Care Package, and it’s accessible exclusively to our care recipients, their authorised representatives, service providers, and care coordinators.

Sign up to the Trilogy Care Portal

Each of our care recipients and their authorised representatives should have received an email invitation with step-by-step instructions for registering on the portal. This guide will help you easily create an account and get started.

If you haven’t received an invitation email or are experiencing any issues with registration, please contact our support team. We’re here to help!

Why use the Trilogy Care Portal?

The Trilogy Care Portal was designed with feedback from our valued care recipients to provide the tools and features you need. With the portal’s budget tracking tool, you can clearly view your funds and expenses, giving you greater control over your Home Care Package and finances. You’ll also find a record of transactions and account statements to make informed decisions about your care.

Recipients can invite others to view and access their Home Care Package details, making it easy to keep key contacts up to date. This feature ensures that your support network has access to important information whenever you choose to share it.

Key features of the Trilogy Care Portal

  • Full budget transparency
  • Comprehensive financial overview
  • Detailed transaction history
  • Account statement history
  • Breakdown of fees
  • Easy communication channels
  • Updated contact management

Exciting future functionality will include:

  • Process invoices and reimbursements directly through the portal
  • Report an incident or change in condition
  • Find suppliers and services in your local area

The Trilogy Care Portal is designed to be simple and easy to use—even if you have minimal experience with computers or smartphones.

And the best part? It’s completely free for all Trilogy Care recipients! If you have a Home Care Package with us, you can log in today and start taking control.

Ready to sign up?

You can log into the Portal here.

If you need assistance logging in, feel free to contact us:

  • Email: Portal.support@trilogycare.com.au
  • Phone: 1300 459 190
  • Support page: click here

So take Trilogy Care of yourself—register for the Trilogy Care Portal today and experience the difference it makes!

What community services are available to older Australians?

what community services are available

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.

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.