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. 

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 here.

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.

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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

Self-managed Home Care Packages explained

Self-managed Home Care Packages explained

Self-managed Home Care Packages are a way for you to take control of your Home Care Package budget, health, and well-being within the comfort of your own homes.

In recent years, home care has changed a lot. Now, it’s all about giving you more control and making it personal. With self-managed Home Care Packages, you can be in charge of your budget, health, and overall well-being, all from the comfort of your own home.

When self-managing your Home Care Package, you get to make all the decisions. You can choose and schedule your care workers, so they fit perfectly with what you want and need. Of course, there are still some rules and a care plan from a provider, but you get to be the boss of your own care.

This shift is all about being active and involved. Instead of just receiving care, you get to be a part of planning and coordinating everything. Unlike traditional care providers, the self-managed approach encourages and celebrates your independence. You can build a team of care workers and get services that match your lifestyle.

What is self-management?

‘Self-management’ is where you actively participate in the management and coordination of your Home Care Package services. Compared to traditional Home Care Package providers, a self-managed provider encourages you to be independent, allowing you to select and manage your preferred care workers and tailor your services to align with your lifestyle.

Why do I need a provider if I am self-managing my Home Care Package?

A self-managed Home Care Package provider is a registered Home Care Package provider that works with you to administer your Home Care Package. The provider works with you, so your package is managed under the guidelines set down by the Department of Health and Aged Care. 

The services offered by a self-managed provider can vary but usually include the administration of your care plan, budget management, and financial running of your Home Care Package, including managing the payment to your care workers and support services.

The basis of self-management is a partnership between you and Home Care Package provider. You work with your provider to create a care plan that addresses your specific health conditions, preferences, lifestyle, and available Home Care Package budget.

What are the benefits of self-managing your Home Care Package?

The freedom to make you choose your care workers and support services

Self-managing your Home Care Package puts you in control of the decision-making. You make the decisions about the care workers and support services you will use; you negotiate the rates you’re comfortable paying and you schedule the times that suit your lifestyle. This approach puts you in control of your well-being.

Cost-savings

By self-managing your Home Care Package, you can significantly reduce your package management fees, freeing up your Home Care Package budget for more care and services.

Trilogy Care’s Self Managed fee is 15% of your Home Care Package. 

At Trilogy Care, we are completely transparent in our pricing and don’t hide behind any hidden fees or surcharges. 

Learn more about the cost benefits of self-managing your Home Care Package on our pricing page. 

Improved quality of life

By taking control of your Home Care Package and having more say in your individual needs and preferences, self-managed home care contributes to an improved quality of life. Individuals can maintain a sense of normalcy, independence, and familiarity within their home environment, promoting overall well-being.

Personalised care plans

One of the fundamental aspects of self-management is having access to a personal care partner and assessment team through your Home Care Package provider to develop your personal care plans. These plans are crafted through open communication between the individual and their care partner and team. By considering the individual’s medical history, current health status, and future goals, a tailored care plan can be created to optimise overall well-being.

Learn more about care plans here. 

Self-managing your Home Care Package

Stay at home and in charge!

What is self-management?

Self-managing your Home Care Package is a great way to keep control over how your Home Care Package budget is spent.

It doesn’t mean you have to go it alone, but rather offers the flexibility to get help with as much or as little of the process as you choose.

Self-management might include support to:

Design your care plan and budget
Gain more control over how your funds are spent
Choose the care workers and support services you want, and when you want them
Find services at rates that are acceptable to you
Ensure your services are paid on time with our daily payment runs
Increase your care hours with lower management fees

Why self-manage?

One of the main reasons why people choose to self-manage their Home Care Package is because it gives you absolute control over who provides your care and services; you can ensure you’re surrounded by the best people and receiving exactly the service you want, how and when you need it. Self-management also cuts out the agency ‘middle-man’, allowing for rate negotiation directly with service providers so you can get the most out of your budget.

Steps to self-managing your Home Care Package with Trilogy Care

Ready to get started? Once you have your approved Home Care Package, here’s what you can expect from Trilogy Care: 

Phone Trilogy

Talk to us

Reach out to our friendly team, so we can learn all about your care needs and how we can partner with you to assist in self-managing your Home Care Package.

Trilogy Emails

Care planning

Together we’ll review your care needs and design a care plan and budget that suits your lifestyle.

Trilogy Care Address

Find workers

Time to find support partners or workers in your local community who can deliver what you need, when you need it. You may already be working with a cleaner, allied health provider, or other provider you would like to continue using.

Contact Us

Start receiving services

We’ll continue to partner with you to manage your budget and administer your Home Care Package.

Find out how Trilogy Care can support you to self-manage your Home Care Package by completing the below form or calling 1300 459 190.

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