Page 9 – Trilogy Care

Health tips for summer

As another sweltering Australian summer approaches, staying safe in the heat is more important than ever. Trilogy Care’s clinical team has compiled key summer health tips to help you enjoy the sun safely.

The dangers of heat

The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission warns that heat stroke and heat exhaustion pose significant risks for older individuals this summer. Our clinical team understands that even small tips can be crucial for staying cool and safe as the temperature rises.

The symptoms of heat exhaustion include:

pale skin
headache
nausea, vomiting
dizziness, fainting
weakness
irritability
thirst
heavy sweating
muscle cramps
decreased urine output

Symptoms of heat stroke may include:

confusion
slurred speech
agitation and altered mental state
loss of consciousness
profuse sweating or hot, dry skin
muscle twitching or seizures
rapid breathing
a quick and strong pulse
very high body temperature

Heat stroke is extremely dangerous and can quickly threaten your life. If you are concerned about heat stroke, immediately call triple zero (000).

Outdoors advice

When heading outdoors this summer, keep these tips in mind to stay safe:

Dress for the weather: Wear cool, loose-fitting clothes to avoid overheating
Avoid direct sun exposure: Whenever possible, stay in the shade or under cover
Wear sunscreen: Apply sunscreen before going outside, and remember to reapply if you’re staying out for a while
Seek air-conditioned spaces: Cool down in air-conditioned places like shopping centres, senior centres, or the movies. Don’t forget, your Home Care Package can help with transportation costs

Indoors advice

Staying cool indoors is just as important. Trilogy Care’s clinical team suggests:

Keep your space cool: Use air conditioning or fans to maintain a comfortable temperature
Block out heat: Install blinds, shades, or place plants in sun-exposed areas to reduce indoor heat
Cook outdoors: Consider using a BBQ at night if your house feels too warm
Check your lightbulbs: Switch to energy-efficient lightbulbs, which emit less heat

General summer health tips

To stay safe during the warmer months, here are a few more tips from Trilogy Care:

Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water or electrolyte drinks to prevent dehydration
Limit alcohol and caffeine: These can dehydrate you faster, so it’s best to avoid excessive consumption
Consult your doctor: If you have concerns about overheating or dehydration, speak to your doctor for personalised advice

Support from Trilogy Care

Summer is a time of fun and festivity, but it’s important to be cautious about heat and sun exposure. If you have any concerns or need more information, don’t hesitate to contact Trilogy Care’s clinical team.

Call us on 1300 459 190 or contact us through our site to learn more about how we can support you this summer. In case of an emergency always call triple 0 (000).

Home Care Academy is live - start learning today

Trilogy Care is excited to announce the launch of Home Care Academy (HCA) on 10 October. This platform supports everyone involved in home care, and provides the knowledge and skills essential for delivering compassionate, effective in-home care.

Start learning with the On-Demand Learning Bundle

At launch, participants will gain access to the first course, addressing mental health. This course will eventually be part of the On-Demand Learning Bundle. Content is available 24/7, allowing users to learn at their own pace. Additional modules will be added to the bundle over time, expanding the range of educational resources.

Easy access to Home Care Academy

From 10 October, Trilogy Care will offer a direct link to access the Home Care Academy platform. Registering is simple and easy—you can sign up using your email or popular social media platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, Apple, or Google.

After registering, you will receive a welcome email guiding you through the platform’s features, giving you immediate access to a variety of educational materials. The platform’s intuitive design makes it easy to navigate, so you can start learning without any delays. You’ll be able to track your progress, pick up where you left off, and explore different caregiving topics at your convenience.

If you encounter any issues, Trilogy Care’s support team will be ready to assist. We aim to ensure a smooth and enriching experience for all users.

Personalised learning through specialised bundles

Trilogy Care has structured Home Care Academy so that the courses are sorted into learning bundles that cater to different areas of in-home care. The bundles are split into two categories, as follows:

On-Demand Learning Bundle: Available immediately upon registration, this foundational bundle includes essential modules to help learners get started.
Specialised Learning Bundles: These bundles will be introduced over time, exploring advanced caregiving techniques, mental health support, and the use of technology in care.

