Page 18 – Trilogy Care

The difference between a geriatrician and a GP

As Australian's age, their care needs may become more complex and require specialist treatment. It is important for older Australian's to recognise what the best treatment is for them, so they can continue to live healthily and independently. A question we often receive is "what do Geriatricians do?" This article will break down the differences between Geriatricians and General Practitioners (GPs).

What does a GP do?

GPs treat a wide range of mild, chronic, and acute medical conditions. They will carry out comprehensive medical assessments, contribute to care plans and collaborate with pharmacists on medication management, and provide recommendations on whether extra is required.

What is a Geriatrician?

So what do Geriatricians do exactly? A Geriatrician is a doctor who provides care for older people. Geriatricians are experts at treating multiple conditions and have had specialist training in geriatric medicine. They can assist with integrating older Australians care if dealing with multiple complex health issues.

What do Geriatricians treat?

Some older adults have complex health needs. They might have many medical problems and use different types of medicine. They are also more likely to be frail, to have falls and to have conditions like dementia or heart disease.

In many cases, they act as the primary care for an elderly individual and the primary doctor who knows the overall medical history, current conditions, treatments, and medication list for a patient.

Most Geriatricians have expertise in dealing with people who have multiple conditions. However some of them specialise in particular areas and treating certain conditions, including dementia.

Geriatricians help manage (but not limited to):

Dementia and other cognitive problems
Problems with mobility and frailty
Incontinence
Nutrition
Medicines, as well as other medical issues

A Geriatrician will normally conduct a comprehensive assessment to assess your physical, mental, and social situation so they can provide the best type of care.

Benefits of Home Visiting Geriatricians

Geriatricians work in hospitals, clinics, residential aged care facilities, as well as home visits for clients depending on the type of care required.

There are many benefits of home visits for seniors:

Comfort: The primary benefit of home care is that loved ones can stay at home for longer, ultimately the place that is the most comfortable and familiar. This allows seniors to use their own amenities, sleep in their own bed, and continue their daily routines. Residing in a supportive, familiar care environment can be beneficial for clients receiving care especially for those suffering from progressive conditions like dementia.

Personalised care: Rather than having to adjust and abide to scheduling along with routines in a care facility. A home care visit allows a geriatrician to provide a flexible home care plan to fully suite a senior Australian's needs.

Independence: Staying at home for longer while receiving care can maintain a sense of independence for seniors. Depending on the type and duration of care required on a day-to-day basis, allowing clients to feel independent from their carer and family members is important to seniors.

Availability between Geriatricians and GPs

GPs are more accessible across Australia through telehealth, websites, emails, and even online platforms if preferred.

As Geriatricians are a specialist doctor, they are less available and frequent, even more so in rural and remote areas. They can be accessed similarly to GPs, who can also refer Geriatricians if specialist treatment is required to take care of a loved one's complex health issue. We hope this article has helped you answer the question, "what do Geriatricians do?"

For more information regarding Home Care, go to our resources page.

For more information on the Home Care Package program, go to our FAQs.

Workers compensation cover

Workers compensation cover is an insurance payment to employees if they are injured at work or become sick due to their work.

This cover includes payments to employees to cover their wages while they are not fit to work as well as medical expenses and rehabilitation.

It is governed by individual Australian states and territories.

Who Offers Domestic Workers Compensation Cover?

First of all, please check your household insurance policy to see if it includes Public Liability and/or Domestic Workers insurance – the wording may include the likes of “this optional cover is only applicable in states or territories where this insurance can be offered in conjunction with a home contents policy.

Australian Capital Territory, Tasmania and Western Australia are the States and Territories where this cover is able to be obtained as an optional extra.

In all other states you will have to take out domestic workers insurance as a separate insurance policy as these States and Territories have no provision for adding these services to home insurances,

In NSW, Victoria and South Australia, the government authorities have approved designated insurers called “Scheme Agents” who act as Providers of such insurance policies.

