A guide to level 4 Home Care Packages

Level 4 Home Care Package

Understanding the options for home care services can be overwhelming, especially with the various levels of Home Care Package available. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the level 4 Home Care Package, detailing its services, eligibility criteria, costs, and the application process. Understanding these elements can help you or your loved one make informed decisions about accessing appropriate support. 

What is a level 4 Home Care Package?

A level 4 Home Care Package is assigned to older Australians living with high-level care needs. Typically, they require visits every day of the week, as those on this package require significant levels of assistance with many day-to-day tasks to remain healthy and independent. A standard level 4 Home Care Package provides around 36 hours of assistance every two weeks, depending on what your provider charges. 

What services are included in a level 4 Home Care Package?

A care recipient on a level 4 Home Care Package will receive assistance with most tasks, including social, physical, and medical tasks, as well as psychological care needs. Those one a level 4 package may receive care in the form of:

  • Personal care assistance: Help with bathing, dressing, and grooming
  • Household assistance: Keeping your home clean and tidy
  • Meal preparation and nutrition support: Ensuring you have healthy meals
  • Help with shopping: Assistance with groceries and other shopping needs
  • Transport to appointments and activities: Getting you to medical appointments and social events
  • Social activities and companionship: Promoting social engagement and preventing isolation
  • Garden maintenance: Taking care of your garden
  • Nursing services: Including wound care and medication management
  • Independent living aids and assistive technology: Enhancing mobility and safety
  • Home modifications: Such as installing safety equipment in your home
  • Allied health services: Including podiatry, physiotherapy, and speech therapy
  • Specialised support: Such as hearing and vision services, dementia care, and cognitive support
  • Behavioural support: Support with managing memory and behavioural changes
  • Advanced health support: Support for chronic health conditions, including dementia and severe heart conditions
  • Constant Care: 24-hour monitoring and care
  • Palliative Care

 These services are designed to allow care recipients to maintain a high quality of life and remain in their own homes for as long as possible.

Who is eligible for a level 4 Home Care Package?

Eligibility for a level 4 Home Care Package is determined through an assessment process known as the Single Assessment System. As of July 2024, the Single Assessment Systems replaced the Aged Care Assessment Teams (ACATs) in an effort to provide care recipients with a more streamlined, consistent, and flexible assessment process. Details regarding the new Single Assessment System can be found at this site.

The Single Assessment System evaluates the individual’s care needs and determines their suitability for different levels of Home Care Package. Generally, the following criteria must be met:

  • Age: Typically, available to those aged 65 and over or 50 and over for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
  • Care needs: Individuals with complex care needs may need to be visited most days a week.
  • Living situation: Preferably living at home and needing assistance to continue living independently.

You can check if you can receive services using My Aged Care’s eligibility check or apply for an assessment online if you are ready.

Are there costs associated with a level 4 Home Care Package?

A level 4 Home Care Package is divided into two main components:

Government contribution: The federal government provides a subsidy to cover the care costs. The subsidy for a level 4 package is currently set at around $2,356.62 a fortnight.

Individual contribution: Depending on your financial situation, you may be asked to contribute towards the cost of your care. This contribution can include:

    • Basic daily fee: This is a small fee that everyone receiving a Home Care Package may be asked to pay, currently capped at $168.33 per day. Trilogy Care DO NOT charge a basic daily fee.
    • Income-tested fees: Home Care Packages are means tested by Services Australia. Depending on your income, you may need to make an additional contribution. Full pensioners and people with an income less than $32,332 per year do not pay an income tested fee.

You can find a detailed breakdown of all the costs and fees associated with the Home Care Package here.

How to apply for a level 4 Home Care Package?

Applying for a level 4 Home Care Package involves contacting My Aged Care online or by phone. If you meet the minimum eligibility requirements, a member of the Single Assessment System workforce will visit your home for a free assessment. If eligible, you’ll receive an approval letter specifying your care level.

For more details, see our 5 steps to apply for a Home Care Package.