Join us in transforming home care

We invite you to be part of this educational journey. Look out for the link on 10 October, or visit our website to join. Trilogy Care is committed to raising the standard of in-home care through education, empowering a community of skilled, compassionate caregivers.

Register for the Trilogy Care Portal

In May 2024, Trilogy Care launched The Trilogy Care Portal —our online service portal for care recipients and their authorised representatives. This portal provides a secure and convenient way to manage your Home Care Package, and it’s accessible exclusively to our care recipients, their authorised representatives, service providers, and care coordinators.

Sign up to the Trilogy Care Portal

Each of our care recipients and their authorised representatives should have received an email invitation with step-by-step instructions for registering on the portal. This guide will help you easily create an account and get started.

If you haven’t received an invitation email or are experiencing any issues with registration, please contact our support team. We’re here to help!

Email address: portal.support@trilogycare.com.au
Phone number: 1300 459 190
Support page: Portal.support.trilogycare.com.au

Why use the Trilogy Care Portal?

The Trilogy Care Portal was designed with feedback from our valued care recipients to provide the tools and features you need. With the portal’s budget tracking tool, you can clearly view your funds and expenses, giving you greater control over your Home Care Package and finances. You’ll also find a record of transactions and account statements to make informed decisions about your care.

Recipients can invite others to view and access their Home Care Package details, making it easy to keep key contacts up to date. This feature ensures that your support network has access to important information whenever you choose to share it.

Key features of the Trilogy Care Portal

Full budget transparency
Comprehensive financial overview
Detailed transaction history
Account statement history
Breakdown of fees
Easy communication channels
Updated contact management

Exciting future functionality will include:

Process invoices and reimbursements directly through the portal
Report an incident or change in condition
Find suppliers and services in your local area

The Trilogy Care Portal is designed to be simple and easy to use—even if you have minimal experience with computers or smartphones.

And the best part? It’s completely free for all Trilogy Care recipients! If you have a Home Care Package with us, you can log in today and start taking control.

Ready to sign up?

You can log into the Portal here.

If you need assistance logging in, feel free to contact us:

Email: Portal.support@trilogycare.com.au
Phone: 1300 459 190
Support page: click here

So take Trilogy Care of yourself—register for the Trilogy Care Portal today and experience the difference it makes!

Support at Home services - what is available?

Support at Home - what services home care services pricing list

The list of Support at Home services has been published, detailing the services and support you can access with your new funding. These services are grouped into 14 categories, including personal care, meal support, and nursing care. Each category clearly outlines what is included and excluded.

Trilogy Care has reviewed the service list and highlighted key changes you should know before the Support at Home program begins on 1 November 2025.

Please note that these changes are all all subject to the passage of the Bill through Parliament.

Below is an overview of the service types and how they apply to Support at Home care recipients. Please note, the home care services pricing list is subject to change.

Nursing care

Support at Home offers nursing care to address clinical needs through qualified nurses and nursing assistants. This includes assessing, treating, and monitoring health conditions, managing wounds, administering medications, and providing education to care recipients. However, services already funded through other programs, such as specialist palliative care, are not included.

Allied Health and other therapeutic services

Older Australians can access healthcare specialists such as dietitians, therapists, physiotherapists, and podiatrists under Support at Home.

Funding is available for treatment programs designed to help care recipients manage their own care when possible, promoting independence. Follow-up services related to assistive technology and home modifications are also supported.

Support at Home does not cover treatments that can be funded through other programs or the healthcare system, nor does it cover conditions unrelated to age-related decline, such as acute mental health issues. These are not included on the home care services pricing list.

Nutrition

Support at Home covers prescribed dietary supplements or aids required due to age-related decline. Providers can also apply for the Enteral Feeding for Aged Care Supplement through Services Australia, where eligible. General expenses, such as weight loss supplements, are not covered.

Care management

Care management covers costs related to supporting in-home care, including care planning, service coordination, advocacy, and education.

Administrative costs covered under service prices are excluded from this category.

Restorative care management

Restorative care management focuses on coordinating care for older people undergoing short-term Restorative Care. Care partners in this category must have clinical qualifications.

As with care management, administrative costs funded through service pricing are excluded.