Queensland is the only State where the State Government manages and provides coverage under “WorkSafe” – formerly known as WorkCover.

Domestic Work Cover - States & Territories

Here’s a state-by-state rundown of who offers domestic workers cover:

NSW Scheme Agents:

Allianz
CGU Workers Compensation
EML
GIO
QBE

VIC Scheme Agents:

Allianz
CGU Workers Compensation
EML
Gallagher Bassett
Xchanging

QLD (State Operated):

WorkCover Queensland's Household Worker's Insurance Policy

WA Private Providers (May be available as optional add-on to home and contents insurance):

Allianz
Catholic Church Insurance
GIO
Guild Insurance
CGU Workers Compensation
QBE Insurance
Wesfarmers General Insurance
Zurich

SA Scheme Agents:

EML
Gallagher Bassett

TAS Private Providers (May be available as optional add-on to home and contents insurance):

Allianz
Catholic Church Insurance
GIO
Guild Insurance
CGU Workers Compensation
QBE
Zurich

ACT Private Providers (May be available as optional add-on to home and contents insurance):

Allianz
Catholic Church Insurance
GIO
Guild Insurance
CGU Workers Compensation
QBE
Zurich

NT Private Providers:

Allianz
GIO
CGU Workers Compensation
QBE

Please check the relevant State or Territory website for specific information relating to your responsibilities regarding insurance coverage in your individual situation.

For more information on your support workers qualifications follow this link. Make sure you are ready to self-manage your Home Care Package by following this checklist. Start your self-managed journey today by clicking on 'Get Started' below this article.

My Aged Care: nominating a representative

Anyone who receives aged care services, from the Government must be registered with My Aged Care. When it comes to communicating with the My Aged Care contact centre, there are some strict rules in place to protect your privacy and autonomy, so they can only discuss your situation with you personally, or with a person who has authority to speak on your behalf.

What Can A Representative Do?

Give information to My Aged Care, including talking to Assessors and service providers on your behalf.
Get information about your progress in My Aged Care.
Be the first point of contact (Primary Contact) for My Aged Care.
Make decisions about aged care assessment and referrals for services.
Receive email notifications and correspondence from My Aged Care.

When should I get a representative?

If you require help contacting your Home Care Provider or My Aged Care about your care services, a representative can assist you navigate the system. They are not required to be your partner or family. It can be a friend or carer. When choosing someone to represent you, trust is a key factor, as they can access your personal information.

Types of Representatives

Regular

You can consent to allowing someone to speak and act for you. Nominating them as a primary contact so My Aged Care will call them directly when required. You need to speak directly with My Aged Care to set this up, and you can change or cancel this at any time.

Authorised

When a person cannot consent to appointing their own representative, there needs to be documented evidence that someone else is legally appointed to speak to My Aged Care on their behalf. There will need to be proof that someone else can legally represent you, such as Guardianship, though the types of documents vary from State to State.

Can I become a representative?

You can! There are a few options when setting yourself up as a representative, depending on the older person’s situation.

Regular Representative

They’re not registered with My Aged Care

Apply for an assessment online: This assessment must be completed before anyone can access government-subsidised aged care services.

Call My Aged Care: 1800 200 422 with the person you are going to represent to set yourself up.

They’re registered with My Aged Care

Use My Aged Care Online Account: You can be set up as their representative in the relationships section.

Call My Aged Care: Together you can call and set yourself up.

Speak to the assessor: You can be established as a representative during the assessment by the assessor, if you are present.

Authorised Representative

Complete and submit the Appointment of a Representative form.

For information about nominating a representative, you can call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 or visit their website.

What is the Seniors Connected Program?

The Seniors Connected Program brings attention to the loneliness and social isolation experienced by older Australians aged over 55 living in the community (or Indigenous Australians aged over 50).