Choosing the right provider

After receiving approval for a Home Care Package, it’s essential to find an approved provider to ensure you get the best care possible. Use My Aged Care’s ‘Find a Provider’ tool to identify local providers that meet the standards set by the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission.

Here are some important factors to consider when selecting a provider:

  • Service Area: Does the provider offer services in your location?
  • Service Types: Do they provide the specific services you need?
  • Availability: Do they have availability to take you on as a client?
  • Personal Alignment: Do they respect and cater to any cultural or faith-based needs that are important to you?

Choosing a provider is a personal decision, and while recommendations can be valuable, it’s crucial to find the right match for your needs. Consider how involved you want to be in managing your care. Providers may offer fully managed, shared managed, or self-managed services, each affecting your budget, flexibility, and control differently. Not all providers offer both self-managed and fully managed options, so decide on your preferred level of involvement before making your choice.

For more details, see our blog on How to choose a Home Care Package provider.

How we can help

At Trilogy Care, we are completely transparent in our pricing. Our services are charged at a flat percentage – we do not hide behind any hidden fees or surcharges. We offer 15% of your Home Care Package for our Self-Managed tier or 26% of your Home Care Package for Self-Managed PLUS tier. 

 

This lower fee structure means more of your funds go directly towards your care rather than administrative costs. We can offer a more efficient use of your Home Care Package funds if you’re looking to switch providers or need a new provider.

 

Contact us today if you’d like to find out how Trilogy Care can help with your level 4 Home Care Package.

 

 

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. 

Have you met the Trilogy Care clinical team?

Trilogy Care Clinical Team

Unlike many Home Care Package Providers, Trilogy Care maintains a clinical team consisting of 10 dedicated, highly trained nurses who are available at any time. The team is committed to supporting our care recipients through any clinical needs they experience at no additional cost.

Trilogy Care’s clinical team is always accessible to assist care recipients by rapidly responding to incidents, changes, deterioration, clinical escalations, and management plans. To this end, Trilogy Care can be confident that we are compliant with the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission and provide peace of mind to our care recipients.

The role of the clinical team

Trilogy Care’s clinical team is dedicated to assisting you with any health concerns or problems you may be experiencing. Should we be informed of any significant medical, healthcare, or lifestyle changes in our consumers’ lives, we endeavour to follow up as part of our duty of care.

Each of our nurses has extensive experience within the healthcare industry and is eager and enthusiastic to provide free, expert assistance as needed.

After consulting with the clinical team, Trilogy Care will determine if changes are required to your care plan or Home Care Package. Any recommendations that the clinical team has will then be provided to your care partner, who can discuss them with you or your authorised representation.

The Trilogy Care clinical team is dedicated to building meaningful relationships with our care recipients. Our team’s care and kindness have allowed us to provide our consumers with safety and comfort, resulting in the clinical team achieving a record number of case management plans within the last quarter.

Free service for our care recipients

Consulting with the clinical team is a free service available to all our Home Care Package recipients, and we strongly encourage you to contact them if you notice any significant changes in your daily life. 

We understand that unexpected changes, particularly regarding healthcare, medication and mobility, can be confronting, but you do not have to suffer in silence.  Our clinical team has 10 members available to provide advice on and answers to your most pressing concerns. 

Our team leverages its experience within the healthcare industry to provide comprehensive, relevant advice for your concerns. Each member is a trained nurse, allowing you to take solace in the fact that you will always be looked after.

Case studies

Our clinical team has experience assisting our care recipients through their healthcare concerns.  Below are some real-world examples of our team helping our consumers with their problems.

Incident response

One of our care recipients reported to the clinical team that they had suffered a fall and had a fractured arm. In response, we assigned a nurse to call the care recipient and check in on their health. This check-in included confirmation of what additional support was needed for the care recipient in managing daily activities. A fall mitigation strategy was also created to reduce the risk of more falls.

The clinical team then created a new management plan for the care recipient. The new plan accounted for fortnightly check-ins to see how the care recipient was managing their condition and pain levels.