Personal care

Personal care services help older people maintain independence in daily life. Under Support at Home, these services include assistance with personal hygiene, daily activities, medication, and continence management. Professional services and those funded through other programs are not included.

Social support and community engagement

This category covers individual or group support, social activities, cultural support, digital education, and assistance with personal affairs.

It can include simple activities like meeting with friends or attending events, as well as more complex needs such as translation services. Membership fees, service fees, and activities funded by other programs are not covered.

Therapeutic services for independent living

Therapeutic services include acupuncturists, chiropractors, remedial massage therapists, and osteopaths. However, these services are only funded if other programs do not provide coverage.

Respite

Respite care provides relief for the usual carer by another person. Respite care funded by other programs, such as residential respite under the AN-ACC model, is not covered.

Transport

The Transport category covers both direct and indirect transport services, such as taxis or rideshares. However, expenses such as buying a vehicle, public transport costs, or holiday travel cannot be funded.

Assistive technology and home modifications

Support at Home provides funding for assistive technology and home modifications through the AT-HM scheme. This funding is in addition to quarterly services funding, and supports equipment and home adjustments needed to maintain your independence, comfort, and safety.

Domestic assistance

Domestic assistance covers help with tasks like general cleaning, laundry, and shopping. However, it does not include professional services like pest control, carpet cleaning, or dry cleaning. Groceries are also not covered under shopping assistance.

Home maintenance and repairs

Home maintenance covers tasks like light gardening, lawn mowing, and minor repairs. Professional services are excluded unless there are significant age-related risks. Landlord responsibilities, housing authority work, or items covered by insurance are also not funded.

Meals

Support at Home can fund meal preparation and delivery. However, it cannot be used for ingredients, takeaway food, or meals for others in the household.

More details about Support at Home services

This article provides an overview of the 14 service categories funded under the Support at Home program. For more details on the home care services pricing list, visit this link or download a copy from this site.

If you’d like to speak with someone about Support at Home, call us on 1300 459 190 or via our website.

Introducing Home Care Academy

As the global population ages, the need for quality home care services continues to grow. Families, caregivers, coordinators, and care recipients all want to ensure that in-home care is both effective and compassionate. Introducing Home Care Academy—an educational platform created by Trilogy Care to elevate the standards of home care through accessible and comprehensive education for everyone involved in the care journey.

What is Home Care Academy?

Home Care Academy is an innovative online platform powered by Trilogy Care, designed to equip caregivers, family members, and care recipients with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate in-home care. Whether you are a professional support worker, a family member caring for a loved one, or a care recipient wanting to understand and engage in your care, Home Care Academy offers resources tailored to your needs.

Quality care starts with quality education. Providing or receiving care at home can present unique challenges, from managing daily tasks to addressing complex medical needs. Home Care Academy offers tools, guidance, and confidence to navigate these challenges with compassion and respect.

Why Home Care Academy?

Home Care Academy is committed to delivering high-quality, practical training and resources for everyone involved in home care. Our curriculum covers essential topics like personal care, managing chronic conditions, dementia care, and emergency preparedness, ensuring that learners can immediately apply their knowledge to real-life situations. Developed by industry experts, our courses are accurate, relevant, and designed for flexible, on-demand learning that fits your schedule.

We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and diverse learning environment. Our training materials are culturally sensitive, ensuring all learners feel respected and supported regardless of background, culture, or experience level. Upon completion, learners receive certifications that acknowledge their skills and commitment to quality care.

Beyond education, we foster a supportive community where caregivers, families, and care recipients can connect, share experiences, and continue learning. Courses will be released progressively, offering a comprehensive and accessible learning journey for all.

A resource for everyone involved in care

Home Care Academy was designed for a wide audience. Professional caregivers can enhance their skills and advance their careers, while family members can gain the confidence they need to care for loved ones at home. Care recipients can better understand their care, empowering them to take an active role in decisions that affect their daily lives. Care coordinators can deepen their expertise to provide effective support and manage care plans.

Looking ahead

As we prepare to launch Home Care Academy, we are excited about the impact it will have on home care across the country. By providing comprehensive education and fostering a community of informed and compassionate individuals, we aim to raise the standard of home care—ensuring that every person receiving or providing care at home does so with dignity, respect, and the highest quality of service.