Of all senior Australians, one-third (1/3) live alone. This has revealed an urgent problem, where older Australians experience loneliness and social isolation, where there is potential for serious deterioration in both mental and physical health. There is a real need for assistance to reduce these issues. As older Australians face challenges related to retirement and ageing.

The program consists of two activities, which aims to increase social interaction with senior Australians.

FriendLine

FriendLine, is a call service where callers can have a free, anonymous, friendly chat with a volunteer over the phone.

This service is national and is open from 10am to 8pm seven days a week. The number for FriendLine is 1800 424 287.

FriendLine is an exciting opportunity for those who are required to remain home due to their own health, or because of external factors such as COVID-19.

Village Hubs

Village Hubs, helps combat loneliness among older Australians through an informal peer support network. Helping them age well and connected in their community for as long as possible.

Village Hubs are located in both regional and metro areas, and this program is growing into more communities.

The Village Hub program is community-led. Alleviating older people of their stress and loneliness while benefiting their mental and physical health. Through increased community activities.

Each hub provides a variety of activities for seniors, although these activities vary from location to location, some of the opportunities includes:

Practical health & wellbeing sessions.
Intergenerational relationships & activities.
Advocacy on important issues.
Advisory Groups for LGBTQI elders.
Healthy ageing pop-up events.
Using apps to connect community members across rural areas.

How Do I Get Started with seniors connected program?

To get your community involved in this program you can contact the Seniors Connected Team via seniorsconnected@dds.gov.au. If you are interested in joining a Village Hub, you can visit this link HERE. for more information and contact details. There are currently 12 hubs spread out across Australia.

Trilogy Care's Community Managed Program, is a community-led program focuses on providing accessible and affordable support services out to rural Australia. Where locals work for locals and the community comes together to support the elderly. Interested in starting Community Managed Care? Contact Trilogy Care on 1300 459 190 or email info@trilogycare.com.au.

What is the Transition Care Program?

About the program

The Transition Care Program (TCP) is designed to help older people recuperate after a hospital stay to help you regain functional independence confidence. You can access TCP even if you have a Home Care Package (HCP) or Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) services in place.

Lasting up to 12 weeks, the program is funded to provide a range of tailored supports and can include:

Personal care.
Nursing support.
Allied health care: occupational therapy, physiotherapy, dietetics, podiatry, social activities and social work.
Case management.

These services can take place in your home, or a residential respite facility whilst any aids and equipment are being arranged for you to safely return home. A transition care coordinator will be appointed to help you set goals to get the best possible outcome.

What happens to my HCP during the program?

Although your Home Care Package will be 'on hold', you will keep accumulating your full subsidy (including any supplements) for the first 28 days.

Is there a cost for TCP?

Yes, there are some costs to receive TCP which will be discussed with you at the time of your assessment in hospital.

During a hospital stay, if you've been assessed as eligible for the Transition Care Program, it's important to inform your case manager so they can continue to support you while you receive the necessary care. They will also ensure you continue to accumulate your HCP funding so it is available to you when the program ends.

Why TCP is important?

This Transition Care Program assists people stay in their homes for longer. Avoiding the need for longer-term care, and delays seniors Australians moving into an Aged Care Home for as long as possible. The TCP helps senior Australians get back on their feet after a hospital stay.

Am I eligible for TCP?

To be eligible for the Transition Care Program, a person must undergo an ACAT assessment. Home Care Package recipients have already undergone this assessment. They may be eligible if it is an older person and:

Have been told they are ready to leave the hospital.
a patient in a hospital (public or private) including people receiving hospital services in-home.
the person would benefit from receiving TCP services for a short period of time.

A person may also be eligible if the person is to receive care or support services in their own home, they will have 48 hours from their date of discharge from hospital, to enter care.

Contact Trilogy Care today on 1300 459 190 or info@trilogycare.com.au for information on alternative care solutions while receiving Home Care Package funding.

