Upcoming Changes to Aged Care Services The Australian Government is introducing significant changes to aged care services to improve quality, simplify processes, and ensure sustainable support. These changes include the introduction of the Support at Home Program (SaH), which will streamline services into a unified system and commence on 1 July 2025. Disclaimer This information is based on the current details available and provides a preliminary outline of the rules, regulations, and program specifics which remain subject to change. On a monthly basis, we will continue to update you as new information becomes available. Participants Approved for a Home Care Package Before 12 September 2024 What it means: If you were approved for a Home Care Package before 12 September 2024, you will continue under your existing arrangements for the duration of your participation in the program. Impact for you: Your services will align with the new service list, and funding will remain the same. Your financial contribution arrangements will not change. Any unspent funds as of 1 July 2025 will be carried over and retained for additional service, subject to the rules and limits set by the Support at Home Program. Participants on Interim Home Care Package Plans (Approved Between 12 September 2024 and 1 July 2025) What it means: If you are approved during this period, you will initially follow the current Home Care Package (HCP) rules and contributions and transition to the Support at Home Program from 1 July 2025. Impact for you: Your contributions and service arrangements will adjust in line with the new program from 1 July 2025. There will be a limit to unspent funds that can be carried over. Key Points for the Support at Home Program (From 1 July 2025) Service Plan Development: Your service plan will be created during the assessment process, clearly outlining the specific services and activities you will receive, including your co-contribution for each. Budget Management: Funding will be allocated quarterly, with limits on unspent funds to be rolled over. Case Management: 10% of your overall funding will be allocated to case management. These funds will be pooled across all participants and managed by your provider to coordinate and oversee your care and support. Service Levels: The system will move from 4 package levels to 8, with dedicated grants for assistive technology, home modifications, and end-of-life care pathways. Capped Pricing & Co-Contribution: Service prices will be capped, and rates of co-contributions will be determined by the government and published in February 2025. Staying Informed Lifebridge is committed to supporting you through these changes. We will share updates as more details become available and offer focus groups to address your questions and concerns. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to help every step of the way.  

Changes to the NDIS Changes to the NDIS The Australian Government is introducing important updates to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). These changes aim to improve service quality, simplify processes, and ensure sustainable support for participants. While there may be new names for services, updated care plans, and changes to some staff roles, the high standard of service you receive will continue. Changes to the NDIS (Commenced October 3, 2024): Refined Eligibility Assessments: Updates will make eligibility assessments fairer and more consistent for participants. Clearer Lists of Funded Supports: New, detailed lists will clarify what can and cannot be funded by the NDIS. A one-year transition period will help participants adjust. Updated Plan Management: Enhanced frameworks for managing plans and funds will offer more tailored and flexible support options. Information Requirements for Reassessments: Participants may need to provide additional information during reassessments to ensure accurate and comprehensive support. Foundational Supports: A new category called “Foundational Supports,” likely aimed at children, will bridge gaps between the NDIS and mainstream services. Enhanced Data Security: All cloud-based services must store data within Australia for improved security. Improved Incident Handling: Staff will undergo advanced training in incident investigation to enhance safety and participant support.

Christmas Shutdown & Contact Procedures Christmas Shutdown & Contact Procedures Over the Christmas/New Year period, Lifebridge will undertake a partial closure to provide for some much-needed staff leave. The Kingscliff office and “Cottage” will be closed from 4pm on Tuesday 24th December 2024 and will reopen at 8:00am on Thursday 2nd January 2025. Lifebridge will continue to deliver essential services to customers during this shutdown period. All Groups and non-essential CHSP services will be postponed during this period. Please leave a message on the Reception phone if you need to cancel or change a service during the shutdown period. Ensure your message clearly includes your name and phone number so one of our staff can return your call. During the shutdown period, the Lifebridge reception message bank will be monitored daily. If you have not done so already, it is important that you contact Lifebridge immediately to advise us of your service requirements over the Christmas/New Year period. This will enable us to determine our staffing requirements during this time. Lifebridge Reception Number is: 1800 043 186