What is respite care? Short-term support in aged care

What is respite care? respite care short-term care respite

When caring for an older loved one, taking a break is not only okay — it’s essential. That’s where respite care comes in. In this blog, Trilogy Care will answer the question, “What is respite care?” and explain why it is so crucial.

What is respite care?

Respite care is short-term aged care support designed to give a person’s regular carer — often a partner or family member — time to rest and recharge. It ensures that older people continue to receive quality care while their usual carer takes a break.

Whether it’s for a few hours, a day, or even several weeks, respite care aged care services allow carers to take time for themselves, attend appointments, or manage other responsibilities with peace of mind.

Types of respite care in aged care

There are several ways respite care can be delivered:

  • In-home respite: A care worker comes to the client’s home to provide care, supervision, or companionship
  • Community-based respite: Structured day programs offering social activities and meals
  • Residential respite: A short-term stay in an aged care facility, suitable for clients with higher support needs

Why is respite care important?

Caring for a family member or friend can be emotionally and physically demanding. Regular respite helps carers avoid burnout and maintain their own health and wellbeing. It also gives older Australians the opportunity to socialise with new people and experience different environments — all while receiving safe, personalised care.

How is it changing under Support at Home?

From 1 November 2025, the Australian Government will replace the Home Care Packages program with the new Support at Home program. With this change, how respite care is accessed and funded will also shift.

Key updates include:

  • Respite care will fall under the Independence support category
  • Clients will use their quarterly budget to fund respite services
  • All respite must be listed on the government-approved Service List
  • Clients need to have respite care documented in their Support Plan to access funding

While the purpose of respite care remains the same — giving carers vital downtime — the new structure ensures more transparency and consistency in how respite is delivered and paid for.

How Trilogy Care can help

Trilogy Care supports clients and carers by helping them navigate their options under both the current Home Care Packages program and the upcoming Support at Home model. If you’re thinking about adding respite care to your support plan, we’re here to guide you through the process with flexible, client-focused solutions.

Want to learn more about respite care and how it fits into your aged care plan? Contact Trilogy Care today on 1300 459 190 to get started.

How will Support at Home impact remote and regional clients?

Support at Home regional clients rural aged care regional communities

The upcoming Support at Home program is set to reshape aged care for older Australians—especially those living in regional, rural, and remote communities. With a strong emphasis on equity, independence, and local service access, the new model aims to ensure that where you live doesn’t limit the care you receive.

A $600 million investment in rural aged care

In a major step forward, the Australian Government has committed $600 million to support aged care providers delivering services in rural and remote areas, as well as to people from diverse backgrounds. The funding is designed to:

  • Strengthen the financial viability of providers in hard-to-reach locations
  • Ensure continuity of care for older people already receiving support
  • Introduce two-year thin market grants, available from 1 November 2025, to help providers continue operating in less populated areas

This initiative reflects the government’s recognition that rural aged care services require dedicated investment and flexible solutions.

What’s changing in Support at Home?

Launching on 1 November 2025, the Support at Home program replaces existing in-home care models with a more tailored, nationally consistent system. For those living in regional and rural areas, key improvements include:

  • Earlier access to support like allied health, assistive technology, and home modifications
  • Fairer budgets, with eight care levels matched to individual needs
  • Affordable contributions, set by the government—not providers
  • Simplified access, with a single, streamlined assessment process
  • Dedicated funding for home modifications and equipment through the Assistive Technology & Home Modifications (AT-HM) Scheme

For regional and rural clients, this means more consistent access to the care they need, when they need it—delivered by providers who are better supported to serve their communities.

A fairer future for regional aged care

Together, these changes mark a clear shift toward a more responsive and equitable aged care system. Older Australians living in regional and rural areas can expect:

With the Support at Home program, the future of regional aged care is more secure, more accessible, and more person-centred than ever before.

Trilogy Care is leading the Support at Home transition

At Trilogy Care, we’re proud to be at the forefront of the transition to Support at Home—working closely with our clients, their families, and local providers to make sure every older Australian receives the care they deserve, no matter where they live. From navigating funding changes to tailoring in-home supports that meet individual needs, we’re here to make the shift smooth, simple, and stress-free.

If you or someone you know is living in a regional or rural area and wants to learn more about the future of aged care, give us a call today on 1300 459 190—we’re here to help you stay independent, supported, and confident at home.

Note, the information contained in this article is subject to change as the government refines the terms of the new program.

