How To Prepare For An ACAT Assessment

Understanding aged care in Australia

In Australia, government-funded aged care helps older people remain safe and healthy in their own homes or residential settings. To access most of these services, you’ll need to be assessed by an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT). This is a vital first step to receiving support through a Home Care Package, short-term care or permanent residential aged care.

What is an ACAT assessment?

An ACAT assessment helps determine your health, mobility, safety and support needs so you can access the most suitable aged care services. It’s often carried out by a member of your local Aged Care Assessment Team, typically a nurse, social worker or allied health professional.

In short, it’s about determining whether you’re eligible for government-funded care and, if so, which type and level of care will suit you best.

You’ll need an ACAT assessment if:

• You want to apply for a Home Care Package (HCP)
• You are considering permanent residential aged care
• You need short-term restorative or transition care
• Your health or care needs have changed significantly

This is different from the Regional Assessment Service (RAS), which assesses people with low-level needs who may qualify for the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP).

ACAT assessment levels — what do they mean?

Your ACAT assessment levels will determine the type of support you’re eligible to receive. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) — For those with entry-level needs who need a little help at home, like cleaning, transport or personal care.
• Home Care Package (HCP) — A more tailored care program with four levels:
  • Level 1: Basic assistance (e.g., one to two visits a week)
  • Level 2: Low-level care (e.g., a few visits a week)
  • Level 3: Intermediate support (e.g., daily care, allied health, some home modifications)
  • Level 4: High-level or complex care (e.g., full support, specialised equipment, daily services)
• Residential aged care — For those who can no longer live safely at home.

What happens during an ACAT assessment?

Your assessment will take place in your own home. Once My Aged Care receives your application, they’ll refer you to an assessment organisation who will get in touch to schedule your appointment.

Here’s what the process usually looks like:

Before the visit

Gather the following:

• Your Medicare card and another ID (driver’s licence, DVA card, passport, etc.)
• Any doctor referrals or health records
• Contact details for your GP and specialists
• Information about the current support or care you’re receiving
• A trusted family member or carer (if you’d like someone to be there)

Let the assessor know ahead of time if you’ll need assistance with communication, such as a translator or Auslan interpreter.

During the assessment

The assessor will:

• Ask for your consent before beginning
• Review the information you’ve already provided to My Aged Care
• Talk to you about your daily activities, health, mobility, home safety and support network
• Speak to your family or carer (with your permission)
• Ask questions such as:
  • What support do you receive now?
  • Do you find it hard to complete daily tasks?
  • Are you having any memory concerns?
  • What’s important to you when it comes to your care?

They’ll work with you to create a personalised support plan based on your strengths, goals and preferences. You’ll get a copy at the end or shortly after.

Common Aged Care assessment questions and answers

It helps to know the kinds of ACAT assessment questions you might be asked in order to prepare your answers. These are designed to understand your physical, emotional and social wellbeing, not to “test” you. Answer honestly and openly so the assessor can get the full picture.

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 a Home Care Package?
  • Can I still see my regular GP or therapist?
  • What are the costs and funding options?

After the assessment — what happens next?

You’ll receive a letter outlining your eligibility and ACAT assessment level, usually within two to six weeks. If you’re approved for a Home Care Package, you’ll be placed in the National Priority System and wait for your package to be assigned.

In the meantime, you may be able to access short-term support through CHSP, depending on your situation.

When your package is assigned, you’ll receive a referral code. This is when you can begin comparing suppliers or opt to self-manage your care with more flexibility and choice.

If your circumstances change, you can request a reassessment at any time by contacting My Aged Care.

Let Homecare My Way support your next steps

Starting early gives you time to explore your choices, involve family and consider what kind of care will help you live well at home. And you don’t have to do it alone.

At Homecare My Way, we’ll guide you through the ACAT process with expertise and local support. Our Customer Care Managers can meet you in person and help you get the most from your funding and support plan.

Self-managing your home care package offers more freedom, flexibility and choice — and we’re here to help you make the most of it. Explore our self-management options today.