Single Assessment System – How are aged care assessments changing?

The landscape of aged care in Australia is evolving with the introduction of the Single Assessment System (SAS), set to launch on 9 December 2024. This transformation follows the rollout of the Integrated Assessment Tool (IAT) in July and aims to improve the efficiency of home care assessments.

With the SAS workforce stepping in, the process for accessing government-funded in-home care will become more streamlined and standardised.

It’s important to note that current Home Care Package recipients awaiting re-assessment will not be impacted by these changes.

What is the Single Assessment System?

The SAS is designed to simplify aged care assessments by creating a unified pathway for all government-funded in-home care programs. This system replaces the existing ACAT and RAS frameworks, offering a more efficient and user-friendly experience.

What are the benefits of the Single Assessment System?

The SAS introduces several significant improvements over the former ACAT system, including:

  • Simplicity: Designed to be easier to navigate than the ACAT system
  • No repetition: Clients will only need to share their story once, removing repetitive questioning
  • Adaptability: Flexible enough to accommodate changing care needs without switching providers
  • Accessibility: Available in regional, rural, and remote areas, ensuring equitable access
  • Efficiency: Shorter wait times for assessments and quicker support

 

What does this mean for ACAT and RAS assessments?

The SAS is built to provide end-to-end support, covering both home support assessments (for the Commonwealth Home Support Program) and comprehensive assessments (for Home Care Packages). This means it will be used wherever possible instead of ACAT and RAS assessments.

What are the changes to assessments?

The introduction of the SAS will bring flexibility to how and where assessments are conducted. Key updates include:

  • Customised options: Assessments can be completed in-person, at home, or in a hospital setting
  • Continuity of care: You’ll be supported by the same organisation throughout the process, even as your care needs evolve
  • Streamlined reassessments: If reassessment is required, a new organisation may complete your first reassessment. However, all future reassessments will remain with the provider that completed your first assessment

Trilogy Care will guide you through the process

Navigating these changes can feel overwhelming, but Trilogy Care is here to help. We provide clear guidance and support to ensure you transition seamlessly into the Single Assessment System. If you have any questions about the SAS or concerns about the assessment process, our team is available to assist.

Learn more about the SAS on the Department of Health and Aged Care’s website, or contact us directly by calling 1300 459 190. You can also connect with us through our online contact form.

Diet tips for care recipients

diet tips care recipients

As we grow older, maintaining a healthy and well-rounded diet becomes even more essential. At Trilogy Care, we understand that various factors can influence your ability to maintain good eating habits. In our role of supporting you as our care recipients, we’ve prepared some simple nutrition tips to help you stay healthy.

Dietary guidelines

A great starting point for a healthy diet is following the Australian Dietary Guidelines:

  • Enjoy a variety of foods from the five food groups
  • Drink plenty of water—aim for eight cups daily
  • Limit foods high in saturated fats
  • Choose foods with mostly polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats
  • Reduce foods and drinks with added salt and sugar
  • Minimise alcohol intake
  • Keep ‘extras’ or ‘sometimes foods’ to a minimum
  • Stay physically active

Why a healthy diet matters

Age-related health changes can make it harder to eat or enjoy meals. However, providing your body with essential vitamins, minerals, and fibre is vital for staying strong and energetic.

More than 65% of adults over 50 are affected by bone health issues like osteoporosis or osteopenia, according to Nutrition Australia. Ensuring adequate calcium intake is especially important to maintain healthy bones.

Other health issues related to diet

Good nutrition can help reduce or manage various health conditions, including those listed below:

  • Arthritis: Managing your weight and including fish oil in your diet can help alleviate symptoms
  • Vitamin D deficiency: Vitamin D supports bone health. If sun exposure is limited, foods like milk, sardines, tuna, yoghurt, and cheese can help
  • Constipation: Fibre-rich foods, such as fruits, beans, lentils, wholemeal bread, and wholegrain cereals, promote regularity
  • Calcium deficiency: Dairy products like milk, cheese, and yoghurt, along with canned salmon, are excellent sources of calcium
  • Teeth problems: If chewing is difficult, opt for soft foods like fish, eggs, cheese, and soft fruits

