Support at Home client types: which are you?

Support at Home client types, Support at Home participant types, grandfathered participant, hybrid participant, new participant, grandfathered client, new client, hybrid client

From 1 November 2025, Support at Home replaces Home Care Packages. It marks a shift in how aged care at home is funded and delivered, with new rules for service pricing and personal contributions. What you pay depends on which group you’re in and the type of support you receive. This guide explains the three groups in plain English and shows how client contributions work under the Contribution Framework, including how to confirm your group and what your weekly costs might look like.

Work out your client type

Grandfathered clients

  • Approved for a Home Care Package on or before 12 September 2024, including if you were on the waitlist or already receiving a package
  • Protected by the no worse off principle for fees

Hybrid clients

  • Approved for a Home Care Package between 13 September 2024 and 30 June 2025
  • Move to the Contribution Framework from the Support at Home start date

New clients

  • Assessed and start services on or after 1 November 2025
  • Pay contributions under the Contribution Framework from day one

What you’ll pay under Support at Home

  • Services Australia sets your personal contribution rate using your income and assets
  • Providers set service prices, and your contribution is a percentage of each service price
  • Financial hardship assistance is available if you qualify

Contribution by service type

Clinical supports (e.g. nursing, wound care, allied health)
• No client contributions

Independence supports (e.g. personal care, reablement supports, eligible AT-HM)
• Moderate client contributions

Everyday living supports (e.g. domestic assistance, gardening, errands)
• Higher client contributions

Simple decision path

  • Were you approved for a Home Care Package on or before 12 September 2024?
    – Yes → You are a grandfathered client and protected by the no worse off principle.
    – No → Go to the next question.
  • Were you approved between 13 September 2024 and 30 June 2025?
    – Yes → You are a hybrid client and move to the Contribution Framework at program start.
    – No → You are a new client and pay contributions under the new framework from day one.

Support at Home client type examples

Example 1: A full Age Pensioner approved in July 2024 will be Grandfathered from 1 November 2025. Their contributions won’t increase under Support at Home. Clinical supports remain fully funded.

Example 2: Someone approved in October 2024 will be Hybrid. From 1 November 2025 they’ll pay percentage-based contributions by service type. Clinical supports remain fully funded. Exact dollar amounts depend on provider prices and their assessed rate.

Support at Home client FAQs

Do full Age Pensioners pay for clinical care?
No. Clinical supports are fully government-funded for all clients.

How will I know my exact contribution rate?
Services Australia will confirm your personal rate. Your weekly costs then depend on your mix of services and your provider’s service prices.

Will my contributions change if my needs change?
Grandfathered clients are protected by the no worse off principle. Hybrid and new clients may see changes if their assessed rate or service mix changes.

Where can I get help if I cannot afford my contributions?
You may be eligible for financial hardship assistance. Talk to your Trilogy Care Care Partner for guidance and evidence requirements.

What to do next to prepare

  • Visit our Support at Home hub for the latest updates, checklists and plain-English explainers
  • Use our calculator to estimate weekly contributions based on your services and rate
  • Talk to your Care Partner to review your Support Plan and service prices before 1 November 2025
  • Ask about AT-HM if equipment or home modifications would support your independence
  • Contact Trilogy Care if you are unsure of your client type we will confirm it and map likely weekly costs with you

From 1 November 2025, Support at Home changes how contributions work. If you are Grandfathered, you keep your current fee settings under the no worse off principle. Hybrid and new clients pay percentage-based contributions by service type, with clinical supports fully funded. Your weekly costs depend on your personal rate and your provider’s service prices.

If you’re unsure which group you’re in, contact Trilogy Care. Our team will confirm your group, review your Support Plan and Service List, use our Calculator to map likely weekly costs, and guide you through hardship options if needed.

Struggling to understand Support at Home? View our case studies!

Support at Home case studies, aged care case studies, Trilogy Care case studies

With the Support at Home program set to replace Home Care Packages on 1 November 2025, many people are still unclear about how the aged care system is changing. To help guide people through the process, Trilogy Care has developed a series of real-life case study videos to help explain exactly what’s coming and what it means for you.

