Home care packages, nursing homes, and retirement homes are all options for older people who need aged care services - these are the key differences.
Continue readingThe difference between a Home Care Package, retirement home, and nursing home
Announcing the new face of Trilogy Care, Paula Duncan
We are excited to announce that Paula Duncan, a celebrated Australian actress and advocate for positive ageing, has joined Trilogy Care as our new brand ambassador. Paula’s partnership with Trilogy Care reflects our shared commitment to supporting older Australians in living their best lives.
Paula Duncan, a distinguished actress with numerous accolades, including eight Logie Awards, the Executive Woman of the Year for Contribution to the Arts and Community, and a nomination for the Australia Day Award, will be the new face of Trilogy Care. Her on-screen career featured notable roles in popular television shows and movies, such as her eight years on Cop Shop and 121 episodes of The Young Doctors.
As a current ambassador for Australia Day, WomenCan, the Australian Gynaecological Cancer Foundation, the Focus on Ability Film Festival, and NOVA Employment, Paula has demonstrated her drive to do good for the people who need it most. Paula’s involvement with these organisations showcases her dedication to empowering those who face significant life challenges. Her advocacy resonates with Trilogy Care’s commitment to supporting those in need through tailored, compassionate care solutions.
Paula’s values align closely with Trilogy Care’s services, which focus on empowering older Australians to live independently. She values the importance of maintaining independence and receiving the right support to continue living comfortably in her own home.
Paula said: “I’ve always said that as I get older, I get stronger. I’ve partnered with Trilogy Care because they help people like me enjoy the process of ageing. Home Care Packages let older people get the support they need. Trilogy Care’s self-managed options give you the freedom to take control of your care and empower your life.”
“A few years ago, I experienced a nasty accident in my home that left me needing significant assistance. I required rehab support and help sourcing medical equipment,” she added.
“Trilogy Care is the perfect organisation to provide these services – they can organise my transport to appointments and provide medical advice whenever needed. This has allowed me to remain strong and independent, even as I work through my health issues,” Paula said about Trilogy Care’s services.
“We are excited to collaborate with Paula Duncan on future Trilogy Care initiatives,” said Trilogy Care chief executive officer, Will Whitelaw. “Like us, Paula is driven to affect positive change for Australians in the aged care system. As a fierce advocate for women and those affected by cancer, Paula embodies the values we strive to operate under each day.”
With Paula Duncan as our ambassador, we are confident that her influence will help more Australians understand the benefits of self-managed Home Care Packages. Her relatable approach and passion for making a difference align perfectly with our mission to empower older Australians to maintain their independence and live fulfilling lives.
The upcoming campaign will feature a series of informative workshops, digital content, and events aimed at educating older Australians about the benefits of self-managed care. Through this campaign, we aim to provide valuable resources and guidance to help you make informed decisions about your Home Care Package.
As the brand ambassador for Trilogy Care, Paula will be featured in marketing and promotional material, which will be used in both digital and physical media. She will also join the Trilogy Care team at major events for older Australians.
“Trilogy Care has given me the freedom to manage my care the way I want. With their support, I’ve been able to stay active and connected to my community,” says Joan, a Trilogy Care client.
Trilogy Care provides reliable Home Care Packages to support older Australians in maintaining independence and living in their homes longer. Our team enables care recipients to self-manage their Home Care Packages, saving them money and allowing them to receive more care hours. Since 2020, Trilogy Care has helped Australians live in the homes they love for longer.
To learn more about our partnership with Paula Duncan and how Trilogy Care can support you or your loved ones, visit our website or contact us today. Join us in embracing the journey of ageing with dignity, choice, and control.
How to choose an aged care provider
Choosing a home care package provider can feel overwhelming! You can streamline the entire process by following these simple steps.
Continue readingCarer Gateway – support for carers
Carers are a crucial part of the aged care system. Without them, it would be impossible to provide the support needed by care recipients nationwide.
However, it is important to remember that carers are people too and should also have access to the support they need. Working in the aged care industry can be a rewarding experience but also one that is mentally and emotionally draining. This makes it vital that support workers are able to access resources that assist them in receiving the support they need.
To this end, many useful services have been created and implemented for carers. These include Carer Gateway and Wellways, initiatives designed to provide support for carers.
What is Carer Gateway?
Carer Gateway is a free government service that provides assistance to carers. A wide range of services are available, depending on each support worker’s specific needs. Carer Gateway is available for all support workers, regardless of age or support type.
Whether you’re looking to improve your skills as a carer or access emotional support, Carer Gateway is a service worth investigating.
How can Carer Gateway help?