Healthy diet examples

Everyone’s nutritional needs are different, but here are some general recommendations:

  • Meat and/or protein: 3 to 4 serves daily
  • Vegetables: 5 cups daily
  • Fruit: 2 serves daily
  • Dairy: 3 to 4 serves daily
  • Grains (bread, pasta, rice, potatoes): 3 to 5 serves daily

A daily diet might include:

  • Breakfast: Cereal or muesli with milk or yoghurt, eggs on toast, or a smoothie
  • Lunch: A sandwich with protein, a salad with protein, or soup with cheese and crackers
  • Dinner: Meals such as fish with pasta, stir-fry, soup, wraps, risotto, lamb and potatoes, chicken casserole, or spaghetti

Can Trilogy Care help me improve my diet?

If you’re looking to improve your diet, Trilogy Care can connect you with dietitians and nutritionists, arrange transport for grocery shopping, and provide access to meal services. Our partnership with Plena Healthcare means you can access allied health services, including dieticians, with a discount.

Additionally, we partner with Cookaborough, which offers meals from over 150 high-quality food provider services across Australia. Their program is designed specifically for Home Care Package recipients, providing a convenient way to enjoy ready-made, nutritious meals.

By partnering with Trilogy Care, you can take simple steps toward better nutrition and healthier living. Connect with us today on 1300 459 190 or visit our website.

Take Trilogy Care of yourself

Take Trilogy Care of yourself

Founded in 2020, Trilogy Care is dedicated to delivering effective, efficient self-management options to older Australians living with a Home Care Package. Our mission is to provide value, choice, and flexibility, empowering care recipients to live independently at home for as long as possible.

What is Trilogy Care?

Trilogy Care was established to provide Australians with self-managed Home Care Package solutions. Since our inception, we have grown to become one of the country’s leading providers of self-management options, valued for our commitment to choice and independence.

Learn more about our foundation and journey here.

What sets Trilogy Care apart?

At Trilogy Care, we pride ourselves on offering true value and choice in care. By focusing on flexibility and independence, we enable our care recipients to maintain control over their care.

The Trilogy Care difference includes:

  • Savings of up to $12,288 per year on administration fees
  • Up to 446 additional care hours annually
  • Low fees—just 15% of your Home Care Package
  • An online service portal to support self-management
  • No hidden or exit fees
  • Freedom to source and manage your own care workers
  • Flexibility to negotiate rates and select the support you want

We understand the importance of having choice, freedom, and flexibility in your care. That’s why we provide a wide range of options to give you full control over your Home Care Package.

What is self-management?

Trilogy Care specialises in self-managed Home Care Packages, which enable care recipients to actively participate in managing and coordinating their services. Unlike traditional providers, we empower you to:

  • Select and manage your preferred care workers
  • Tailor your services to align with your lifestyle

Improve your lifestyle with Trilogy Care

We are here to help you enhance your quality of life and well-being. Our team works with you to create a personalised care plan that connects you to services relevant to your needs, ensuring you only receive the care you require.

Speak with us today

Starting your Home Care Package journey can be challenging, but our team is here to make the process as smooth as possible.

If you have any questions or need guidance, call our friendly team on 1300 459 190 or contact us via our website. Let us help you take the first step toward greater independence and well-being.

Trilogy Care’s support for cancer research

cancer research paula duncan trilogy care

This November, Trilogy Care was honoured to participate in the 2024 Venus Thanksgiving Lunch, an event dedicated to raising funds for gynaecological cancer research. Hosted by our brand ambassador, Paula Duncan, the lunch raised funds for pioneering and life-changing research.

What was the event?

The Venus Thanksgiving Lunch, part of WomenCan’s event series, focuses on raising funds for ANZGOG’s cutting-edge research and clinical trials. Attendees heard from medical professionals discussing advancements in treating gynaecological cancers, alongside personal stories of resilience and hope by women affected by gynaecological cancers.

The event served as a powerful reminder of the devastating impact of a cancer diagnosis and the critical importance of fundraising to support those affected by gynaecological cancers.

How did Trilogy Care contribute?

Trilogy Care proudly supported the Venus Lunch through a significant donation and our attendance at the event. Four members of our leadership team joined Paula Duncan in celebrating the achievements of the doctors, nurses, scientists, and carers working tirelessly to advance cancer research.