These videos form part of our aged care 2025 guide, practical resources designed to support older Australians, their families, and carers in understanding the changes.

Whether you’re a Grandfathered client, a Hybrid client, or just starting out, the videos walk through realistic scenarios that show how Support at Home will work day to day.

Why watch the Support at Home case study series?

The reforms introduce new budgets, contribution rules, service categories and provider processes. But for many people, it’s hard to translate this into what it means in real life.

Our Support at Home guide resources include case study videos to break it down. Each video follows a client scenario and shows how services, fees and support options apply under the new model.

These case studies are designed for:

  • Clients transitioning from a Home Care Package
  • Families supporting someone in aged care
  • People preparing to enter care after 1 November 2025
  • Anyone considering self-management under the new system

What do the videos cover?

Each video is under ten minutes and focused on a key topic:

You can watch one or all, depending on your needs.

Straightforward, real-life examples

These videos don’t over-explain or rely on jargon. They show what the new model looks like for people with different care needs and funding levels, so you can better prepare for the changes ahead.

Whether you’re managing services yourself or working with a Registered Provider, these videos will help you understand your options.

Watch now and learn about Support at Home

The full case study series is now available on Trilogy Care’s YouTube channel. Trilogy Care is committed to helping clients make informed, confident decisions as the aged care system transitions.

These case studies are just one part of our ongoing support, and we’ll continue to update the series as more details are confirmed ahead of the November launch. For more Support at Home information, call 1300 459 190 or visit our Support at Home information hub.

Home Care Packages – How do you get one and what is the cost?

Home Care Package cost cost of a Home Care Package How can I get a Home Care Package how to apply for a Home Care Package

Getting older doesn’t mean you have to leave the home you love. If you or a loved one need a little extra support to stay independent, a Home Care Package can help. But many people feel overwhelmed by the process or worry about the cost. The good news is, help is available — and it’s more affordable than you might think.

In this guide, we explain how to get a Home Care Package and what it could cost, so you can feel confident about your next steps.

How do I get a Home Care Package?

A Home Care Package is a government-subsidised program designed to help older Australians live at home longer by providing access to care and support services.

So you may be asking, “How do I get a Home Care Package?”

Here’s how to apply:

  • Check your eligibility – You must be aged 65 or older (or 50+ for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people) and need support with daily tasks.
  • Book an assessment – Contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 or online. They will arrange for the Single Assessment Service (SAS) to visit you and assess your care needs.
  • Receive your outcome – If approved, you’ll be assigned a Home Care Package level (1–4) based on your care needs. Level 1 provides basic support; Level 4 is for high-level care.
  • Choose your provider – Once your package is assigned, you can choose an approved provider — like Trilogy Care — to deliver your care and manage your funding.

If you need help at any stage, Trilogy Care can guide you through the application process, free of charge.

What are the costs?

One of the biggest concerns people have is about home care services cost. The government pays the bulk of your Home Care Package, but you may be asked to contribute, depending on your circumstances.

Possible contributions

You might pay:

  • Basic daily fee – many providers (including Trilogy Care) choose not to charge this.
  • Income-tested care fee – if your income is above a certain amount, you may pay an additional contribution, as determined by Services Australia.

Trilogy Care prides itself on transparent pricing with no hidden costs. We’ll explain any potential contributions up front, so there are no surprises.

How to get the best value from your Home Care Package

Once you’ve secured your package, you can use it to pay for a wide range of services, including:

  • Personal care (e.g. showering, dressing)
  • Domestic help (e.g. cleaning, meals)
  • Allied health services (e.g. physiotherapy, podiatry)
  • Social support and transport

At Trilogy Care, we help you design a care plan that suits your needs and make sure you get the most from your budget.

Trilogy Care can guide you

If you’re ready to take the next step or just want some advice, contact Trilogy Care today. Our friendly team can help you apply for a Home Care Package, choose the right services, and understand the costs.

Give our friendly team a call on 1300 459 190 to further discuss your aged care options or learn more about self-management.