We invite you to join us on this journey. Whether you’re a professional caregiver, a family member, a care recipient, or a coordinator, Home Care Academy is here to support you every step of the way.

Click here to view Home Care Academy!

Discover the future of home care education with Home Care Academy—where knowledge meets compassion.

World Diabetes Day

Every year on 14 November, people around the globe recognise World Diabetes Day. Established in 1991 by the International Diabetes Federation, the event was created in response to growing concerns about diabetes. It advocates for better access to care and support for those living with diabetes, providing an opportunity for healthcare professionals, advocates, and policymakers to raise awareness and take action.

What is the theme of World Diabetes Day in 2024?

In 2024, the theme of World Diabetes Day is wellbeing. People living with diabetes deserve the opportunity to live fulfilling lives, regardless of their condition. The event raises awareness about the quality-of-life issues faced by those with diabetes.

The focus is on three categories of well-being:

Physical wellbeing – Encourages staying physically active and maintaining a healthy diet to manage diabetes and related complications.
Societal wellbeing – Seeks to break down barriers that prevent people with diabetes from living full, unrestricted lives.
Mental wellbeing – Highlights the mental challenges of living with diabetes, including stress and anxiety.

Diabetes in aged care

Managing diabetes can be particularly challenging for people in aged care. As we age, our bodies respond differently to diabetes, making it critical to monitor how your body reacts. Older people need to focus on leading an active lifestyle, including regular exercise, to improve insulin sensitivity.

A healthy diet is also crucial. Poor eating habits can lead to low blood glucose, triggering a diabetic episode. It’s common for older people to have fewer warning signs of diabetes, so close monitoring is essential.

Symptoms of diabetes

There are several signs of diabetes that people living with the condition and their carers should be aware of:

Frequent urination
Excessive thirst
Increased or reduced appetite
Extreme tiredness
Weight loss
Glucose in the urine
Dry mouth, lips, or skin; sunken eyes
Flushed face
Irritability
Blurred vision
Itchiness
Vaginal thrush in women and, occasionally, pubic thrush in men
Loss of sexual desire in women
Impotence in men

It’s important to note that symptoms can vary, especially in older people, where signs may be misread as part of the ageing process. Extra care is needed to manage diabetes in older adults.

Advice from the Trilogy Care clinical team

Trilogy Care’s clinical team offers the following tips for care recipients living with diabetes:

Maintain a healthy diet – Avoid excessive carbohydrates and sugar. You can use your Home Care Package funding to consult a dietitian
Participate in physical activities – Incorporate regular aerobic and strength exercises to improve glucose regulation and maintain a healthy BMI. Physio sessions can be funded through your Home Care Package
Have regular health checks – Visit your GP every 3-6 months to create a chronic disease management plan
Check blood glucose levels regularly
Manage medication carefully
Conduct regular foot checks
Involve allied health professionals – Work with diabetes educators, dietitians, physios, and podiatrists as part of a multidisciplinary care team

Managing diabetes with Trilogy Care

Trilogy Care has extensive experience supporting care recipients living with diabetes. Our clinical team is always available to assist with escalating health concerns, while our care partners provide tailored advice and support.

To learn how Trilogy Care can help improve your well-being and quality of life, call us on 1300 459 190 or contact us here.

Support at Home – how will it impact your care?

As the new Support at Home program approaches, it’s natural to feel uncertain about how these changes will affect the support you receive through your Home Care Package. However, Support at Home is designed to enhance the care experience for individuals receiving home care.

What is changing with Support at Home?

In a previous article, we outlined some of the changes coming with the transition to Support at Home. Now that more information is available, we can provide further details.

Unspent funds

As you may know, existing care recipients will transition to Support at Home on 1 November 2025. Your Support at Home package will match your current funding level.

But what happens to any unspent funds you’ve accumulated?

You will retain any unspent funds accrued under your Home Care Package. These funds can continue to be used for ongoing services or as part of the Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) Scheme, which is designed for home improvements.

How is the income tested care fee changing?

If you currently pay an income tested care fee, it’s important to know how the changes will affect your payments.

You will still be required to pay a contribution, but this will be at an individualised discounted rate to ensure that you do not pay more than you currently do under the Home Care Package.