Carer Gateway understands that support work can be a challenging task. In order to assist care providers, Carer Gateway has worked to establish several free services. These include:
- Support groups – Carer Gateway can connect you to in-person or online peer support groups, where you can discuss problems, achievements, and goals with similar people
- Counselling – If you are experiencing negative emotions as a result of your support work, Carer Gateway can connect you with in-person or phone counselling sessions
- Coaching – Carer Gateway can put you in touch with professional coaches who can help you improve your care skills, create plans and goals for support, and discuss your experiences
- Respite services – Should you find yourself in a scenario wherein you cannot provide support work (such as an injury), Carer Gateway offers emergency respite. Their team will organize temporary care while you are unavailable
- Support Packages – Carer Gateway can help you organise additional support, such as transportation or respite
- Skill Courses – A number of courses have been created to assist with your support work
Each of these services can be accessed independently whenever required. In the event you are feeling overwhelmed, or you get sick or injured, Carer Gateway can connect you with the resources you need to organisation continued support for your care recipient.
Even the best support workers can fall ill or become burned out. In the aged care space, it is crucial to have reliable backups in place should you be unavailable to assist a care recipient. Carer Gateway is your go-to resource for planning future respite and additional care options.
Available service providers
Each state has different organisations in place to provide Carer Gateway services. Below is a list of the service providers in each state:
State Carer Gateway Provider
Queensland Wellways
New South Wales Wellways
The Benevolent Society
Carers NSW
Live Better
Victoria Merri Health Community Services
Western Australia Carers WA
South Australia Carers SA
Tasmania Care2Serve
Northern Territory Carers NT
Australia Capital Territory Carers ACT
Each organisation is responsible for delivering support services to care workers in its region, preventing any one organisation from being overloaded with requests for assistance. It also means that services can be provided from local resources.
The organisations selected to pair with Carer Gateway have been selected due to their exemplary care records. Furthermore, each of these organisations is either a government run entity or a not-for-profit, meaning your needs will always be prioritised.
Emergency assistance
One of the most critical features of Carer Gateway is the emergency assistance that is offered. While emergencies are always unexpected, having a plan in place can help to prevent the worst outcomes.
Carer Gateway has tools available to assist you with emergency planning.
Using Carer Gateway
To access Carer Gateway, call 1800 422 737 between 8 AM and 5 PM, Monday through Friday. A staff member will then walk you through the registration process.
You can also request the Carer Gateway team contact you by completing this form.
Alternatively, you can visit the Carer Gateway website to learn more.
Trilogy Care can help
Trilogy Care understands that support work can be challenging work. Carer Gateway is one resource available to you as a carer whenever you need support.
Additionally, Trilogy Care has many resources available to support you. Our website contains a number of helpful blogs and articles. We have also created a FAQs page for common inquiries we receive.
Alternatively, you can contact us at any time on 1800 214 794 or visit our website to contact us.
Aged care volunteers - what is the ACVVS Volunteer 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:
Helpful phone numbers for aged care consumers
There are so many services that you may need as an aged care consumer - so we put all the helpful phone numbers in one easy to access place!
Continue readingWorld Alzheimer's Day
Each year, on 21 September, the globe observes World Alzheimer’s Day. Since 1994, this day has been an important event on the calendar as groups come together to raise awareness and challenge the stigma surrounding Alzheimer’s disease.
Alzheimer’s disease is a life-changing diagnosis, potentially causing memory loss, mood swings, disorientation and significant behavioural problems. Our understanding of the disease is still poor, and events such as World Alzheimer’s Day help to create more awareness and research around the issue.
Why was World Alzheimer's Day created?
World Alzheimer’s Day was created in Edinburgh in September 1994 to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI). The ADI works to raise global awareness of Alzheimer’s and dementia, with the goal of affecting public policy for positive change.
In 2012, the decision was made to extend World Alzheimer’s Day to the full month of September. This change allows organisations and individuals to have more time to run fundraisers and awareness campaigns for longer.
Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease
World Alzheimer’s Day is an excellent opportunity to learn how to care for someone living with Alzheimer’s disease. Trilogy Care’s expert clinical team has put together several tips to support carers.
- Understand the disease
- Educate yourself: Learn about Alzheimer’s disease and how it affects memory, behaviour, and thinking. Understanding the progression of the disease can help you anticipate changes and respond effectively.
- Know the symptoms: Familiarize yourself with common symptoms, including memory loss, confusion, and changes in behaviour.
- Create a safe environment
- Modify the home: Remove tripping hazards, install handrails, and use locks or alarms on doors if wandering is a concern.
- Organise and simplify: Keep the living space uncluttered and use labels and signs to help with orientation.
- Establish routines
- Consistency: Stick to a daily routine to provide a sense of stability and predictability.
- Simplify tasks: Break down tasks into smaller, manageable steps to avoid frustration.
- Communicate effectively
- Use simple language: Speak slowly and clearly, using short sentences.
- Non-verbal cues: Pay attention to body language and facial expressions. Gentle touch and eye contact can be comforting.