Better together: The benefits of partnering with Trilogy Care

partnering with trilogy care trilogy care partners

In the evolving aged care sector, collaboration is key. As providers adapt to funding reforms, shifting consumer expectations and growing demand for personalised support, many are finding value in partnerships that deliver flexibility, transparency and real outcomes – such as partnering with Trilogy Care.

At Trilogy Care, we’re proud to partner with a wide range of care, support and coordination-based organisations who share our vision—to improve outcomes through choice, control and high-quality care. Whether you’re a community-based provider, a private support organisation or an allied health professional, working with Trilogy Care opens new opportunities to grow, adapt and thrive together.

Shared values, shared success

Trilogy Care believes older Australians should be empowered to choose how their care is delivered. We specialise in self-managed Home Care Packages  (and soon the new Support at Home program) – giving clients control over their funding, supported by a knowledgeable and responsive team.

For partner organisations, this creates a unique opportunity: to focus on delivering exceptional services, without the administrative burden of managing package funds or navigating compliance alone.

When you become a Trilogy Care partner, you join a collaborative network that values:

  • Transparent communication and clear service agreements
  • Care recipient-first care planning and coordination
  • Streamlined referrals and consistent workflows
  • Shared accountability for quality and outcomes

Support that scales with your business

Partnering with Trilogy Care is about more than just referrals. We work closely with partners to build long-term, mutually beneficial relationships. Whether you’re supporting a few clients or growing across multiple regions, our systems and support scale with you.

When you work with Trilogy Care, you will:

  • Receive structured onboarding and training to understand the Trilogy model
  • Gain access to real-time care plan updates and service coordination
  • Are supported by a dedicated care management team who liaise directly with participants
  • Can focus on service delivery while we manage compliance, care reviews and budget monitoring

As the aged care system transitions to the Support at Home program, Trilogy Care partners will have peace of mind knowing we’re ahead of the curve. We’re already preparing for changes to service categories, fee structures and funding models—so clients and partners stay a step ahead.

The benefits of working with Trilogy Care

For service providers, partnering with Trilogy Care can unlock a range of advantages:

  • Focus on what you do best: Deliver outstanding care and support while we manage the rest
  • Stronger retention: Clients who self-manage with support often stay longer and feel more engaged
  • Increased referrals: We connect our participants with trusted local providers to meet their goals
  • Compliance peace of mind: Our experienced team ensures everything from care planning to invoicing meets government guidelines
  • A like-minded network: Work with a provider who genuinely values respect, choice and dignity in aged care

Real partnership, real impact

Our partnerships aren’t transactional—they’re transformational. We take the time to understand each partner’s capacity, build trust and create seamless collaboration. With Trilogy Care, you’re not just partnering with a provider—you’re helping shape a more transparent, personalised and participant-led future in aged care.

If you’re an aged care or home care organisation ready to grow your impact and deliver better care experiences, now’s the time to explore a partnership with Trilogy Care.

Let’s work together to deliver better care

If you’re looking to improve your service and assist more Australians than ever before, consider partnering with Trilogy Care. Trilogy Care partners are already a step ahead of their competition due to our support and assistance. 

Call us on 1300 459 190 or contact us via our website to get started.

Nutritious and simple lunch ideas for older people

lunch ideas for older people healthy food options for older people

As we age, eating well becomes one of the most important ways to support our health, energy and independence. A balanced lunch can help maintain strength, improve memory, and even reduce the risk of illness. Whether you’re preparing meals for yourself or a loved one, it’s helpful to have a few go-to lunch ideas that are easy to prepare, gentle on the digestive system and packed with flavour.

Here are some easy, nourishing and delicious healthy food options for older people to enjoy at lunchtime:

Quinoa and vegetable stir-fry

Quinoa is a soft, high-protein grain that’s easy to chew and packed with nutrients. Stir through lightly cooked vegetables like capsicum, carrots and broccoli for a hearty, colourful lunch. Add a drizzle of olive oil and your favourite herbs for extra taste. You can view the full recipe here.