Clinical escalation

During a standard care plan review, our care recipient reported they had a wound. As this was a notable change for our client, the situation was escalated to the clinical team. We then had one of our nurses contact the care recipient to determine how they were managing the wound. The nurse also provided advice on how to apply medical dressings. 

The nurse also determined if the wound was infected and if our care recipient should see a GP. This allowed us to develop a new management plan that included fortnightly check-ins to confirm if the wound had healed or if there was an infection present.

The Trilogy Care clinical team is committed to improving your daily wellbeing and quality of life. If you require support from our clinical team or have any questions, contact us on 1300 459 190 or email clinical@trilogycare.com.au

Our website also contains several helpful resources for you to view at any time:

Trilogy Care also has a community group on Facebook, Trilogy Care Connect, where you can chat with other care recipients. The group, which can be found at this link, is an excellent resource for discussion.

A guide to Level 3 Home Care Packages

Home Care Package Level 3

Understanding the options for home care services can be overwhelming, especially with the various levels of Home Care Package available. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the Level 3 Home Care Package, detailing its services, eligibility criteria, costs, and the application process. Understanding these elements can help you or your loved one make informed decisions about accessing appropriate support.

What is a Level 3 Home Care Package?

A Level 3 Home Care Package is assigned to senior Australians living with intermediate care needs. Typically, they require visits on most days of the week, as those on this package need frequent assistance with many day-to-day tasks to remain healthy and independent. A standard Level 3 Home Care Package provides around 24 hours of assistance every two weeks, depending on what your provider charges.

What services are included in a Level 3 Home Care Package?

Those on a Level 3 Home Care Package tend to receive assistance with social, physical, and medical tasks and may also have psychological care needs. Those on a Level 3 package often receive care in the form of:

  • Personal care assistance: Help with bathing, dressing, and grooming
  • Household assistance: Keeping your home clean and tidy
  • Meal preparation and nutrition support: Ensuring you have healthy meals
  • Help with shopping: Assistance with groceries and other shopping needs
  • Transport to appointments and activities: Getting you to medical appointments and social events
  • Social activities and companionship: Promoting social engagement and preventing isolation
  • Garden maintenance: Taking care of your garden
  • Nursing services: Including wound care and medication management
  • Independent living aids and assistive technology: Enhancing mobility and safety
  • Home modifications: Such as installing safety rails in your home
  • Allied health services: Including podiatry, physiotherapy, and speech therapy
  • Specialised support: Such as hearing and vision services, dementia care, and cognitive support
  • Support with managing memory and behavioural changes

You can check if you can receive services using  My Aged Care’s eligibility check, or apply for an assessment online if you are ready.

Who is eligible for a Level 3 Home Care Package?

Eligibility for a Level 3 Home Care Package is determined through an assessment process known as the Single Assessment System. As of July 2024, the Single Assessment Systems replaced the Aged Care Assessment Teams (ACATs) in an effort to provide care recipients with a more streamlined, consistent, and flexible assessment process. Details regarding the new Single Assessment System can be found at this site.

The Single Assessment System evaluates the individual’s care needs and determines their suitability for different levels of Home Care Package. Generally, the following criteria must be met:

  • Age: Typically, available to those aged 65 and over or 50 and over for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
  • Care needs: Individuals with low-level care needs may need to be visited three to four times a week.
  • Living situation: Preferably living at home and needing assistance to continue living independently.

You can check if you can receive services using My Aged Care’s eligibility check or apply for an assessment online if you are ready.

Are there costs associated with a Level 3 Home Care Package?

 A Level 3 Home Care Package is divided into two main components:

Government contribution: The federal government provides a subsidy to cover the care costs. The subsidy for a Level 3 package is currently set at around $1,554.56 a fortnight.

Individual contribution: Depending on your financial situation, you may be asked to contribute towards the cost of your care. This contribution can include:

    • Basic daily fee: This is a small fee that everyone receiving a Home Care Package may be asked to pay, currently capped at $111.04 per day. Trilogy Care DO NOT charge a basic daily fee.
    • Income-tested fees: Home Care Packages are means tested by Services Australia. Depending on your income, you may need to make an additional contribution. Full pensioners and people with an income less than $32,332 per year do not pay an income tested fee.