- Patience: Allow extra time for responses and avoid interrupting.
- Encourage engagement
- Activities: Engage in activities that the person enjoys and can still participate in, such as gardening, listening to music, or simple crafts.
- Social interaction: Maintain social connections with friends and family to help reduce feelings of isolation.
- Provide emotional support
- Empathy: Validate their feelings and reassure them. Confusion and frustration are common, and acknowledging their emotions can be soothing.
- Reassurance: Offer comfort and encouragement, especially during moments of distress.
- Monitor health
- Regular check-ups: Ensure they receive regular medical care and manage any other health conditions.
- Medication management: Keep track of medications, dosages, and schedules. Consult with healthcare providers about any side effects or changes in symptoms.
- Take care of yourself
- Self-care: Caregiving can be demanding, so make sure to take time for your own physical and emotional well-being.
- Seek support: Join support groups for caregivers or seek counselling to share experiences and gain advice.
- Plan for the future
- Legal and financial planning: Address legal and financial matters early, including power of attorney and long-term care options.
- Consider professional help: As the disease progresses, professional caregivers or adult day services might become necessary.
- Be flexible
- Adapt to changes: Alzheimer’s disease is progressive, so be prepared to adjust care strategies as the disease evolves.
- Stay positive: Focus on the person’s strengths and abilities and celebrate small victories.
Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s requires patience, compassion, and flexibility. Remember, you’re not alone—there are resources and support available to help you navigate this challenging journey.
What is the theme for World Alzheimer’s Month 2024?
In 2024, the theme for World Alzheimer’s Month is ‘Time to Act on Dementia, Time to Act on Alzheimer’s’. Organised by ADI, the theme highlights the specific issues that people living with Alzheimer’s and dementia regularly experience.
This campaign aims to focus on ‘attitudes toward dementia and seeks to challenge the stigma and discrimination which still exists around the disease while highlighting the positive steps being undertaken by organisations and governments globally to develop a more dementia-friendly society.’
What can I do to show support?
The primary goal of World Alzheimer’s Day and World Alzheimer’s Month is to raise awareness for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. As the understanding of Alzheimer’s disease is quite poor, these global events are crucial for driving research on the topic.
There are many ways to get involved in World Alzheimer’s Day, whether you wish to attend an event or help spread awareness. Ways to show your support include:
- Host an event
- Attend an event
- Donate to a fundraiser or registered charity
- Wear a purple ribbon or bracelet in support
- Post an image with the #WorldAlzheimersDay hashtag
- Register to volunteer
Upcoming events can be found on the Dementia Australia website.
Resources for Alzheimer's disease support
We have provided several helpful resources below as part of our commitment to caring for people living with Alzheimer’s disease.
Dementia Australia – an excellent resource for getting support, or providing support, for people living with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.
Alzheimersresearch.org – this site provides information about Alzheimer’s disease in Australia, as well as ways to get involved with the cause
Trilogy Care – Our website has many helpful resources, including advice for locating the right healthcare provider.
If you still need assistance, feel free to call Trilogy Care’s friendly team on 1300 459 190 or contact us anytime.
World Patient Safety Day
September 17 marks the advent of World Patient Safety Day. The event is an opportunity for patients, their families and caregivers, health professionals, and community groups to unite and show commitment to patient safety.
In 2024, the theme of the event is “Improving diagnosis for patient safety.”
What is World Patient Safety Day?
Established in 2019, World Patient Safety Day was created as a cornerstone of action to promote global health and safety. The event highlights the need for safety throughout the entirety of the diagnostic process. Notably, the end goal of this drive is to reduce errors in the healthcare process to ensure a more reliable medical process.
World Patient Safety Day is an opportunity to promote patient safety standards across the globe. This is achieved through increasing awareness and engagement, enhancing global understanding, and working towards global action.
Objectives of World Patient Safety Day 2024
The objectives of World Patient Safety Day 2024 are available on the World Health Organisation’s website. Each objective was created in accordance with the goals of the Global Patient Safety Action Plan 2021-2030.
- Raise global awareness of errors in diagnosis contributing to patient harm and emphasise the pivotal role of correct, timely and safe diagnosis in improving patient safety.
- Give prominence to diagnostic safety in patient safety policy and clinical practice at all levels of health care, aligned with the Global Patient Safety Action Plan 2021–2030.
- Foster collaboration among policy-makers, healthcare leaders, health workers, patient organisations, and other stakeholders in advancing correct, timely and safe diagnosis.
- Empower patients and families to actively engage with health workers and healthcare leaders to improve diagnostic processes.
Why is World Patient Safety Day important?