Chicken and avocado wrap

Using a soft wholemeal wrap, fill with shredded grilled chicken, avocado slices, lettuce and tomato. Avocados provide healthy fats, while chicken is a great source of lean protein—perfect for supporting muscle strength in older adults. The full recipe is available on this site.

Lentil and vegetable soup

This warm and comforting option is rich in fibre and plant-based protein. Lentils combine beautifully with carrots, celery, spinach and tomato for a filling meal that’s kind on the stomach and great for colder days. Click here for the full recipe.

Tuna and white bean salad

A refreshing salad of tuna, white beans, red onion and fresh herbs offers omega-3s and plenty of protein. Drizzle with lemon juice and olive oil and serve on a bed of greens or with wholegrain crackers for a simple, nutrient-rich lunch. For more details on the recipe, view this site.

Greek yoghurt parfait

For a lighter midday meal, layer Greek yoghurt with fresh berries, a few nuts or seeds, and a touch of honey. It’s one of the easiest healthy food options for older people, especially those with smaller appetites. See the full recipe here.

Soft chicken salad wrap

Shredded cooked chicken, Greek yoghurt (or light mayo), celery and a dash of lemon make a creamy, satisfying chicken salad. Wrapped in a soft tortilla, it’s easy to chew and perfect for on-the-go lunches. This classic recipe can be viewed here.

Roasted vegetable couscous

A colourful mix of roasted vegetables like zucchini, pumpkin and eggplant pairs perfectly with couscous. Add chickpeas for protein and top with a light vinaigrette. It’s a vibrant, fibre-packed option ideal for a healthy ageing diet. For more details on this healthy meal, follow this link.

Easy lunch ideas with Trilogy Care

These lunch ideas aren’t just tasty—they’re also practical, easy to prepare, and supportive of a wide range of dietary needs. Choosing the right healthy food options for older people can go a long way in boosting mood, energy and wellbeing.

Whether you’re caring for a loved one or planning your own meals, variety and nutrition are key. Don’t forget to stay hydrated and adjust meal textures if chewing or swallowing is a concern.

Need help with meal planning or aged care support at home? Our team at Trilogy Care is here to help you live well, your way.

Discover the benefits of in-home care – it’s support worth sharing

Share the Care Support worth sharing

At Trilogy Care, we are committed to providing high-quality, in-home care that empowers you to live independently and comfortably. We believe that enabling you to self-manage your Home Care Package provides greater freedom, choice, and flexibility. This approach to aged care has significantly improved the lives of everyone we work with —it’s support worth sharing.

What are the benefits of receiving in-home care?

Choosing in-home care over residential aged care offers a range of meaningful benefits, including:

  • Value – With Trilogy Care, you’ll gain more care hours through our lower fees
  • Independence – Trilogy Care empowers you to stay in control of your life while remaining in the comfort of your own home
  • Freedom – Our care recipients have the freedom to select the support services and care workers that best suit your needs
  • Choice – You have the choice to live your life your way, with support tailored to your preferences
  • Control – Trilogy Care helps you take charge of your Home Care Package by tailoring services to fit your lifestyle
  • Safety – We ensure your well-being through comprehensive police checks and strict compliance requirements
  • Flexibility – Your support services can be adjusted at any time to suit your changing needs
  • Connection – Stay connected by inviting friends and family into the Trilogy Care community

Empowering you through self-management

At Trilogy Care, we empower you to take control of your care through our self-management model. Whether you choose a Self Managed or Self Managed PLUS package, you remain in control of your care and support.

Your dedicated care partner is always available to offer guidance and budgeting advice, ensuring you get the most from your Home Care Package. However, you retain full control, meaning you can adjust your care whenever you wish. With self-management, you can achieve a level of care that truly enhances your quality of life—support worth sharing with your loved ones.

Partners who work for you

We understand that the services you rely on—whether it’s meal deliveries, allied health support, or finding care workers—are crucial to effective self-management. That’s why we collaborate with trusted partners to provide valuable additions to your Home Care Package.

Trilogy Care also works to secure exclusive discounts for our care recipients. Recent offers from Cookaborough, Plena, and Lite n’ Easy have provided great savings, and these benefits are worth sharing with friends and family who may also enjoy reduced costs.