Our team was deeply inspired by the event’s focus on recognising and supporting the people behind these life-saving efforts.

What was achieved?

The 2024 Venus Lunch raised more than $80,000 thanks to generous contributions of individuals and organisations through raffles, auctions, and donations. With more than 100 guests in attendance, the event educated and inspired through an engaging mix of statistics, research updates, personal stories, and ambitious goals for the future.

Jean Kittson AM, renowned author, actor, and comedian MC’d the event, which featured a special guest performance by Catherine Alcorn.

 

Looking Ahead: Trilogy Care and Paula Duncan

As we move into 2025, Trilogy Care remains committed to supporting our community and raising awareness through initiatives like the Venus Thanksgiving Lunch. In partnership with Paula Duncan, we will continue to deliver high-quality in-home care while supporting research and programs that benefit our care recipients.

With the upcoming transition to the Support at Home Program, we look forward to helping even more Australians receive the care they need to thrive at home.

If you need assistance at home, see how Trilogy Care can help you by calling 1300 459 190 or contacting us via our website.

International Day of People with Disabilities

disabilities

On December 3 each year, the world comes together to observe International Day of People with Disabilities (IDPWD). This year’s theme, “Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future,” highlights the importance of inclusion and empowerment.

At Trilogy Care, while we are best known for our support for older Australians, we are proud to assist many individuals who identify as having a disability. We are dedicated to fostering an environment that meets the unique needs of every care recipient, including those with that may identify as having one or more disabilities.

Trilogy Care’s commitment to you

Before you start receiving self-management support through Trilogy Care, our team collaborates with you to create a tailored care plan based on your specific needs and circumstances. This ensures that the services you receive comprehensively address your individual requirements.

For care recipients who identify as having a disability, our commitment remains steadfast. We provide custom support services to help maintain independence and quality of life.

Disabilities faced by older Australians

It’s common for older Australians to develop age-related disabilities, such as dementia, vision impairment, diabetes, or osteoarthritis. At Trilogy Care, we specialise in providing the support you need to manage these conditions, offering assistance with medication, transportation to appointments, in-home nursing, and more.

What happens if I develop a disability while on a Home Care Package?

Age-related conditions can often arise unexpectedly. If your circumstances change, our clinical team is here to help update your care plan and guide you in accessing any new services you require.

What if my disability makes self-management too difficult?

We understand that self-management might feel daunting, especially if you identify as having a disability. That’s why Trilogy Care offers support at every step of your self-managed Home Care Package journey.

If self-management becomes overwhelming, our Self Managed PLUS tier provides additional care coordination. With this service, we take care of sourcing support providers and care workers on your behalf, allowing you to focus on your well-being.

Speak with Trilogy Care today

Trilogy Care is committed to ensuring that every care recipient receives comprehensive, personalised support tailored to their needs. Whether you’re managing complex healthcare issues or seeking to improve your care, we’re here to help as we push towards amplifying the opportunities for people who identify as having a disability.

Following the IDPWD theme’s footsteps, we aim to help you achieve your goals and wants while receiving care at home.

Call us today at 1300 459 190 or visit our website to learn more.

Is home care available in remote locations?

home care remote locations rural regional

Many people wonder, “Can I still receive in-home care if I live in a rural or remote location?” The answer is yes! There are even additional supplements within the Home Care Package program to support care recipients in remote areas. This article discusses how you can access extra funding to support in-home care, even in remote locations.

What is the Viability Supplement?

The Viability Supplement is designed to help cover the costs of accessing support services in rural and remote areas. If you qualify, Services Australia will automatically pay this supplement to you, making in-home care more affordable, no matter where you live.

Since 2017, eligibility for this supplement has been based on the Modified Monash Model (MMM), a classification system that ranks locations to determine eligibility for this additional support. If a care recipient moves, their eligibility will be recalculated based on the new location.

Is the Viability Supplement available under Support at Home?

Under the upcoming Support at Home Program, the Viability Supplement will not be available. Instead, the Community Grants Hub will provide financial assistance to help eligible care recipients stay independent at home. This support will include a two-year supplementary grant.

