Frequently Asked Questions

If you require support at home or are considering moving into an aged care home, you may need a free assessment with a member of an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT). The ACAT assessor will talk to you about your current situation and help you identify what services and supports you may find beneficial to help you remain at home.

It can also provide you with eligibility for care in an aged care home. Remember, your wishes are always listened to and considered, and you will never be forced to make any decisions about your future during your assessment.

The assessment is an opportunity to identify options and you can make a decision once you have received the outcome of your assessment. You are also welcome to have someone else – perhaps a friend, family member, independent aged care advocate or your carer – attend your assessment with you for extra support.

At Aged Care Planning, with your permission, we can refer you for an ACAT if you don’t already have one.

Alternatively, your doctor or family member can also refer you by contacting My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 or via the My Aged Care website  www.myagedcare.gov.au

A member of your local ACAT – usually a doctor, nurse, social worker or other health care professional – will make a time to come to your home (or the hospital, if you're currently in hospital) and talk to you about how well you're managing in your day-to-day life. You may like to ask a family member, friend or carer to be with you during the assessment for extra support.

The following steps briefly outline what you can expect to happen at an ACAT assessment.

The assesor:

• will ask your permission to conduct the assessment
• may ask your permission to talk to your doctor to discuss your medical history before they meet with you. But only if you agree, and your consent will be recorded by the ACAT
• will ask you if you wish to apply for approval to receive certain aged care services. They will explain these service options to you, and if you do want to apply, they will ask you to sign an application form
• will ask you questions about your day-to-day living activities and if you need help with all or some of them. They'll also talk to you about your general state of health and specific health conditions. This will help them work out how much and what type of help you need
• will talk to you about whether they think you need more support so you can keep living in your own home, or if they think you might be better supported in an aged care home
• will give you information about all of the services that may be available in your local area. You may also like to search for organisations or aged care homes yourself.

All permanent residential care and Home Care Package approvals will always remain valid, unless the ACAT approval was granted for a specific period of time. 

If you are granted an approval for a specific period of time, you will need a new assessment when it expires.

You might also need another assessment if your personal circumstances or your care needs change.