Family-first care: How Trilogy Care supports families

International Day of Families 2025 Trilogy Care Family family-first

At Trilogy Care, we understand that aged care is about more than just services — it’s about people, relationships and the families who support their loved ones every day. As we mark International Day of Families 2025, we’re proud to celebrate the vital role families play in helping older Australians live safely and happily at home. Our family-first care sets us apart, as we engage more than our care recipients, we include your family in your care. 

A family-first approach to aged care

For many older Australians, the desire to remain living in their own home is closely tied to family. Home is where precious memories are made, whether through family gatherings, shared meals and everyday moments that bring comfort and connection.

At Trilogy Care, we believe that supporting older people also means supporting the people who care about them. That’s why we work closely with families to ensure they feel informed, involved and empowered throughout the aged care journey.

How we help families feel supported

We know that caring for an ageing loved one can be both rewarding and challenging. Our approach is designed to make things easier for families, giving them more choice and control while providing expert guidance and practical support. By enabling family-first care, we can ensure our care recipients are receiving the care and support they need to thrive.

Here’s how we put families first:

Self-management options

Families can choose to self-manage their Home Care Package (or Support at Home funding from July 1, 2025), which allows them to select their own support workers, organise services and manage their budget — all with Trilogy Care’s ongoing support.

Clear communication

We keep families informed with regular updates, transparent budget statements, and a dedicated Care Partner to answer questions and provide guidance.

Flexible care plans

Every person’s care needs are different. We tailor care plans to suit the individual and their family’s preferences, with the flexibility to adjust services as needs change.

Reliable support team

Our experienced team is here to help families navigate the aged care system and make informed decisions about care and services.

Families at the heart of care

When families are supported, everyone benefits. Research shows that family involvement improves care outcomes, promotes independence and supports emotional wellbeing.

By providing personalised, flexible in-home care, we help older Australians maintain their independence while staying connected to the people who matter most. Our goal is to make aged care simpler, less stressful and more empowering for both care recipients and their families.

Supporting families, every step of the way

This International Day of Families, we celebrate the strength, care and love that families bring to the lives of older Australians. At Trilogy Care, we’re proud to walk alongside families, offering the tools, services and support they need to help their loved ones live well at home.

Want to learn how Trilogy Care can support your family or how to access family-first care?

Contact us today on 1300 459 190 to find out how we can help you make the most of your Home Care Package.

What is the role of the care team in your Home Care Package?

care team care partner care coordinator

When you begin your Home Care Package journey with Trilogy Care, you will be assigned a care partner or care coordinator from our care team. This depends on whether you are a Self Managed or Self Managed PLUS care recipient. Their role is to ensure you receive the highest quality care and support as a Home Care Package recipient.

What are care partners and care coordinators?

Your care partner is your dedicated point of contact at Trilogy Care. They are here to support you with any questions, concerns, or issues related to your care. If they are unable to assist directly, they will connect you with the right person or team to help.

When should you contact your care partner?

Your care partner is available whenever you need support. Their priority is to ensure you receive the care you need at the highest standard.

Reach out if you have any questions about:

No matter the concern—big or small—don’t hesitate to get in touch.

When will your care partner contact you?

Your care partner will check in every three to four months. These regular check-ins help us ensure you haven’t experienced any injuries, accidents, or other issues we may not be aware of.

It’s also a great opportunity to bring up any concerns that may not have felt urgent but still deserve attention.

What else does the care team do?

When not speaking directly with care recipients, the care team works behind the scenes to:

  • Manage invoices
  • Track spending to help you stay within your budget
  • Update confidential records to keep everything current

What happens if my care partner and I disagree?

Occasionally, you and your care partner may have differing views on certain care decisions. Trilogy Care must provide services in line with government regulations, which may mean we cannot approve funding for certain items based on these guidelines. This may be escalated to senior team members if required.

While care partners will always strive to assist where possible, they are bound by the rules of the Home Care Package program.

Call the care team whenever you need!

Your care partner is here to support your wellbeing, lifestyle, and health. If you need assistance, reach out anytime—they’re ready to help. If you have general questions about Trilogy Care, or are not yet a care recipient with us, give our friendly team a call on 1300 459 190 or contact us via our website.

Discover Cookaborough – A fresh approach to meal delivery

Cookaborough Meal Delivery

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

A meal delivery service for Home Care Package recipients

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

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

Experience the taste of home

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

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

What are care recipients saying about Cookaborough?

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

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

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

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

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

Even more good news for care recipients!

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

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

A new part of your Home Care journey

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

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

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

Find a Carer – a marketplace for support services

Find a carer support services

Trilogy Care is thrilled to announce our partnership with Find a Carer! As a self-managed Home Care Package provider, we understand the importance of having tools that make sourcing and engaging care workers simple and stress-free. Find a Carer offers precisely that—empowering you to take control of your care with ease and confidence.