You can find a detailed breakdown of all the costs and fees associated with the Home Care Package here.

How to apply for a Level 3 Home Care Package

Applying for a Level 3 Home Care Package involves contacting My Aged Care online or by phone. If you meet the minimum eligibility requirements, a member of the Single Assessment System workforce will visit your home for a free assessment. If eligible, you’ll receive an approval letter specifying your care level.

For more details, see our 5 steps to apply for a Home Care Package.

Choosing the right provider

After receiving approval for a Home Care Package, it’s essential to find an approved provider to ensure you get the best care possible. Use My Aged Care’s ‘Find a Provider’ tool to identify local providers that meet the standards set by the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission.

Here are some important factors to consider when selecting a provider:

  • Service Area: Does the provider offer services in your location?
  • Service Types: Do they provide the specific services you need?
  • Availability: Do they have availability to take you on as a client?
  • Personal Alignment: Do they respect and cater to any cultural or faith-based needs that are important to you?

Choosing a provider is a personal decision, and while recommendations can be valuable, it’s crucial to find the right match for your needs. Consider how involved you want to be in managing your care. Providers may offer fully managed, shared managed, or self-managed services, each affecting your budget, flexibility, and control differently. Not all providers offer both self-managed and fully managed options, so decide on your preferred level of involvement before making your choice.

For more details, see our How to choose a Home Care Package provider.

At Trilogy Care, we are completely transparent in our pricing. Our services are charged at a flat percentage – we do not hide behind any hidden fees or surcharges. We offer 15% of your Home Care Package for our Self-Managed tier or 26% of your Home Care Package for Self-Managed PLUS tier. 

This lower fee structure means more of your funds go directly towards your care rather than administrative costs. We can offer a more efficient use of your Home Care Package funds if you’re looking to switch providers or need a new provider.

Protect yourself from scam calls

Australians continue to be targeted by online messages, phone calls, and text scams designed to separate you from your money. In 2023 alone, scam calls led to the loss of $116 million dollars throughout the country.  

At Trilogy Care, we understand the importance of protecting your valuables and personal information. It is crucial to remain vigilant against scam calls that ask for your details or access to your accounts.

 

When will Trilogy Care call?

Trilogy Care’s team may be required to verify your banking details to process invoices or payments. Currently, this is done by calling our care recipients and confirming the details we need.

When this occurs, we understand that you may be worried about whether the call is legitimate.  We have provided instructions below on what to do if you are concerned that a call may be a scam.

 

What to do if you are worried

In the event you are unsure whether a call is from Trilogy Care, you should hang up the phone and contact your care partner as soon as possible to verify the details. You can also access details of your care plan and other important information through the Trilogy Care Portal.

Remember, the Trilogy Care Portal can be used to ensure your contact details and communication preferences are up to date. This will ensure the Trilogy Care team is aware of when and how to contact you to avoid worrying you about potential scams.

Our team is actively working to improve the portal further, with the next update including options to add or update bank account details without the need to make a phone call. This will be very useful for care recipients who have income-tested fees or must make contributions. Additionally, it will act as another safeguard against any scam call attempts.

 

How else can you protect yourself from scams?

While Trilogy Care will always confirm if our calls are legitimate or not, scammers will continue to attempt to contact you. With more than 143,000 reported scams in 2024 alone, we must all remain vigilant to scams.

Trilogy Care has provided a list of helpful techniques you can use if you think you are being scammed.

  1. Check contact details – confirm the name and phone number of anyone who contacts you. If you don’t recognise the number, hang up.
  2. Call organisations directly – if you are contacted by an organisation asking you for personal details, hang up and give them a call back to confirm you are speaking with a member of that organisation.
  3. Avoid links – be careful clicking on strange or unknown links
  4. Confirm with someone else – if you are still unsure whether a call or text is legitimate, ask a friend or family member to check for you.
  5. Report scams immediately – if you have been the target of a scam, visit Scam Watch and report the scam.
  6. If you are the victim of a scam, visit this site and follow the instructions.