5 Questions to ask your Home Care provider

When entering the aged care system, there is a large amount of information to understand while navigating this structure. This information is important for seniors to be aware of, so they can receive the best care suited for them. Recognising the difference between a Home Care Package (HCP), Nursing Home, and Retirement Home or the difference between self-managed and fully managed Home Care Packages is vital when considering what kind of support you require to stay healthy, independent, safe and connected to the community. Choosing the right Home Care Package provider is essential for personalised care and support.

Choosing Wisely Australia ® has created a handy checklist for healthcare consumers to ask their doctors or healthcare provider to make sure they end up with the right amount of support.

Do I really need this test, treatment or procedure?

Tests may help you and your doctor or other health provider determine the problem. Treatments, such as medicines, and procedures may help to treat it. Consider what the outcomes could be, if treatment is not received right away, and how this will affect your support group.

What are the risks?

Will there be side effects to the test or treatment? what are the chances of getting results that are not accurate? Could that lead to more testing, additional treatments or another procedure? By understanding the risks of a treatment or procedure, you are better educated of the potential outcomes, and can make an informed decision.

Are there simpler, safer options?

Are there alternative options to treatment that could work? Lifestyle changes, such as eating healthier foods or exercising more, can be safe and effective options. Exploring all your options, can assist you in discovering effective solutions to your care needs. Always consult with a medical professional before coming to a conclusion.

What happens if I don't do anything?

Ask if your condition might get worse – or better – if you do not have the test, treatment or procedure right away. Reassess your lifestyle, current care needs and potential future support, and if they can be covered by your HCP funds. Consult with your carers, friends or family on their experience’s.

What are the costs?

Costs can be financial, emotional or a cost of your time. Where there is a cost to the community, is the cost reasonable or is there a cheaper alternative? How long will I need to recover? Will my health continue to deteriorate after this procedure? Can I do anything to recover effectively? Consider if Home Care Package funds can be used for to assist you after you have received the procedure.

Remember to keep in touch with your care manager when your health or care needs change or as new health conditions are diagnosed. This will help ensure your care plan can be updated to reflect your needs. Trilogy Care’s team is dedicated to working with your reassess your care needs regularly so that you are always receiving the right amount of support. Look for a Home Care provider that values transparency, offering clear communication and honest guidance throughout the care journey. By partnering with a dedicated Home Care provider, seniors can access a wide range of services designed to enhance their quality of life and promote overall well-being.

Contact Trilogy Care on 1300 459 190, to speak with your Care Manager, email care@trilogycare.

Doctor Guide Health Provider home care self-managed care

What is a care plan?

A woman helps an elderly lady review a document at home, highlighting home care planning.

Understanding Care Plans

Upon committing to a self-managed Home Care Package (HCP) provider, such as Trilogy Care. You will be required to attend a Care Plan Meeting, which will assess your lifestyle, care needs, goals, and the services you would like to receive from the Home Care Package Program. 

Care Plans are a necessary and important part of receiving a Home Care Package. The Care Plan meeting is to assess your needs and goals so that you are able to receive services under the Home Care Package program. It also ensures what is included/wanted is acceptable under the Home Care Package guidelines and aligns with the program. 

For example, you may say your goal is to stay healthy and therefore need your medication paid for – this does not align with the scope of the program and therefore cannot be included in your services. Learn more about Home Care Packages Inclusions & Exclusions.

Care Plans

Care Plans begin with a range of comprehensive assessments that assist in building a clear picture of each consumer as an individual. By completing the assessments, your care needs will be matched with suitable services. Your assessments, goals, care plan and budget are all inter-connected, and they guide the way your package funds are allocated every month.

1.Home Care Package providers are to provide care recipients a written Care Plan before home care services begin, or within 14 days of their Trilogy commencement date.

2. As your provider, we work in partnership with you to develop and agree on the care plan goals and actions, so that you are satisfied with the care you are receiving.

3. Your ACAT assessment and Provider care assessments are the joint foundations for your care plan development. It does not matter how long ago your ACAT assessment occurred – this assessment is how you were approved for the HCP program.