To qualify for the thin market grant, eligibility criteria include:

  • Evidence that costs will exceed income for delivering Support at Home services in remote areas
  • The capability and capacity of providers to assist care recipients
  • The benefit to the community

Does Trilogy Care support care recipients in remote areas?

As a national provider of Home Care Packages, Trilogy Care is committed to supporting care recipients across Australia, including those in rural and remote locations. Our team works closely with you to ensure you receive the care services suited to your unique needs, wherever you are. We also develop care plans that consider the specific challenges and logistics of living remotely.

Additionally, Trilogy Care is dedicated to enhancing regional aged care through our Community Managed Partners program. This initiative addresses the unique aged care and workforce challenges in regional Australian towns and shires, ensuring residents receive better value care and can remain in their homes longer. Our first partner, Bell Cares, exemplifies the success of this collaborative approach. To learn more about our Community Managed Partners and see who we collaborate with, visit our Community Partners page.

See how Trilogy Care can assist you

Whether you’re in the city, rural, or remote areas, Trilogy Care is here to support your independence and quality of life at home. Our self-managed options allow you to stay empowered, even when accessing care from afar. To learn more about how we can support you, give our friendly team a call on 1300 459 190 or contact us via our website.

Find a Carer – a marketplace for support services

Find a carer support services

Trilogy Care is thrilled to announce our partnership with Find a Carer! As a self-managed Home Care Package provider, we understand the importance of having tools that make sourcing and engaging care workers simple and stress-free. Find a Carer offers precisely that—empowering you to take control of your care with ease and confidence.

What is Find a Carer?

The platform is a national online marketplace designed to connect Home Care Package recipients and older Australians directly with support providers and care workers. Their mission is to simplify the aged care system by reducing complexity, costs, and inflexibility—making high-quality care accessible to everyone.

With thousands of carers available across Australia, Find a Carer gives you the freedom to select services tailored to your specific needs, ensuring they’re delivered to an exceptional standard.

What services can I find through Find a Carer?

The platform offers access to a wide range of in-home support services, including:

  • Nursing care
  • Personal care
  • Social support
  • Community access
  • Transportation
  • Complex individual services
  • Experience-based activities
find a carer support

What features does the platform offer?

Find a Carer is designed to enhance your experience when sourcing and receiving care. Every care worker on the platform is fully insured and has undergone comprehensive background checks for your peace of mind.

Additional platform features include:

  • The ability to post jobs directly to nearby carers
  • Affordable hourly rates, starting from just $40 per hour
  • A secure, reliable booking system that consolidates payments in one place

Why choose Find a Carer?

As a national marketplace with access to thousands of highly qualified carers, Find a Carer makes it easier than ever to find the right support. With transparent pricing, trusted professionals, and high-quality services, it’s your gateway to enhancing the care you receive.

If you’re self-managing with Trilogy Care, using this support marketplace can help streamline your care and ensure you’re getting the best possible support to meet your needs.

Speak to us for assistance

If you’d like to learn more about how we can help you connect with Find a Carer, our team is here to assist. Call us today at 1300 459 190 or visit our website to get started.

What does the Trilogy Care compliance team do?

compliance team

At Trilogy Care, your safety and comfort at home are our top priorities. That’s why we have a dedicated compliance team—experts committed to ensuring that the care workers you choose are qualified, reliable, and trustworthy. Thanks to their rigorous processes, you can feel confident and secure, even when welcoming someone into your home for the first time.

What is the compliance team?

At Trilogy Care, we are dedicated to providing care that enhances the health, wellbeing, and lifestyle of every care recipient. A key part of this commitment is ensuring that the workers you invite into your home are dependable and skilled.

The compliance team plays a vital role in this process by conducting comprehensive background checks on all care workers engaged through Trilogy Care.

What are the duties of the compliance team?