 

Scams are a severe problem in Australia, and older people are at a significant risk of being targeted. If you have doubts about whether a call is legitimate, hang up the call and return to this guide.

Trilogy Care will always tell you if our calls are authentic, so feel free to call us if you need confirmation.

Understanding the 2024 Home Care Package funding increase

Understanding the 2024 Home Care Package funding increase

In welcome news to care recipients, the Federal Government have announced an increase to the Home Care Package subsidies and supplements, effective 1 July 2024.  This adjustment is part of an ongoing effort to maintain the quality and sustainability of care services for older Australians, ensuring they receive the best possible support in their homes.

Trilogy Care is pleased to confirm that it is not making any changes to its fee structure and will continue to charge a low fixed percentage from your package each month.

What's changed?

The funding adjustment involves an increase in the overall subsidy for all Home Care Package levels, in addition to an increase to supplement amounts. This increase is necessary to account for rising operational costs and to ensure that care providers can continue to deliver high-quality services.

The government subsidy and Trilogy Care pricing for each package level is as follows:

Self Managed (15%)

Self Managed PLUS (26%) 

The 1 July 2024 changes to the Home Care Package funding structure underscore the commitment to sustaining and enhancing the quality of home-based care, ensuring that older Australians continue to receive the support they need most efficiently and effectively.

The above pricing is to be used as guide. For more information on the subsidy increase and how it will change your personal Home Care Package, please log onto the Trilogy Care Portal or speak to your care partner.

National Pain Week - Trilogy Care

National Pain Week

National Pain Week is Australia’s annual initiative dedicated to raising awareness about the experiences of those living with chronic pain. Organised by Chronic Pain Australia, this event runs from Monday 22 to Sunday 28 July 2024, and seeks to reduce the barriers faced by individuals managing chronic pain. By fostering understanding, National Pain Week aims to improve support for those affected. 

For older Australians, managing pain can be particularly challenging due to the natural aging process and the increased likelihood of developing chronic conditions. Let’s explore the significance of National Pain Week and how it can make a difference.

National Pain Week 2024

This year’s theme, “Pain colours your world” and “painchanger”, emphasises how chronic pain impacts every aspect of life. It can create a cycle of physical discomfort, emotional distress, and social isolation, affecting how individuals perceive themselves and interact with others. National Pain Week encourages a broader awareness of these challenges, promoting empathy and support for those experiencing chronic pain.

 

By bringing attention to these issues, National Pain Week aims to increase public understanding and improve the quality of life for those living with chronic pain. This initiative is vital for building a more supportive and inclusive community.

Understanding chronic pain in older adults

Chronic pain is a persistent pain that lasts beyond the usual recovery period or occurs alongside a chronic health condition, such as arthritis, diabetes, or osteoporosis. In older adults, chronic pain is common and often underreported, making it a significant public health issue.

Factors contributing to chronic pain in older adults include:

  • Degenerative diseases: Conditions such as osteoarthritis and spinal stenosis become more prevalent with age, leading to chronic pain.
  • Neuropathic pain: Diseases like diabetes can cause nerve damage, resulting in chronic pain.
  • Musculoskeletal pain: Age-related changes in muscles, bones, and joints can lead to persistent pain.
  • Post-surgical pain: Older adults often undergo surgeries that may result in prolonged pain during recovery.

The impact of chronic pain on older adults

Chronic pain significantly affects the quality of life of older adults, influencing their physical, emotional, and social well being. Some of the impacts include:

  • Reduced mobility: Chronic pain can limit an individual’s ability to move freely, impacting independence.
  • Mental health issues: Persistent pain can lead to feelings of depression, anxiety, and isolation.
  • Sleep disturbances: Pain often interferes with sleep patterns, leading to fatigue and exacerbating other health issues.
  • Increased healthcare needs: Chronic pain often requires ongoing medical attention, increasing the demand for healthcare services.