4. Your goals, needs and preferences should be reflected in your care plan – and because everyone is different, it is individually tailored to your specific needs.

5. Trilogy Care evaluates Care Plans for new consumers as required and when changes need to be made. Additionally, a formal annual review happens every year to assess changes in care needs. Check-in calls are completed quarterly to ensure oversight of care and services.

6. Your package level and budget is matched to your care needs and is meant to be fully utilised to meet those assessed needs. Unless you need to accumulate funds for something specific, there is usually no need to save funds.

7. Your plan should include your goals, and the actions and services in place to help you meet those goals.

8. It should include all the informal care and supports you receive to help you meet your goals, even if the package does not directly pay for them. Including the help your family, friends, and others provide you.

9. Relevant parts of your plan should be shared with people who will be helping you to meet your goals, such as support workers, nurses, or other relevant parties.

10. When new supports or services are recommended for you, so you are remaining healthy, Trilogy Care is flexible in changing and updating the document. All package spending is aligned with the care plan.

What you can do

You can keep your care plan up-to-date by ensuring your support workers, care managers, family and friends are aware of any changes, and by participating in the necessary updates when new services and supports are recommended or required. 

Keeping in contact with Trilogy Care by speaking with your care manager to discuss your care plan, goals, and to make sure your package budget is being fully utilised to meet your assessed care needs.

care plan home care self-managed care

Keeping an active lifestyle

Maintaining physical health and flexibility is important as we age. Consistent exercise brings a wealth of benefits to your body, as well as your cognitive health. This guide will assist you and your carers find exercises that maintain your wellbeing and independence, while also having fun.

Why is it important to keep an active lifestyle?

By keeping active, you are able to improve your health significantly. Exercising reduces the risk of developing various heart diseases, as well as preventing your current care needs from increasing. Some of the benefits of exercising regularly are:

Reducing risk of heart attacks & diseases.
Managing your weight better.
Lowering blood pressure & cholesterol level.
Increasing bone density, which can prevent osteoporosis.
Lower the risk of falls, and;
Recover better from accidents, or hospitalisation.

Exercising improves cognitive health, and mental health. Blocking out negative thoughts, increasing social interactions, and improve the length and quality of sleep.

Pre-Exercise Screening

Exercising does not have to be a difficult or rigorous activity. Any form of physical activity is beneficial and being active where possible improves mobility.

Before starting any exercise/program it is important to follow these steps to ensure you are safe while exercising:

Assess your current health and care needs - What medical conditions do you have, that can prevent you from exercising.
See your doctor to dictate what you can currently do.
Set out goals you want to achieve from exercising.
Determine what activities you can currently perform.
Identify what exercises you can do with a physiotherapist.
Review your diet and recognise if you need to make changes to it.

Pre-exercise screening is used to assess the potential dangers of exercising, and how to exercise with your current care needs.

Get Up Guide

Where do I start?

Guide Healthcare specialises in physiotherapy and has created video exercises for older people living with chronic health conditions and reduced mobility and designed for low impact, low intensity exercises.

Whilst these exercises are designed for older people, it is recommended to have someone (such as a family member or support worker) to guide and assist you.

The 'Get Up Guide' is a training program crafted for carers to assist them as they support their residents. Through daily exercise routines, the negative physical, social and psychological effects of isolation and inactivity can be prevented. Keeping older Australians, healthy, safe, and connected to the community.

Home Care Package recipients can focus on improving walking, managing falls risk, reducing pain, and rebuilding confidence.

As a Home Care Package recipient, your Home Care Package funds can be used to keep you healthy, independent and help maintain your movement and mobility. Trilogy Care are partnered with Plena Healthcare, to assist our clients with improving their mobility through allied health and therapy services such as physiotherapy and podiatry.