The compliance team is responsible for ensuring that all providers and support staff meet the qualifications required to deliver exceptional care. This includes:

  • Registration verification: Ensuring all service providers register via the Trilogy Care website using the Workforce Provider Form
  • Document verification: Checking mandatory documents such as ABNs, police checks, NDIS worker clearances, and insurance certificates (e.g., public liability and personal accident insurance)
  • Agreement management: Confirming that organisations and sole traders have the appropriate agreements in place, such as Brokerage or Service Agreements, outlining clear fee structures
  • Safety and accreditation compliance: Verifying that workers possess the necessary certifications or qualifications for their service type, such as Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing and Disability), current AHPRA registration for clinical care, demonstrated completion of relevant competencies or professional memberships for allied health professionals.
  • Task-specific requirements: Ensuring that services such as high-level personal care, clinical care, or allied health support comply with all relevant licences and protocols

Trilogy Care’s onboarding process

Onboarding new care workers and organisations is a key focus for the compliance team, ensuring care recipients always have access to safe and reliable support. Their support includes:

  • Registration guidance: Helping workers and providers navigate the registration process on the Trilogy Care website
  • Document assistance: Assisting with collecting and verifying compliance documents to ensure all information is accurate and current
  • Ongoing communication: Maintaining regular contact with new and existing workers to clarify compliance requirements and uphold Trilogy Care standards
  • Customised support: Offering tailored guidance for specific service types (e.g., personal care or allied health), ensuring all credentials align with required standards
  • Continuous monitoring: Regularly reviewing and updating compliance records, guiding workers on renewals to stay compliant with regulations

Why is compliance so important?

The compliance team is an essential part of Trilogy Care’s operations, reflecting our unwavering commitment to your safety and wellbeing at home. They also play a vital role in helping providers join the Trilogy Care system.

Whether it’s obtaining worker clearances or updating insurances, the compliance team offers hands-on support to providers. This ensures our system continues to grow with trusted, qualified professionals, benefiting care recipients like you.

Join Trilogy Care for safe, reliable support

We’re proud to offer a dedicated compliance team that ensures every care worker engaged through Trilogy Care meets our high standards. If you’re looking for a self-managed Home Care Package provider committed to your safety and wellbeing, contact Trilogy Care today on 1300 459 190 or via our website.

Important changes to the Support at Home program - annual caps

Support at Home annual caps

Important news was released today, 19 November, about the upcoming Support at Home program. Following strong resistance to the annual caps on cleaning and gardening from care recipients, their families, and aged care workers, the government has announced a change. The proposed annual caps have been removed from the aged care bill altogether. 

What does this mean for care recipients?

This is excellent news for care recipients, particularly those who heavily rely on cleaning and gardening services. The latest information indicates that annual caps will not be enforced on these services, allowing you to allocate funding as needed. 

For clients who are self-managing their Home Care Packages, this means you will continue to have the freedom and choice to select your support services as required for your current living situation. 

What else is changing?

As federal discussions continue around the Support at Home program, it is clear that more changes are needed. With the federal opposition suggesting 30 additional changes to the reform, more changes are likely on the way. 

One suggestion already made is greater transparency surrounding wait times for Home Care Packages and the Commonwealth Home Support Program. 

As always, the team here at Trilogy Care will keep you informed of the changes as we learn about them ourselves. 

10 Days of Care giveaway

10 Days of Care giveaway

This Christmas, Trilogy Care is excited to give back to our valued care recipients through our special 10 Days of Care giveaway. Starting from 2 December and running until 13 December, we’ll be celebrating with daily prizes as part of our commitment to exceptional care.

How do I enter?

Each day during the giveaway period, visit our 10 Days of Care post on social media and leave a comment that relates to that day’s theme. Make sure your comment is thoughtful and relevant, as the best response will be chosen as the winner each day.

What are the prizes?

DayValuePrizeMore details
Day 1$100.00Tea HamperTea Hamper
Day 2$100.00T2 x Penguin Books Gift PackTea and books pack
Day 3$150.00Maggie’s Kitchen CookbookMaggie’s Kitchen cookbook hamper
Day 4$150.00Indoor Plant Care PackagePlant care package
Day 5$200.00Bunnings VoucherBunnings gift card
Day 6$200.00The Ultimate Foodies HamperUltimate foodies hamper
Day 7$300.00Bill Fairy VoucherBill fairy voucher
Day 8$300.00Portable RadioPhilips portable radio
Day 9$400.00Smeg 4 Slot ToasterSmeg 4 slot toaster
Day 10$700.00Roomba Vac and MopRobot Vacuum and Mop

For full terms and conditions: