Trilogy Care Connect: A Facebook community for the Trilogy Care care circle

A Facebook community for the Trilogy Care care circle

We are excited to announce the launch of Trilogy Care Connect, a Facebook group dedicated to the Trilogy Care care circle. This group is more than just a community; it’s a hub for Trilogy Care care recipients, their families and unpaid carers (the care circle). The purpose of the community group is to cultivate a forum where care recipients and their care circle can network, learn, and grow in an environment that fosters social connection, education and empowerment. 

What sets our group apart

Community support: Engage with a community that understands your aspirations and challenges. Share your experiences and gain insights from peers who are on the same journey. 

Regular updates and news: Stay informed with Trilogy Care news, and updates, ensuring you always have the most up-to-date information.  

Feedback and advice: Your opinions and ideas matter. This group is a way to directly connect with other people with self-management experience, offering you the chance to learn from the experiences of others. 

Networking events: Participate in exclusive virtual meet-ups and networking events to connect with other professionals and expand your contacts. 

By joining, you’ll be part of a group of people who share your goal to live well in the home you love. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to be part of a community of like-minded people.   

Follow the below link and answer the group questions to join. Once your request has been approved, you will be free to join in the conversation.  

The role of neighbours in senior support

Neighbours Day, run by Relationships Australia, is celebrated annually on the 31st March. It is a day dedicated to fostering connections and building strong communities by encouraging people to reach out and engage with their neighbours. Click here for more information.

As we move through the many phases of life, the importance of community becomes clearer. Having encouraging neighbours can significantly improve the quality of life and general well-being, especially for seniors. This article will discuss the value of having good neighbours, particularly for older adults, and how nurturing these connections can improve day-to-day living. 

Why neighbours matter?

1.Social connection

Neighbours provide seniors with important social contacts, especially those living alone or living far away from family. Frequent social interactions with neighbours may benefit mental and emotional health by reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness.    

2.Practical support

When someone is in difficulty, neighbours are often the first to help. Having helpful neighbours can make a variety of tasks easier, such as assisting around the house, offering a ride to an appointment, or simply keeping an eye on each other while dealing with daily challenges.  

3.Safety and security

 Neighbours in tight-knit communities watch out for one another. Seniors can feel more at ease knowing that there are individuals in the area who are concerned about their safety and well-being, particularly if they have health or mobility challenges.  

4.Sense of belonging

A sense of belonging is based on feeling like an important member of the community. Seniors who have positive relationships with their neighbours live in a supportive atmosphere where they are accepted, appreciated, and involved. 

Promoting a sense of community

1.Start social gatherings

To promote social interaction and unite the neighborhood, plan activities like game evenings, potluck dinners, and coffee mornings.  

2.Offer Support

Whether it’s helping with yard work, running errands, or simply checking in on your neighbours’ well-being, be proactive in providing assistance to those in need.  

3.Communicate often

Make time to have cordial discussions with your neighbours whenever you can. Making small talk over the fence or just saying “hello” can go a long way toward fostering relationships.  

4.Joing community groups

 Participate in clubs or groups that share your interests in your community. These offer chances to socialise and engage in activities with neighbours who share similar interests. 

In the end, neighbours are extremely important in the lives of seniors because they provide a sense of safety, practical support, social interaction, and belonging. Seniors can have a rich and rewarding golden age by actively engaging in community life and building close ties with others who live nearby. Let us value the relationships we have with our neighbours and keep constructing solid, encouraging communities as a team.   

Staying strong: tips to cultivate resilience

Tips to cultivate resilience

As we age, we accumulate a wealth of experiences, wisdom, and yes, new challenges. From health concerns to adjusting to new lifestyles, resilience becomes an invaluable quality as we navigate new phases of life. Despite these challenges, cultivating resilience is key to maintaining a positive outlook and thriving in later life. In this article, we’ll explore some helpful tips to help you cultivate resilience and stay strong.