What is Find a Carer?

The platform is a national online marketplace designed to connect Home Care Package recipients and older Australians directly with support providers and care workers. Their mission is to simplify the aged care system by reducing complexity, costs, and inflexibility—making high-quality care accessible to everyone.

With thousands of carers available across Australia, Find a Carer gives you the freedom to select services tailored to your specific needs, ensuring they’re delivered to an exceptional standard.

What services can I find through Find a Carer?

The platform offers access to a wide range of in-home support services, including:

  • Nursing care
  • Personal care
  • Social support
  • Community access
  • Transportation
  • Complex individual services
  • Experience-based activities
find a carer support

What features does the platform offer?

Find a Carer is designed to enhance your experience when sourcing and receiving care. Every care worker on the platform is fully insured and has undergone comprehensive background checks for your peace of mind.

Additional platform features include:

  • The ability to post jobs directly to nearby carers
  • Affordable hourly rates, starting from just $40 per hour
  • A secure, reliable booking system that consolidates payments in one place

Why choose Find a Carer?

As a national marketplace with access to thousands of highly qualified carers, Find a Carer makes it easier than ever to find the right support. With transparent pricing, trusted professionals, and high-quality services, it’s your gateway to enhancing the care you receive.

If you’re self-managing with Trilogy Care, using this support marketplace can help streamline your care and ensure you’re getting the best possible support to meet your needs.

Speak to us for assistance

If you’d like to learn more about how we can help you connect with Find a Carer, our team is here to assist. Call us today at 1300 459 190 or visit our website to get started.

What does the Trilogy Care compliance team do?

compliance team

At Trilogy Care, your safety and comfort at home are our top priorities. That’s why we have a dedicated compliance team—experts committed to ensuring that the care workers you choose are qualified, reliable, and trustworthy. Thanks to their rigorous processes, you can feel confident and secure, even when welcoming someone into your home for the first time.

What is the compliance team?

At Trilogy Care, we are dedicated to providing care that enhances the health, wellbeing, and lifestyle of every care recipient. A key part of this commitment is ensuring that the workers you invite into your home are dependable and skilled.

The compliance team plays a vital role in this process by conducting comprehensive background checks on all care workers engaged through Trilogy Care.

What are the duties of the compliance team?

The compliance team is responsible for ensuring that all providers and support staff meet the qualifications required to deliver exceptional care. This includes:

  • Registration verification: Ensuring all service providers register via the Trilogy Care website using the Workforce Provider Form
  • Document verification: Checking mandatory documents such as ABNs, police checks, NDIS worker clearances, and insurance certificates (e.g., public liability and personal accident insurance)
  • Agreement management: Confirming that organisations and sole traders have the appropriate agreements in place, such as Brokerage or Service Agreements, outlining clear fee structures
  • Safety and accreditation compliance: Verifying that workers possess the necessary certifications or qualifications for their service type, such as Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing and Disability), current AHPRA registration for clinical care, demonstrated completion of relevant competencies or professional memberships for allied health professionals.
  • Task-specific requirements: Ensuring that services such as high-level personal care, clinical care, or allied health support comply with all relevant licences and protocols

Trilogy Care’s onboarding process

Onboarding new care workers and organisations is a key focus for the compliance team, ensuring care recipients always have access to safe and reliable support. Their support includes:

  • Registration guidance: Helping workers and providers navigate the registration process on the Trilogy Care website
  • Document assistance: Assisting with collecting and verifying compliance documents to ensure all information is accurate and current
  • Ongoing communication: Maintaining regular contact with new and existing workers to clarify compliance requirements and uphold Trilogy Care standards
  • Customised support: Offering tailored guidance for specific service types (e.g., personal care or allied health), ensuring all credentials align with required standards
  • Continuous monitoring: Regularly reviewing and updating compliance records, guiding workers on renewals to stay compliant with regulations

Why is compliance so important?

The compliance team is an essential part of Trilogy Care’s operations, reflecting our unwavering commitment to your safety and wellbeing at home. They also play a vital role in helping providers join the Trilogy Care system.

Whether it’s obtaining worker clearances or updating insurances, the compliance team offers hands-on support to providers. This ensures our system continues to grow with trusted, qualified professionals, benefiting care recipients like you.

Join Trilogy Care for safe, reliable support

We’re proud to offer a dedicated compliance team that ensures every care worker engaged through Trilogy Care meets our high standards. If you’re looking for a self-managed Home Care Package provider committed to your safety and wellbeing, contact Trilogy Care today on 1300 459 190 or via our website.

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

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.

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