Trilogy Care for your loved ones

At Trilogy Care, we are dedicated to delivering the highest quality of care and support. If you have friends or family who could benefit from in-home care, consider introducing them to Trilogy Care – it’s support worth sharing.

Through our Share the Care program, we reward anyone who refers others to our services. For every successful referral, you’ll receive a $100 Bill Fairy voucher as a thank you. Please note, terms and conditions apply.

Want to learn more about our referral program or Trilogy Care services? Give us a call on 1300 459 190 or visit our website today.

Home modifications to support ageing

Home modifications

As part of the Home Care Package program, aged care recipients receiving in-home care can make home modifications to support their ageing. My Aged Care offers funding assistance for changes to your home that help you live safely and independently.

How can I get funding for home modifications?

If you’re planning to use your Home Care Package for modifications, you’ll need to confirm eligibility with My Aged Care. As with all Home Care Package funding, modifications must be related to your ageing needs. Additionally, they must be support by an assessment and recommendation from an appropriately qualified health professional such as an Occupational Therapist.

From 1 July 2025, the new Support at Home program will introduce changes to the funding scheme. The Assistive Technologies and Home Modifications (AT-HM) Scheme will allow quicker access to the home changes you need, ensuring older Australians can stay safe and independent at home.

What home modifications should I make?

Modifications to your home should always reflect your assessed needs. For example, if you’re concerned about falling, you might consider installing grab rails in your shower.

If you’re unsure about the types of modifications you need, reach out to your care partner at Trilogy Care. They can make a referral for an in-home assessment to recommend modifications tailored to your circumstances.

Example home modifications

Here are some common household modifications that can improve your safety and independence:

  • Grab rails – prevents falls in the shower, bath, or toilet
  • Ramps – ensures easy wheelchair access
  • Easy-access taps – helps if you have arthritis or a weakened grip
  • Accessible cooking appliances – provides assistance for those with mobility challenges
  • Long-handled gardening tools – enhances safety while gardening
  • Step modifications – ensures safer movement around your home
  • Handrails – improves safety on stairs
  • Adapted cutlery – assists those with weak grips or tremors while eating

Speak to us today for assistance!

Our friendly team at Trilogy Care is ready to help you start the process of modifying your home. Reach out to your care partner anytime with any questions or concerns you may have.

Not with Trilogy Care yet? Call us on 1300 459 190 or visit our website to learn more.

Home Care Academy is live - start learning today

Home Care Academy - We're Live

Trilogy Care is excited to announce the launch of Home Care Academy (HCA) on 10 October. This platform supports everyone involved in home care, and provides the knowledge and skills essential for delivering compassionate, effective in-home care.

Start learning with the On-Demand Learning Bundle

At launch, participants will gain access to the first course, addressing mental health. This course will eventually be part of the On-Demand Learning Bundle. Content is available 24/7, allowing users to learn at their own pace. Additional modules will be added to the bundle over time, expanding the range of educational resources.

Easy access to Home Care Academy

From 10 October, Trilogy Care will offer a direct link to access the Home Care Academy platform. Registering is simple and easy—you can sign up using your email or popular social media platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, Apple, or Google.

After registering, you will receive a welcome email guiding you through the platform’s features, giving you immediate access to a variety of educational materials. The platform’s intuitive design makes it easy to navigate, so you can start learning without any delays. You’ll be able to track your progress, pick up where you left off, and explore different caregiving topics at your convenience.

If you encounter any issues, Trilogy Care’s support team will be ready to assist. We aim to ensure a smooth and enriching experience for all users.

Personalised learning through specialised bundles

Trilogy Care has structured Home Care Academy so that the courses are sorted into learning bundles that cater to different areas of in-home care. The bundles are split into two categories, as follows:

  • On-Demand Learning Bundle: Available immediately upon registration, this foundational bundle includes essential modules to help learners get started.
  • Specialised Learning Bundles: These bundles will be introduced over time, exploring advanced caregiving techniques, mental health support, and the use of technology in care.