Supporting older adults during National Pain Week

Aged care providers play a crucial role in supporting older adults in managing chronic pain. During National Pain Week, it’s essential to focus on strategies and practices that can help alleviate pain and improve the quality of life for older individuals.

Here are some ways to provide effective support:

  1. Pain management programs: Implementing comprehensive pain management programs that include physical therapy, medication management, and alternative therapies such as acupuncture and massage can be beneficial.
  2. Education and awareness: Educating older adults and their families about chronic pain, its causes, and management options is crucial. This can include workshops, informational sessions, and distributing educational materials.
  3. Mental health support: Providing access to mental health services, including counselling and support groups, can help older adults cope with the emotional toll of chronic pain.
  4. Promoting physical activity: Encouraging regular, gentle physical activity can help manage pain and improve mobility. Activities such as swimming, yoga, and tai chi are excellent options.
  5. Personalised care plans: Developing individualised care plans that address each person’s unique pain management needs ensures more effective and targeted support.
  6. Advocacy and access to services: Advocating for better access to pain management services and supporting policies that address the needs of older adults living with chronic pain is essential.

National Pain Week serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing chronic pain. By raising awareness and promoting effective pain management strategies, we can enhance the quality of life for all Australians. Aged care providers in this endeavour, ensuring that older individuals receive the support and care they need to manage pain and live fulfilling lives.

 

As we observe National Pain Week, let’s commit to understanding, supporting, and advocating for older adults experiencing chronic pain, ensuring they are not just heard but also cared for with compassion and dedication.

What Is Careseekers?

What Is Careseekers?

Careseekers is your trusted source for safe, reliable, and affordable at-home aged care and disability support workers. More than just a platform, Careseekers is your gateway to maintaining independence in your home. Whether for yourself or a loved one, Careseekers ensures you receive compassionate, reliable, and personalised care from workers who share your language and interests and possess the necessary skills and experience.

Safety and reliability

At Careseekers, safety is our top priority. All care and support workers undergo thorough background checks, including police checks, NDIS worker screening, and Working With Children Checks. Additionally, every worker is covered by public liability and accident insurance, providing peace of mind for you and your family.

Personalised care and support

 Careseekers understands that every client has unique needs. Our dedicated account managers are here to assist you every step, from posting a job and finding great workers to managing invoicing and liaising with aged care providers. We even offer tech help to ensure the process is smooth.

Flexible payment options

 When using Careseekers for aged care services, you can pay privately, use government-funded Home Care Packages, or combine both. This approach lets you choose the payment method that best suits your financial situation.

Easy and efficient matching process

 Finding the right at-home aged care worker is simple with Careseekers. We prioritise choice, control, and affordability in accessing care workers. Our team excels at matching clients with the right workers based on more than just schedules and qualifications. We focus on connecting people who genuinely get along and share similar goals, making the care and support journey empowering and effective.

Comprehensive support services 

Careseekers is there for you when you need to grow your team, find someone to fill in for a regular worker, or require someone with a different skill set. You can communicate with workers through our messaging system, interview potential candidates, or ask our Customer Support Team to find a great worker for you at no extra cost.

Achieve personal goals

Partnering with care and support workers through Careseekers goes beyond meeting daily needs. It also involves achieving significant personal goals. Our commitment to personalised matches is what makes the support journey at Careseekers so unique and empowering.

Careseekers makes it easy to find the right at-home aged care worker, ensuring you or your loved one receives the best possible care while maintaining independence, choice and control.

To learn more about Careseekers, go to careseekers.com.au.

Income Tested Fees

If your income is above a certain threshold, your home care package provider must collect a fee on behalf of Services Australia. Here are the details.

Continue reading

National Diabetes Week - 2023

Diabetes Week

Every year in July, Australians come together during National Diabetes Week to raise awareness about diabetes. National Diabetes Week, organised by Diabetes Australia, serves as a reminder of the importance of early detection, prevention, and management of diabetes. This week-long campaign encourages everyone to take proactive steps towards better health and support those affected by this chronic condition.

Join us as we explore the significance of National Diabetes Week and discover how each of us can contribute to a brighter, healthier future.

