How To Prepare For An Aged Care Assessment

Understanding Aged Care in Australia

Government-funded aged care in Australia is designed to help older people live safely and comfortably, whether in their own homes or in a residential setting. Accessing most of these services requires an assessment. Previously, this process was known as the ACAT assessment as part of the earlier system, but it is now included in the streamlined Single Assessment System established on 1 July 2024.

This assessment is the essential first step to receiving government-funded support through the new Support at Home program, short-term care, or residential aged care.

What is an Aged Care Assessment?

An aged care assessment, is often conducted by a member of the Integrated Assessment Team (previously known as the Aged Care Assessment Team). This process evaluates your health, mobility, and support needs to determine the most suitable care services for your situation. The assessor is usually a qualified health professional, such as a nurse or social worker.

The goal is to determine your eligibility for government-funded care and identify which services will best support your independence and wellbeing.

You will need an aged care assessment if you:

• Want to apply for the new Support at Home program.
• Are considering a move into permanent residential aged care.
• Require short-term restorative care or transition care after a hospital stay.
• Have experienced a significant change in your health or care needs.

Under the Single Assessment System, the process is simplified. The same assessment team now reviews needs for both entry-level support, such as the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP), and the more comprehensive services available through the Support at Home program.

What to Expect During Your Assessment

Once you apply for an assessment through My Aged Care, an assessor will contact you to schedule a visit to your home. The process is designed to be a conversation about your needs and goals. During this evaluation, the assessor will consider what classiication of funding support you may require—these are sometimes referred to as assessment levels, also previously known as ACAT assessment levels. This helps ensure you receive the right care services for your personal circumstances.

Before the Assessor Arrives

To ensure the assessment runs smoothly, it is helpful to gather a few key documents and details beforehand:

• Your Medicare card and another form of ID (like a driver’s licence or passport).
• Contact information for your GP or other health specialists.
• Any referrals or relevant medical records.
• Information about any support you currently receive.

You are welcome to have a trusted family member, carer, or friend with you for support. If you need a translator or an Auslan interpreter, be sure to let the assessment organisation know when they book the appointment.

During the In-Home Visit

The assessor will begin by asking for your consent. They will then talk with you about your daily life, focusing on your strengths, any challenges you face, and what is important to you.

Common topics include:

• Your day-to-day activities, such as showering, dressing, and preparing meals.
• How you manage your health and medications.
• Your mobility and safety within your home.
• Your social connections and community involvement.
• Any concerns you have about your memory or wellbeing.

Be open and honest about your situation. This is not a test, but a way for the assessor to understand how to best support you. They will work with you to develop a personalised support plan based on your goals and preferences. You will receive a copy of this plan at the end of the visit or shortly after.

Common Aged Care Assessment Questions and Answers

If you are preparing for an aged care assessment, it can be helpful to review typical aged care assessment questions and answers in advance. This will enable you to clearly communicate your needs and ensure you receive the right support. Consider what tasks you find difficult and what kind of support would make a real difference in your life.

Here are some questions you might want to ask the assessor:

• Here are some common topics:
• Your ability to shower, dress and prepare meals
• How you manage medications
• Any mobility aids or safety equipment you use
• Your social connections and community activities
• Whether you feel safe and supported at home

Here are a couple of tips to help you prepare:

• Be clear about the tasks you struggle with day-to-day
• Think about what you want from care services (e.g., help with meals, getting out and about)
• Prepare any questions you’d like to ask, such as:
  • What services are available in my area?
  • How long is the wait time for Support at Home funding?
  • Can I still see my regular GP or therapist?
  • What are the costs and funding options?

After the assessment — what happens next?

Within a few weeks of your assessment, you will receive a letter from My Aged Care. This letter will outline your eligibility for aged care services and specify the level of support you have been approved for.

If you are approved for the Support at Home program, you will be placed in a national queue. Once funding is assigned to you, you can start choosing a provider to deliver your services. This is also when you can decide if you want to self-manage your funding for greater flexibility and control.

If your needs change at any point, you can contact My Aged Care to request a reassessment.

Let Homecare My Way support your next steps

Navigating the aged care system can feel complex, but you do not have to do it by yourself. At Homecare My Way, we are committed to helping you understand your options and make informed choices about your care. Our team can guide you through the assessment process and help you create a support plan that empowers you to live independently.

Self-managing your Support at Home funding gives you the freedom to choose your services and providers. Explore our self-management options today to see how you can get more value and flexibility from your funding.