If you currently do not pay an income tested care fee, you won’t be required to pay additional fees under the new system. This ensures that no one is financially disadvantaged by the transition.

Can I still self-manage?

Yes, self-management will still be available under Support at Home. Current Home Care Package recipients can continue to manage their own care and support through Trilogy Care.

What do the new funding classifications mean?

Support at Home will introduce eight classifications for ongoing services, replacing the four Home Care Package levels. Each classification comes with a budget for participants to access services.

Here are the classifications and their approximate funding levels (these figures are yet to be finalised):

Classification	Quarterly budget	Annual amount
1	~$2,750	~$11,000
2	~$4,000	~$16,000
3	~$5,500	~$22,000
4	~$7,500	~$30,000
5	~$10,000	~$40,000
6	~$12,000	~$48,000
7	~$14,500	~$58,000
8	~$19,500	~$78,000

What if I was already receiving funding?

If you’re currently receiving Home Care Package funding, you’ll transition to the following amounts:

Transitioned home care recipients	Quarterly budget	Annual amount
1	$2,708	$10,833
2	$4,762	$19,049
3	$10,365	$41,460
4	$15,713	$62,853

What is the AT-HM Scheme and how does it impact my funds?

Support at Home will also introduce the Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) Scheme, which gives care recipients access to assistive technology and home modifications without needing to save funds from their individual budgets.

The proposed funding amounts are as follows:

Funding tier	Amount
Low	Under $500
Medium	Up to $2,000
High	Up to $15,000

This scheme will allow you to receive more care hours without sacrificing essential technology or home modifications.

When will more information about Support at Home be available?

As the launch of Support at Home draws closer, more information will be shared.

We are committed to keeping you informed and providing updates so that you feel confident about the new system. In the meantime, you can learn more by visiting this this link.

If you require Home Care now, please give us a call on 1300 459 190 or contact us online.

Who is eligible for a Home Care Package?

Before starting a Home Care Package, it’s important to ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria. You may be eligible if you are:

65 years of age or older (50 and over for First Nations people)
Living with a disability, dementia, or another care need that cannot be addressed through other methods

Additionally, eligibility may depend on factors such as:

Being diagnosed with a medical condition
Noticing changes in your memory
Experiencing a change in family care arrangements
Reduced mobility
Having a recent accident (like a fall)
A recent hospital admission

Once eligibility is confirmed, you can plan your assessment. My Aged Care conducts these assessments to determine the level of assistance you need with daily tasks. The application is available here.

Applying for the assessment

To apply for a Home Care Package, an assessment by My Aged Care is required. You can start the application by clicking the ‘Start now’ button on this page. The form takes about 20 minutes to complete and requires your Medicare card.

The application is designed for online submission, making the process more efficient. If you’re unable to complete it yourself, a trusted person can fill it out on your behalf.

Home Care Packages vs. Commonwealth Home Support Programme

When choosing between a Home Care Package and the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP), it’s important to understand their differences. The CHSP typically caters to older Australians with low-care needs, whereas Home Care Packages provide more support for individuals with complex care requirements. Knowing which option is better for your situation is essential, as each program has different eligibility criteria.

When should I apply for a Home Care Package?

Many older Australians apply for a Home Care Package following significant life changes, such as a medical diagnosis, an accident, or memory issues. It’s important to apply as soon as possible due to the national waiting list for Home Care Packages, which can take between two and six weeks for approval. In some cases, CHSP funding may be available while you wait.

What if I’m not eligible?

If you’re not eligible for a Home Care Package but still want support, there are other options. You can contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 to discuss your situation. They may review your eligibility or suggest alternate services. Additionally, non-government providers can offer support at any time. For more guidance, you can also explore Trilogy Care’s helpful articles here.

Starting on a Home Care Package

After being approved for a Home Care Package, you might have questions about what comes next. Trilogy Care provides a helpful ‘Getting started’ section on our website to answer common questions. We also offer articles to help you manage your Home Care Package.

To learn more about what Trilogy Care can offer, visit the ‘Our Services’ or ‘Pricing’ sections on our website, or call us at 1300 459 190.

What community services are available to older Australians?

