What Is an ACAT Assessment and How Do You Prepare?
The world of aged care is often tough to navigate, especially when you or a loved one begins needing a little extra help at home. At this point, you may consider exploring government-funded support and will likely come across the term: ACAT assessment. To secure the right care, it is very important for you to understand this first step. Here is your straightforward guide to what an ACAT assessment is, how the application works, and how to prepare.
What is the ACAT Assessment
An Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) assessment is a free government aged care assessment made to determine your eligibility for federal funding. While a Regional Assessment Service (RAS) handles basic, entry-level help, an ACAT assessment is required for more comprehensive, complex care needs. If you or your loved one successfully completes this assessment, it will unlock access to:
- Support at Home (SAH) Program: Coordinated, ongoing funding packages divided into 8 distinct care classifications to help you live independently at home.
- Short-Term SAH Pathways: Specialised, targeted funding for Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM), Restorative Care, or End-of-Life care.
- Residential Aged Care: Permanent accommodation in a professional aged care home.
- Residential Respite Care: Short-term stays in a care facility to give primary carers a break.
The ACAT Application Process
To start your ACAT application, you can apply online via the My Aged Care website or call their helpline. During this initial screening, a representative will ask a few basic questions about your health, living situation, and daily challenges to confirm your ACAT eligibility. If your needs require a higher level of care, they will officially refer you to a local ACAT professional who will get in touch with you and schedule an in-home visit.
Your ACAT Assessment Checklist: How to Prepare
While you prepare for the assessment, remember that this isn’t an exam. It is just a simple conversation to map out your needs. However, preparing for an ACAT assessment ensures you mention critical information that determine your eventual Support at Home funding classification. Use this quick ACAT checklist to gather everything you need before the assessor arrives:
- Have your Medicare card and a photo ID ready.
- A list of your medical conditions, current prescriptions, and contact details for your GP or specialists.
- Any recent letters from doctors, hospital discharge summaries, or allied health reports (like physiotherapists or occupational therapists).
- Contact information for your primary family carer or legal representative.
- Make a note of specific instances where tasks have become difficult (e.g., managing the shower, forgetting medication, or struggling with grocery shopping).
If possible, try to have a family member, close friend, or an independent aged care advocate present during the interview. They can offer emotional support, take notes, and help prompt you if you forget to mention certain daily challenges.
During the My Aged Care assessment, be completely honest. It is common to want to put a brave face on but minimising your struggles can result in being assigned a lower Support at Home funding classification than you actually require.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is eligible for an ACAT assessment?
Generally, ACAT eligibility applies to older Australians aged 65 years or older (or 50 years and older for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people) who have difficulty managing everyday tasks due to age-related factors and require coordinated support to remain at home.
2. How much does an ACAT assessment cost?
The assessment itself is completely free. It is fully funded by the Australian Government to ensure every eligible senior can access an aged care assessment without financial barriers.
3. What is the difference between HCP and Support at Home (SAH)?
The Support at Home program replaced the older Home Care Packages (HCP) model to create a fairer, more flexible system. Instead of the old 4 levels of HCP, SAH features 8 ongoing funding classifications, explicit caps on care management fees, and dedicated upfront funding pathways for home modifications and equipment.
4. What happens after the assessment is completed?
The assessor will review your case and send a formal Notice of Decision letter and a personalised support plan. This outlines what services you are approved for and details your Support at Home classification level so you can begin looking for a registered provider.
5. How are costs structured under the Support at Home program?
While clinical care (like nursing) is fully government-funded with no out-of-pocket costs, you may be asked to pay a regulated participant contribution toward independence services (like personal care) and everyday living services (like cleaning or meals), depending on your means assessment.
Need help with Support at Home? Check out our Support at Home services. You can also send us a message by filling in the form, or call us anytime. 1800 631 529.