Join us in transforming home care

We invite you to be part of this educational journey. Look out for the link on 10 October, or visit our website to join. Trilogy Care is committed to raising the standard of in-home care through education, empowering a community of skilled, compassionate caregivers.

Click here to go to Home Care Academy now!

Support at Home services - what is available?

Support at Home - what services home care services pricing list

The list of Support at Home services has been published, detailing the services and support you can access with your new funding. These services are grouped into 14 categories, including personal care, meal support, and nursing care. Each category clearly outlines what is included and excluded.

Trilogy Care has reviewed the service list and highlighted key changes you should know before the Support at Home program begins on 1 November 2025.

Please note that these changes are all all subject to the passage of the Bill through Parliament. 

Below is an overview of the service types and how they apply to Support at Home care recipients. Please note, the home care services pricing list is subject to change.

Nursing care

Support at Home offers nursing care to address clinical needs through qualified nurses and nursing assistants. This includes assessing, treating, and monitoring health conditions, managing wounds, administering medications, and providing education to care recipients. However, services already funded through other programs, such as specialist palliative care, are not included.

Allied Health and other therapeutic services

Older Australians can access healthcare specialists such as dietitians, therapists, physiotherapists, and podiatrists under Support at Home.

Funding is available for treatment programs designed to help care recipients manage their own care when possible, promoting independence. Follow-up services related to assistive technology and home modifications are also supported.

Support at Home does not cover treatments that can be funded through other programs or the healthcare system, nor does it cover conditions unrelated to age-related decline, such as acute mental health issues. These are not included on the home care services pricing list.

Nutrition

Support at Home covers prescribed dietary supplements or aids required due to age-related decline. Providers can also apply for the Enteral Feeding for Aged Care Supplement through Services Australia, where eligible. General expenses, such as weight loss supplements, are not covered.

Care management

Care management covers costs related to supporting in-home care, including care planning, service coordination, advocacy, and education.

Administrative costs covered under service prices are excluded from this category.

Restorative care management

Restorative care management focuses on coordinating care for older people undergoing short-term Restorative Care. Care partners in this category must have clinical qualifications.

As with care management, administrative costs funded through service pricing are excluded. 

Personal care

Personal care services help older people maintain independence in daily life. Under Support at Home, these services include assistance with personal hygiene, daily activities, medication, and continence management. Professional services and those funded through other programs are not included.

Social support and community engagement

This category covers individual or group support, social activities, cultural support, digital education, and assistance with personal affairs.

It can include simple activities like meeting with friends or attending events, as well as more complex needs such as translation services. Membership fees, service fees, and activities funded by other programs are not covered.

Therapeutic services for independent living

Therapeutic services include acupuncturists, chiropractors, remedial massage therapists, and osteopaths. However, these services are only funded if other programs do not provide coverage.

Respite

Respite care provides relief for the usual carer by another person. Respite care funded by other programs, such as residential respite under the AN-ACC model, is not covered.

Transport

The Transport category covers both direct and indirect transport services, such as taxis or rideshares. However, expenses such as buying a vehicle, public transport costs, or holiday travel cannot be funded.

Assistive technology and home modifications

Support at Home provides funding for assistive technology and home modifications through the AT-HM scheme. This funding is in addition to quarterly services funding, and supports equipment and home adjustments needed to maintain your independence, comfort, and safety.

Domestic assistance

Domestic assistance covers help with tasks like general cleaning, laundry, and shopping. However, it does not include professional services like pest control, carpet cleaning, or dry cleaning. Groceries are also not covered under shopping assistance.

Home maintenance and repairs

Home maintenance covers tasks like light gardening, lawn mowing, and minor repairs. Professional services are excluded unless there are significant age-related risks. Landlord responsibilities, housing authority work, or items covered by insurance are also not funded.

Meals

Support at Home can fund meal preparation and delivery. However, it cannot be used for ingredients, takeaway food, or meals for others in the household.

More details about Support at Home services

This article provides an overview of the 14 service categories funded under the Support at Home program. For more details on the home care services pricing list, visit this link or download a copy from this site.

If you’d like to speak with someone about Support at Home, call us on 1300 459 190 or via our website.