The main goal of World Patient Safety Day is to reduce errors within the healthcare system. Errors fall under three main categories: delayed diagnosis, incorrect diagnosis, and missed diagnosis. Each of these types of error has the potential to cause significant harm to a person. These are:
- Delayed diagnosis – this error occurs when a health condition is not identified at an early stage, leading to inadequate treatment
- Incorrect diagnosis – this error occurs when an incorrect diagnosis is made initially, often leading to the wrong treatment
- Missed diagnosis – this error occurs when a health condition is not identified at all, meaning required treatment is missed
Naturally, for significant healthcare problems, an error in diagnosis can lead to major problems. As the push for better patient care continues, World Patient Safety Day is an important reminder of the improvements still to be made.
Increasing patient safety worldwide
World Patient Safety Day has led to many significant improvements in the medical field. The event has helped identify avenues for increased patient safety. The areas that need attention across the globe include:
- Data collection
- Simple medical procedures
- Safe workplaces
- Patient and practitioner relationships
- Safe culture
Each of these methods represents an inefficient system. By highlighting the need to improve these systems, healthcare officials can begin to push for increased service quality.
In time, this will lead to more accurate, safer healthcare.
Getting involved in World Patient Safety Day
There are a wide variety of ways to show your support for World Patient Safety Day in 2024. As part of the annual World Patient Safety Day campaign, public spaces and landmarks will be lit up orange in support.
Additionally, many other campaigns will be run across the globe. This includes social media activities, advocacy, technical events, fundraisers, and awareness campaigns.
For more information on safety and healthcare, visit Trilogy Care’s resources page.
National Wound Awareness Week
September 2-8, 2024, marks National Wound Awareness Week. This important event raises awareness about an issue that affects more than 450,000 Australians each year. It reminds us that chronic wounds are a significant problem and can lead to considerable health risks.
The theme of National Wound Awareness Week in 2024 is ‘Be Wound Aware.’ The campaign focuses on recognising the warning signs of wounds, learning how to heal wounds, and learning when to ask for help.
With more than $6.6 billion spent on wounds each year in aged care, it is crucial to understand how to deal with chronic wounds.
What is a chronic wound?
A chronic wound is a wound that has not progressed through the stages of healing normally. They often lead to long-term pain, loss of mobility, and a reduction in wellbeing.
Chronic wounds often heal at a much slower rate than regular injuries and often only partially heal. As such, they are typically painful, smelly, or embarrassing and typically lead to feelings of isolation or depression.
How are chronic wounds formed?
Chronic wounds typically develop from acute wounds that are improperly treated. Any wound can become chronic if left unchecked. A wound is considered chronic if it lasts for longer than 30 days. The most common types of injuries leading to chronic wounds are:
- Pressure injuries
- Autoimmune problems
- Skin tears
- Dermatological conditions
- Surgical wounds
- Leg and foot ulcers
- Diabetes foot ulcerations
Who is at risk of developing a chronic wound?
Anyone can develop a chronic wound, but certain people are much more at risk than others. Older people and those living with another condition, such as diabetes or heart disease, are significantly more likely to end up with a chronic wound.
Preventing chronic wounds
Trilogy Care has provided a list of tips for people with a higher risk of developing a chronic wound. This includes:
- Treating new wounds immediately
- Using sunscreen
- Using moisturiser
- Wearing enclosed shoes
- Exercising
- Eating well
- Staying hydrated
- Wearing loose clothes
- Patting skin dry after washing
Advice from Trilogy Care’s clinical team
Trilogy Care’s clinical team is available at any time if you need assistance or advice about a wound or similar injury. Our team has expertise dealing with chronic wounds and can provide advice on the best course of action. We advise the following when dealing with a wound:
- Stop the bleeding: prioritise stopping the wound from bleeding. If you cannot do so, seek medical assistance immediately.
- Clean the wound: remove any dirt from the wound and the skin around it. Rinse it with plain water or normal saline if available.
- Dress the wound: place a bandage or bandage on the wound. Ensure it is completely covered.
- Practise wound care: change the dressing daily or as a healthcare professional advises. You should also change the bandage if it gets dirty at any point.
- If the wound becomes red, oozy, painful or inflamed seek medical assistance as the wound may be infected.
- All wounds should be brought to the attention of your GP during your next appointment, even if minor.
These everyday tips from the clinical team will assist in the event you receive a wound.
Get involved in 2024
National Wound Awareness week serves as an excellent reminder that wound care is crucial.
Wounds Australia has many valuable resources for National Wound Awareness Week 2024. A list of all events can be found here.
These events range from informational live streams to in-person seminars. These events are excellent opportunities to increase your knowledge about chronic wounds and how to treat them.
If you wish to access more information about your healthcare, visit Trilogy Care’s resources on health and wellness.
How do I apply for a Home Care Package?
Thousands of senior Australians are eligible for a home care package, but don't know where to start. We've created a simple guide to help you through the process.
Continue reading