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What is My Aged Care Assessment?
Aged Care Assessment is the first step in accessing government-funded aged care services. It helps determine the type of care and support you need to continue living safely and independently at home.
The Government uses this assessment to decide if you are eligible for a Home Care Package (HCP), which provides long-term support for seniors needing help with daily tasks, or the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP), which offers entry-level assistance for those who need minimal support to remain independent.
For an HCP funding assessment, a member of the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) will visit you to discuss your daily activities, medical condition, current home support, and ability to live independently. You can have a family member, friend, or carer with you for support.
After the assessment, you will receive a letter outlining which government-funded services you are eligible for, the level of care you can receive, and the following steps to access your approved services. This assessment is also a chance to ask questions and discuss your needs, ensuring you get the right support to stay independent at home.
FQAs
Check for Your Eligibility
The first question you should ask yourself is, "Am I eligible for government aged care funding?"
You can either call My Aged Care to talk about your needs on 1800 200 422 or do it online by clicking the eligibility checker below...
Prepare for an Assessment
Before contacting My Aged Care, you have to gather the necessary details:
- Personal Information - your full name, date of birth, address, and Medicare Card number.
- Nominated Representative (optional) - if someone will assist you with your application, have their full name, date of birth, and address ready.
- Health & Support Information
- Current health Conditions - any medical conditions, disabilities, or mobility issues.
- Current Support Received - family assistance, private carers, or other services used.
- Daily Living Challenges - areas where help is needed (e.g., showering, cleaning, transport, medications.)
- Household & Living Situation
- Living alone or with family/friends?
- Type of home (house, unit, retirement village, etc.)
- Any safety concerns at home (fall risk, accessibility issues?)
- Financial Information for Home Care Package Applicants
- Income & pension details (if applicable)
- Centrelink or DVA details (for income assessment)
Note: While the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) has subsidised fees, the Home Care Package (HCP) may require a financial assessment by Service Australia (Centrelink) to determine whether you need to contribute to the cost of care.
FAQs
Complete an Income Assessment
An Income Assessment is a process conducted by Centrelink to determine how much you may need to contribute towards your Home Care Package (HCP). It looks at your income from pensions, superannuation, investments, and rental properties to decide if you need to pay an income-tested care fee.
Are you ready to apply for assessment?
If you meet the eligibility criteria, you can start the assessment process by applying online. Once your application is received, a trained ACAT assessor will contact you to schedule a home visit at a convenient time.
During and After the Assessment ACAT ASSESSMENT
During both RAS (Regional Assessment Service) and ACAT (Aged Care Assessment Team) assessments, the process is designed to evaluate your care needs and ensure you receive the most appropriate support.
ACAT Assessment (Higher-Level Care Needs)
During the Assessment
The ACAT Assessor is typically a doctor or nurse. Or allied health professional will conduct a detailed evaluation of your more complex care needs, asking about the following:
- Personal Care - do you need significant help with bathing, dressing, grooming, or toileting due to physical or cognitive challenges?
- Mobility - do you require assistance with moving around (e.g., using a wheelchair, getting in and out of bed or a chair?
- Continence - do you need help managing continence or using incontinence aids?
- Cognitive and Mental Health - do you experience memory loss, confusion, or conditions such as dementia or depression?
- Complex Medical Needs - do you require regular nursing care, medication management, or therapy?
- Home Safety - are there safety concerns in your home (e.g..., risk of falls, inability to manage daily tasks)?
Outcome of your ACAT Assessment
Once you receive your Home Care Package (HCP) funding approval, you will be assigned a package level based on your care needs:
- Level 1-2 - Basic to low-level care needs (may also be recommended for CHSP in some cases.)
- Level 3-4 - Higher-level care needs requiring more intensive services.
- If home care is no longer suitable, residential aged care may be recommended.
FAQs
- Assessment outcome: Home Care Package
- I am eligible - what's next?
- How long should I expect to wait for an available package?
- How can I get care sooner?
- How will I know if my package is available?
- What is a referral code, and why do I need it?
- What if I don't want my Home Care Package now?
Navigate Your Aged Care Funding
With Aged Care At-Home Link, we simplify the process of exploring your Home Care Package and CHSP funding options.