Find out what services your Home Care Package can fund or contact us on 1300 459 190

lifestyle physio

Mollie's self-managed journey

Mollie started receiving care services in early March, and chose Trilogy Care as her provider to assist her self-manage her Home Care Package funds. Mollie was kind enough to share her story.

This is Mollie and her carer Jessie who is assisting Mollie create a little garden project outside her bedroom.

This is an important and valued project for Mollie as she requires an oxygen concentrator, and is in isolation.

The project is designed so Mollie can participate in its ongoing creation.

What was life like before you started receiving care services?

Extremely difficult in not being competent in doing everyday tasks such as cleaning, laundering etc.

It was also very lonely as all of a sudden because of my illness I had become isolated within my home. Prior to HCP I was receiving CHSP for 3 hours a week.

I was unable to choose support workers and it was very frustrating having different workers on almost a weekly basis.

What care services did you require before starting care?

Most services as I was on 24/7 home oxygen.

Most important of all was my meals as because of the oxygen I was unable to cook anything.

This was a very emotional and mentally trying time in my life. Adjusting to being tethered to a machine.

Why did you choose Trilogy Care over other providers?

I was actually on the verge of signing with another provider but that provider was taking their time in answering some questions I had so while waiting I put up another google search and came across Trilogy Care.

I watched James Whitelaw’s video about his in-laws and how and why he founded Trilogy Care and was so impressed I contacted Trilogy Care and finally made the decision to do self-management with them.

Their honesty is what surprised me the most about Trilogy Care.

What has benefited you the most since starting self-managed care?

The ability to self-manage my needs and wants is so empowering.

My self confidence has been restored, I am able to select my own
carers and support workers and this is very important to one’s wellbeing.

What would you tell someone who is considering our services?

I would be very happy to inform anyone considering Trilogy Care as a provider that their needs and wants would be taken care of and that they would be getting excellent value for their money.

My experience with Trilogy Care has been empowering.

By self-managing your Home Care Package, you can feel empowered like Mollie, spend less on management fees, so you can focus on the things that matter... better-long-term-care and services. Continuing to live, healthy, independent, and supported lives.

customer review testimonial

Self-management checklist

If you’re considering a Home Care Package (HCP) or in the process of obtaining one, this checklist is your essential guide. We understand that embarking on this journey can feel overwhelming, which is why we’ve created a comprehensive checklist to help you navigate the HCP program. Make informed decisions and ensure that you are well-prepared before receiving a HCP. Take charge of your care journey today with our HCP Self-Management Checklist.

Are you prepared to?

Give some time to self-manage your Home Care Package.
Recognise the need for a review of your Care Plan package and start it.
Consider your current health, risks, and safety.
Develop plans and methods to stay connected to the community.
Find, communicate with, and roster your own care workers.
Be unbiased when discussing and determining your care needs.
Coordinate and track a simple budget, including managing invoices.
Examine bank statements, identifying anything which appears incorrect.
Record tax invoices for the products and services you have purchased.
Communicate and resolve disagreements regarding payments and services.

These steps are essential in self-managing a Home Care Package. Trilogy Care will be with you every step of the way to ensure your experience is seamless while self-managing. To effectively assess your needs, take a look at our self-management packages available to you to determine if you require extra assistance while self-managing with Trilogy Care.

Do you currently?

Understand your rights as a Home Care Package consumer.

Know the items and services available for purchase with package funds,
Have the ability to access and use the internet as well as view documents online and access emails regularly.
Plan ahead regarding medical or other conditions that may affect your wellbeing and home care package.
Understand/recognise your care needs and how to plan for them.

What should I do now?

This checklist is an essential guide in determining if you are ready to self-manage a Home Care Package. Trilogy Care offers a wealth of experience in assisting clients manage their Home Care Package, so clients can continue to live independent, healthy, and supported lives.

For further information about Home Care Packages, go to our resources and FAQ pages. To receive up-to-date news about Home Care Packages, follow us on Facebook. Contact us on 1800 622 890 or email: info@trilogycare.com.au

self-management