Understanding diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic medical condition that occurs when the body is unable to properly process glucose (sugar) in the blood. Glucose is a critical source of energy for the body’s cells, and its regulation is controlled by a hormone called insulin, which is produced by the pancreas. There are several types of diabetes, each with distinct characteristics and management needs:

  1. Type 1 Diabetes: An autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. As a result, the body produces little or no insulin. This type often develops in childhood or adolescence, but it can occur at any age. People with Type 1 diabetes require regular insulin injections or the use of an insulin pump to manage their blood glucose levels.
  2. Type 2 Diabetes: The most common form of diabetes, Type 2 occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin or when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin. It is often associated with lifestyle factors such as poor diet, lack of exercise, and being overweight, but genetics can also play a role. Management typically includes lifestyle changes, oral medications, and sometimes insulin injections.
  3. Gestational Diabetes: This type of diabetes develops during pregnancy and typically resolves after the baby is born. However, women who have had gestational diabetes are at higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life. Management includes monitoring blood glucose levels, dietary changes, and sometimes insulin.
  4. Prediabetes: A condition where blood glucose levels are higher than normal, but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as Type 2 diabetes. Lifestyle changes can often prevent or delay the onset of Type 2 diabetes.

Common symptoms of diabetes include increased thirst and hunger, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, blurred vision, and slow-healing sores. If left unmanaged, diabetes can lead to serious complications such as heart disease, kidney damage, nerve damage, and vision problems.

The importance of National Diabetes Week

This week-long event is essential for spreading knowledge and fostering community support for those affected by diabetes. By highlighting the importance of awareness, early detection, and healthy lifestyle choices, it empowers individuals to take control of their health. National Diabetes Week aims to:

  • Raise awareness: Diabetes is a prevalent condition in Australia, affecting over 3 million people. By shining a spotlight on diabetes, we can educate the public about its symptoms, risks, and management strategies.
  • Promote early detection: Early detection of diabetes can significantly improve the quality of life for those affected. National Diabetes Week encourages people to get screened, especially if they have a family history of diabetes or other risk factors.
  • Encourage support: The week provides an opportunity to show support for individuals living with diabetes and their families. It’s a time to share stories, offer encouragement, and foster a sense of community.
  • Encouraging healthy lifestyles: Through various activities and campaigns, National Diabetes Week promotes healthy eating, regular exercise, and other lifestyle changes that can help prevent or manage diabetes.
  • Advocate for change: Use your voice to help influence public policies that can lead to better care and more effective prevention strategies for diabetes.

Through these efforts, National Diabetes Week helps build a more informed and supportive community for everyone touched by diabetes.

The effect diabetes can have on older Australians

Diabetes is a condition that doesn’t discriminate, affecting people of all ages, but it’s particularly significant for older people. As we age, the risk of developing type 2 diabetes increases.

Here’s why National Diabetes Week is especially important for older people:

  1. Higher risk: Older adults are at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes due to age-related changes in the body, such as decreased insulin sensitivity and changes in body composition.
  2. Complications: Managing diabetes in the elderly can be challenging because they are more likely to have other health conditions, which can complicate treatment. Early detection and proper management are crucial to prevent complications like heart disease, kidney damage, and vision problems.
  3. Quality of life: Proper diabetes management can significantly improve the quality of life for older adults. It enables them to maintain their independence, stay active, and enjoy their golden years.
  4. Support systems: National Diabetes Week highlights the importance of support systems, which are vital for the elderly. Family, friends, and community resources play a crucial role in helping older adults manage their condition effectively.

National Diabetes Week is a time to come together, learn, and take action. Whether you’re attending an event, sharing information, or supporting a loved one with diabetes, remember that every small step contributes to a healthier, more informed community. Together, we can make a difference and ensure that everyone – young and old – can lead a happy, healthy life.

For more information about National Diabetes Week and how you can get involved, visit the Diabetes Australia website or your local diabetes organisation. Together, we can make a difference and work towards a healthier future for all Australians.