Prioritise self-care

Self-care becomes increasingly important as we age, both for our physical and mental well-being. Make self-care practices a priority in your daily routine. This can include regular exercise to keep your body strong and flexible, mindfulness activities such as meditation or yoga to reduce stress, and adequate rest to recharge your energy levels. Remember, taking care of yourself is not selfish—it’s essential for building resilience and staying strong.

Navigate change

Change is an inevitable part of life, and learning to embrace it is crucial for building resilience. As we age, our circumstances may shift—whether it’s a house move, changes in health, or shifts in relationships. Instead of resisting change, navigate it as an opportunity for growth and adaptation. Maintain an open mindset and focus on the possibilities that change can bring rather than dwelling on what’s been lost.

Foster a supportive network

Having a strong support system can make all the difference when facing challenges. Cultivate relationships with friends, family members, and community members who uplift and encourage you. Reach out for support when needed and offer support to others in return. Surrounding yourself with positive influences can provide emotional strength and resilience during difficult times

You can connect with networks in your local community via local clubs, singing groups, interest groups or volunteer organisations.

Don’t forget to connect with Trilogy Care Connect – our community group on Facebook. Joining this group offers you an opportunity to engage with like-minded individuals, share experiences, and access additional support and resources. The group is open to Trilogy Care, care recipients, their friends, family and unpaid caregivers.

Cultivate optimism

Maintaining a positive outlook can have a profound impact on your resilience and overall well-being. Challenge negative thought patterns by reframing setbacks as opportunities for growth and learning. Surround yourself with positive influences, and practice self-compassion during difficult times. Cultivate optimism by focusing on the things you can control and finding joy in the present moment.

Embrace flexibility

Life’s journey is rife with unforeseen twists and turns, necessitating a willingness to adapt. Acknowledge that setbacks and challenges are inherent facets of ageing, and approach them with an open, flexible mindset. Concentrate on devising solutions rather than fixating on obstacles and seek support from loved ones or professionals as necessary.

Seek support when needed

Lastly, do not hesitate to seek assistance when confronted with new challenges. Whether it entails seeking counsel from a trusted confidant, participating in support groups, or consulting with a therapist or counselor, understand that you need not traverse life’s ebbs and flows solo. Seeking help demonstrates strength, not weakness, and can furnish invaluable resources and insights as you cultivate adaptability in your later years

Interested in discovering how our services can help you adjust to the changes that come with ageing? Reach out to us today. Our mission is to ensure our members experience happiness and vitality while remaining in the comfort of their own homes.

Learn more: If you’re new to self-managed home caring, learn about the distinctions between self-managed and fully managed home care packages. For any concerns, explore our Home Care Packages (HCP) FAQs.

World Hearing Day 2024

Happy World Hearing Day

World Hearing Day is an annual global initiative aimed at promoting ear and hearing care worldwide, focusing on preventative measures against deafness and hearing loss.

The theme for 2024, "Changing Mindset," highlights the importance of challenging societal misperceptions and stigmatising attitudes through heightened awareness and information dissemination.

In Australia, an estimated 3.6 million individuals experience varying degrees of hearing impairment. Hearing loss impacts about 50% of those aged 60 to 70, 70% of those aged 70 and over and 80% of those aged 80 and over.

What are the impacts of unaddressed hearing loss?

The repercussions of untreated hearing loss can impact an elderly individual’s quality of life. These include communication, speech, cognition, and social isolation, loneliness, and stigma.

What can cause hearing loss and deafness?

Age-related hearing loss doesn't have a single clear cause. Instead, it typically stems from changes in the inner ear as you age. However, several factors can contribute, such as ear or head injuries, exposure to loud noises, smoking, and genetic predispositions.

Signs of hearing loss might include:

  • difficulty hearing in noisy places
  • difficulty hearing people on the phone or if they’re not facing you
  • regularly asking people to repeat themselves when they speak to you
  • hearing sounds as muffled, as though people are mumbling
  • needing to have the TV volume louder than other people
  • regularly missing your phone or the doorbell ringing
  • avoiding situations because you have trouble hearing.

It's crucial to reconise these signs to identify and manage your hearing loss effectively. When these signs are detected early on, elderly individuals can access programs aimed at assisting with hearing loss, ultimately enhancing their day-to-day quality of life.

