How do I arrange a
My Aged Care assessment.
- 7 min read
A Quick Snapshot
It’s free – no cost to you.
How are you managing at home? What’s getting harder?
It’s not a test – just talk about what you need.
Take someone with you – a family member, friend or carer.
What happens next? You may be approved for government-funded support.
Need a helping hand? Talk to My Guardian first.
You don't have to work out the aged care system on your own.
If you, or someone you care about, is finding things a little harder at home, an aged care assessment is usually the next step towards getting government-funded help.
You may also hear people talk about an ACAT assessment. It’s the same thing. ACAT stands for Aged Care Assessment Team, which was the name commonly used for the assessment process in the past.
Today, the government uses the simpler term aged care assessment as part of the Single Assessment System.
How do I arrange an assessment?
You can apply online for yourself or on behalf of someone else. You’ll need your Medicare card and the online application takes around 10–15 minutes.
You can call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422.
If you need assistance with the call, accessible support options are available.
If you’d rather speak to someone face to face, you can make an appointment with an Aged Care Specialist Officer.
You can also have a family member, friend or other supporter help you with the application. Once you’ve applied, an assessment organisation will contact you to discuss your needs and arrange the assessment.
You don’t need to work out exactly what support you need. Just think about what’s becoming harder and how it’s affecting your everyday life.
What happens during the assessment?
There’s no test to pass and no need to put on a brave face.
The assessor will talk with you about your health, how you’re managing at home, what you find difficult, the support you already have and what you’d like help with.
So be completely up front about the things you find difficult.
The same applies to cooking, cleaning, shopping, getting dressed, managing medication, moving around the house or looking after yourself.
How should I prepare?
It can help to have:
- Your Medicare card and identification
- list of your current medications
- Details of your GP and other health professionals
- Any relevant medical or hospital reports
- A family member, friend or carer who knows how you’re managing
- A few notes about the things you are finding difficult at home
Most importantly, think about what has changed and what you’d like to be able to do more safely or independently.
If you’re unsure what your outcome means, My Guardian can help explain it in plain English.
What happens after the assessment?
You’ll receive a Notice of Decision explaining the outcome of your assessment, along with your support plan.
If you’re approved for Support at Home, the decision will explain your approved supports and, where applicable, your funding classification.
This is when you can start looking at your options for choosing a provider. And if you’re not sure what the outcome means, that’s another good time to talk to My Guardian.
Frequently asked questions
Is an ACAT assessment the same as a My Aged Care assessment?
Yes. ACAT stands for Aged Care Assessment Team. ACAT was the term commonly used for aged care assessments in the past. Today, assessments are conducted under the Single Assessment System and are generally referred to as My Aged Care assessments.
Does a My Aged Care assessment cost anything?
No. There is no cost to you for a My Aged Care assessment. The assessment is part of the Australian Government’s aged care system.
Do I have to go somewhere for my assessment?
Usually not. Your assessment will generally take place in your own home, although it may be conducted by telephone, telehealth or at another suitable location depending on your circumstances.
Can someone come with me?
Yes. You can have a family member, friend, carer or other supporter involved. They can help you explain your circumstances, take notes and make sure important information isn’t forgotten.
What if I don't know what help I need?
That’s OK. You don’t need to know which services you need or understand aged care terminology before your assessment. Simply explain what’s becoming harder, what help you already receive and what you’d like to be able to do more safely or independently.
If you’re unsure where to start, talk to My Guardian first. We can help you understand the process and prepare for your assessment.
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