There are many community services available for older Australians. These are typically free and allow you to engage with government and community-run programs to enhance your lifestyle and wellbeing. For those on a Home Care Package, community services may assist with items and tasks that are not covered by the package funding.

What are community services?

Community services come in many forms, often as group activities run by volunteers or people passionate about supporting aged care. These groups might meet once a week for coffee, a walk, or just a chat. While the activities may be simple, they offer valuable opportunities for social interaction with people of a similar age.

One great example is the Rockhampton 60 and Better Program, where the group meets on the first Wednesday of each month for coffee and on the second Monday for lunch. These meet-ups provide older people with the chance to connect and have meaningful conversations.

Regular social interaction like this can play a vital role in preventing feelings of isolation and loneliness, which is particularly important for older people.

Who provides community services?

Community services can be delivered by individuals or organisations that want to provide their time and effort to improve the wellbeing of others. Local governments may also provide community services based on their location.

Government services

Local governments offer a range of community services that help older Australians access programs to enhance their quality of life. These services may include:

Immunisation clinics – Councils often offer free vaccinations, particularly to those who are vulnerable
Cab services – Councils offer cab services to people who find it challenging to complete essential tasks, such as grocery shopping or accessing medical appointments. If you live in Brisbane for example, you can check if you are eligible for this service here
Events and activities – Councils often run programs such as classes, social outings, or even award nights for older residents
Pension concessions – Certain councils offer discounted rates for pensioners
Bin collection service – Councils can arrange in-home bin collection services if you’re unable to manage it yourself

Volunteer services

Many community services are provided by volunteers, often coordinated by organisations dedicated to providing care services. These services can include any assistance that older Australians require, including:

Gardening
Household maintenance
Social visits
Administration tasks
Running classes or courses
Helping in respite care
Assisting in residential aged care

How can I connect with community services?

Accessing community services varies depending on where you live. We recommend visiting your local council’s website to explore the services available. For instance, Brisbane City Council’s community support page lists all the services offered in their area.

Additionally, you can use sites such as My Community Directory or Our Community to find organisations that can provide you with services you need. You may also wish to read our article on the aged care volunteer scheme for more information.

If you would like to get involved with volunteering or providing community support, there are websites such as Seek Volunteer that can connect you to relevant services.

If you need more assistance, please contact us via our website, or call 1300 459 190.

How often do I need a care assessment?

Care assessments are crucial in determining what support services you need. They allow My Aged Care to determine the level of care you need and confirm your available funding.

This means it is essential to have an up-to-date care assessment, as your care needs may change over time. You may not be able to determine when your requirements change, so a care assessment ensures that you are receiving the services you need.

What is a care assessment?

A care assessment is an important part of the aged care process. It allows My Aged Care to assess your care needs based on a thorough review of your living situation, health, wellbeing, lifestyle, and ability to manage tasks at home.

Care assessments are typically conducted in your home, providing an accurate understanding of your circumstances. In some cases, they may take place at a medical practice or over the phone if necessary.

You can apply for a care assessment on the My Aged Care website or call 1800 200 422 for more information.

When should I have another care assessment?

It’s important to request a new care assessment if your needs change. If you feel your support requirements are not being met, it’s time for another assessment.

Changes in health, reduced mobility, or new challenges are all indicators that your care needs may have changed. However, even if you don’t notice any significant changes in your health, wellbeing, or lifestyle, it’s still recommended to have a reassessment. This ensures any unnoticed changes in your health are addressed.

Confirming your health needs

Even without obvious changes, it’s essential to receive updated care assessments regularly. My Aged Care recommends a full care assessment once every 12 months to ensure your care needs are being properly met. This allows a professional to confirm your current needs and assess if additional care is required.

Care assessments for Home Care Packages

For those receiving a Home Care Package, it’s important to regularly update your care assessment. Should your needs change, an updated assessment allows for additional funding. What worked for you before may no longer be enough as time passes.

Updating your care assessment also enables Trilogy Care’s team to revise your care plan. Once you notify us of your updated care assessment, our team will contact you to discuss any necessary changes to your plan.

For more details on the importance of care assessments, see our articles on care plans or ACAT assessments. Feel free to contact us or call 1300 459 190 for further assistance.