Your Home Care Package is designed to cover services that address age-related functional decline needs, which can include clinical services such as support for hearing and vision.

Individuals experiencing hearing or speech difficulties can seek assistance through resources such as Deaf Connect via My Aged Care, offering in-person sign language interpreting and Video Remote Interpreting services.

The National Relay Service also provides support for those struggling with phone communication, allowing users to choose their preferred access option find out more at The National Rely Service website and request a relay to 1800 200 422 (free call).

Can I manage my own Home Care Package?

A content elderly couple smiles warmly, overlaid with symbolic graphics representing home and family.

Can I manage my own Home Care Package? You now have the option to take greater control by self-managing your Home Care Package. 

As the demand for choice and control in-home care services continues to grow, you now have the option to take greater control of your care by self-managing your Home Care Package (HCP). This approach to managing your Home Care Package allows you to choose your support services and free up your Home Care Package budget. What’s more, self-management usually means lower provider costs, saving you more of your HCP budget for care and services.

Understanding Home Care Packages

Home Care Packages are government-subsidised programs designed to provide tailored support services to older Australians who wish to continue living independently at home. These packages offer a range of services, including personal care, nursing, allied health, and domestic assistance, based on individual needs and preferences.

The option to self-manage

Traditionally, Home Care Packages were managed by approved care providers, limiting individuals’ control over the types of services and their scheduling. However, the introduction of Consumer-Directed Care (CDC) now gives recipients the option to self-manage their Home Care Package funds.

Benefits of self-management:

Choice and control

Opting to self-manage your Home Care Package provides the autonomy to choose specific services that align with your unique needs. Whether it’s personal care, gardening assistance, or allied health services, you have the flexibility to allocate funds where they matter most.

Flexibility in service delivery

Self-management affords the flexibility to schedule services at times convenient for you. This adaptability ensures that your care plan is not only comprehensive but also aligns seamlessly with your lifestyle and personal preferences.

Direct engagement with care workers and support services

Taking charge of your Home Care Package enables direct communication with your care workers and support services. This fosters a more personal and collaborative approach to care, allowing for better coordination and ensuring services align with your specific goals and expectations.

Learn how to find care workers and service providers.

Financial transparency

Self-management ensures a clear understanding of your budget and how funds are allocated. This financial transparency empowers you to make informed decisions about your care plan and budget, ensuring you maximise the value of your Home Care Package.

In addition, Trilogy Care provider fees are charges at the low rate of 15% of your Home Care Package budget, with no daily management fees or exit fees. Spending less on your provider fees means more money in your budget for care and services.

Learn more about Trilogy Care’s transparent pricing here on our pricing page.

Empowerment and independence

Active participation in your care decisions promotes a sense of empowerment and independence. This newfound control positively impacts your well-being, fostering a greater sense of self-worth and confidence as you age in place.

Self-managing your Home Care Package is an option for those seeking a personalised and flexible approach to in-home care. The ability to choose services, control their scheduling, and directly engage with service providers allows you to enjoy a higher level of independence and an enhanced quality of life within the familiar confines of your home.

If you are eligible for a Home Care Package, consider exploring the option of self-management to tailor your care plan to your unique needs and preferences, ensuring a more fulfilling and empowered care experience.

Go to our Resources page to understand more about self-managing your Home Care Package.

Self-managed Home Care Packages explained

Self-managed Home Care Packages explained

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

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

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

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

What is self-management?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cost-savings

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

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

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

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

Improved quality of life

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

Personalised care plans

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

Learn more about care plans here. 

Finding care workers or support services

Joyful elderly lady laughing with a younger woman, abstract heart shapes in the foreground.

Finding care workers or support services when self-managing your Home Care Package can be easy if you know how!

One of the benefits of self-managing your Home Care Package is having the flexibility to choose your care or support service providers.

There are many ways to find support services in your area and, depending on where you live, there could be many people in your area looking for new clients.

How to source support services

  • Workers are already working with you
  • Recommended by a friend, family member or health worker
  • Local service providers
  • Online support service platforms or carer marketplaces

Local support services can be found through

  • Local directory boards
  • Community support groups
  • Local newspapers
  • Google search
  • Social media groups

Online support service platforms or carer marketplaces include websites such as:

Engaging in community forums, such as online community groups, can provide insights into preferred service providers in your area.

Another critical aspect to consider is the compatibility between the carer and the client. This goes beyond professional qualifications and includes factors such as personality, interests, and communication style. A good match can significantly enhance the quality of care and the overall experience for both parties. Some online platforms offer matching services based on these criteria, so it’s worth investigating these options.

Finally, always ensure that the service providers you are considering have a transparent pricing structure. Understanding the costs involved upfront can help you manage your Home Care Package funds more effectively and avoid any unexpected expenses. Regularly reviewing and assessing your care needs and the effectiveness of your chosen providers is also important to ensure you are getting the best value and care possible

If you need help understanding what to look for when finding care worker or support service, you can read our article on factors to consider when choosing a carer or service provider.

It’s important to note that service providers will need correct qualifications and complete Trilogy Care compliance checks to be paid under your Home Care Package funds. You can read more about service provider qualification requirements on our carer qualifications page.

By taking these additional factors into account, you can make a more informed decision when choosing care or service providers for your Home Care Package, ensuring a more satisfying and effective care experience.

Home Care Package Providers: Transitioning Guide

Switching to a new Home Care Package provider can be a significant change for those receiving home care services. In this article, we delve into the typical expectations and key aspects to anticipate when switching Home Care Package providers.

There are several reasons why you might consider switching Home Care Providers. Perhaps you’re seeking a provider more aligned with your needs and objectives, or you’re looking to maximize your home care package by opting for a company with lower administrative and case management fees. It could also be due to relocating to a new area and needing to find a provider closer to your new location. Trilogy Care serves nationwide from its Brisbane base. When managing your own home care package, you have the freedom to choose local carers. Utilise platforms like Mable, an online carer marketplace, to easily find suitable professionals in your area. Explore our article for more tips on finding service providers.

Research and decision-making

Before making the switch, it’s important to research potential providers. Look for Home Care Package providers who can meet your specific needs, have a good reputation, and offer services that align with your personal and healthcare requirements.

Initial contact and assessment

Once you’ve chosen a new provider, you will need to contact them to discuss your needs and arrange an initial assessment. This assessment will help the provider understand your care needs and preferences.

Exiting your current provider

Inform your current provider about your decision to switch. You should understand any notice periods or fees involved in terminating your agreement with them.

Transfer of Home Care Package

Your Home Care Package funding will need to be transferred from your current provider to the new one. To transfer your Home Care Package funding, you will need to contact My Aged Care to reactivate your Home Care Package referral code. Once you have your referral code, you pass that code onto your new Home Care Package provider. This is activate your Home Care Package with your new provider.

Customising your care plan

With your new Home Care Package provider, you’ll develop a care plan. This plan should outline the services you will receive, how often, and by whom. Make sure this plan is tailored to your specific needs and preferences.

Adjustment period

After the switch, there will be an adjustment period as you get used to new caregivers and routines. Communication is key during this period. Feel free to provide feedback or request changes to your care plan if necessary.

Ongoing communication and review

Regularly communicate with your new provider about your care and any changes in your needs. Periodic reviews of your care plan will ensure that the services continue to meet your evolving needs.

Understanding your rights and advocacy

Be aware of your rights under the Home Care Package program. If you have concerns or complaints about your new provider, you should feel empowered to speak up or seek advocacy support.

Remember, each individual’s experience may vary based on their unique needs and circumstances, and the providers involved. It’s important to stay informed and proactive throughout the process to ensure a smooth transition and the best possible care.

If you haven’t heard of self-managed home care, make sure you understand the difference between self-managed and fully managed home care packages.  If you still have some concerns, check out our frequently asked questions for more help. If you’re ready to start choosing a provider, check out our home care package provider comparison guide to help you decide.