This handy guide explains everything you need to know about the ACAT assessment process and how to apply for aged care funding.
What is an ACAT assessment?
ACAT stands for Aged Care Assessment Team. ACAT assessments are coordinated by Australian government organisation, My Aged Care. They are used to evaluate the care needs of individuals and determine who can access government subsidised aged care services. In Victoria the term used is ACAS, or Aged Care Assessment Service.
Why do I need an ACAT assessment?
An ACAT assessment is the first step you need to take to access some government-funded aged care services.
ACAT assessments are used to determine eligibility and allocate funding for:
- Residential aged care placements
- Home care packages across four levels
- Respite and transitional care, both residential and home care based.
Government funded home care services can also be accessed via the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP), which has a separate assessment process. Here is some more information about the CHSP:
Learn More:
All about CHSP – the Commonwealth Home Support Program (agedcaredecisions.com.au)
Commonwealth Home Support Program vs Home Care Packages (agedcaredecisions.com.au)
Who can apply for an ACAT assessment?
Australians aged 65 years and older, or 50 years and older for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, can apply for government-subsidised aged care services.
My Aged Care have an eligibility checker on their website, which lets you quickly check whether you meet the requirements for an ACAT assessment before you apply.
How do I organise an ACAT Assessment?
You can organise an assessment online here: Apply for an aged care assessment | My Aged Care or by calling My Aged Care on 1800 200 422.
A doctor or other health professional can also refer you to My Aged Care for an assessment.
Here’s some more information about applying for an ACAT assessment: How to apply for an assessment | My Aged Care
What happens during an ACAT assessment?
A member of the Aged Care Assessment Team, usually a nurse, social worker, or health care professional, will interview you to check your physical and mental health.
They’ll look at the way you manage day-to-day activities and speak with you about what aged care services will be best to help you.
An ACAT assessment is usually conducted in your home and can take between 1-3 hours, depending on the complexity of your care needs.
The interview is like a friendly conversation, and there are no forms for you to fill out. Some people ask a trusted friend or family member to join them. This is a great idea for people who get overwhelmed by lots of information and questions.
What Questions Are Asked During an ACAT Assessment?
An ACAT assessment is a conversation, not a test. The assessor’s goal is to understand your situation and determine what aged care support is suitable for you. Questions are asked in a respectful, supportive way and cover key areas of your health, daily life, and care needs.
Here’s what you can expect:
Daily Living and Home Support
The assessor will ask how you’re managing at home. For example:
- Do you need help with showering, dressing, or using the toilet?
- Are you able to cook meals, clean the house, and do the shopping?
- Is it easy for you to move around your home safely?
Health and Medical Needs
Your physical health and medical conditions help determine the type of care you may need. They might ask:
- What health conditions have you been diagnosed with?
- Do you take any medications? Do you need help managing them?
- Are there any treatments or therapies you’re currently receiving?
Mobility and Safety
Safety and mobility are key concerns, especially if you live alone. Your assessor could ask:
- Do you use a walking aid, mobility scooter, or wheelchair?
- Have you had any recent falls?
- Are there areas in your home where you feel unsafe?
Memory and Mental Wellbeing
The assessor will check if cognitive or emotional support might be needed. They might ask questions such as:
- Have you noticed any memory problems or confusion?
- Do you sometimes feel anxious, low, or withdrawn?
- Has a doctor ever diagnosed you with dementia or depression?
Social Support and Living Arrangements
Understanding your current living situation helps build the right support plan and you’ll be asked for information such as:
- Do you live alone or with family?
- Do you have someone who helps you regularly?
- Do you feel socially connected or isolated?
Personal Preferences and Goals
You’ll also be asked about your personal goals and what support you’d like:
- What would help you stay safe and independent at home?
- Are there certain types of support you’d prefer, like help with cleaning, transport, or personal care?
What does an ACAT Assessment cost?
Nothing. ACAT Assessments are funded by the Australian Government.
How long does it take to get an ACAT Assessment?
There are 4 steps to the ACAT assessment process:
1. Apply for an ACAT assessment: the wait time between your application and your interview is usually between 2 to 6 weeks. depending on demand.
2. The assessment: an Aged Care Assessment Team member will spend around 1-3 hours with you during the actual assessment.
If you have multiple health conditions, limited mobility, or complex care needs, the assessment may take longer.
It can also take more time if you require a translator, have a carer involved, or need help communicating your needs.
Being prepared with relevant information, such as your medical history and current support arrangements, can help keep the process efficient.
The assessor will take the time needed to understand your situation and ensure the right level of care is recommended.
3. Approval: after your assessment, the wait time for approval can be several weeks to several months.
When your subsidised care is approved, you may wait for 3 to 12 months before funds are allocated to you, depending on your location and the level of care you require.
4. Allocation: You will then receive a letter stating that your funds have been allocated or assigned. You can then choose an aged care facility, or home care provider and start receiving government subsidised services.
This is where Aged Care Decisions can help. We are a FREE and independent service that can help you find aged care vacancies and providers that suit your unique needs.
We use custom-built software that takes your location, budget, specific care needs and personal preferences. We then create a tailored aged care Options Report for you. This report narrows your search down to only include vacancies and available providers that match your needs.
Essentially, we do all the running around for you.
Contact us here to get started.
What if I need an urgent ACAT Assessment
If you need an urgent aged care assessment, it’s important to let My Aged Care or your referring healthcare professional know as soon as possible.
In urgent situations, such as a rapid decline in health, hospital discharge, or carer burnout, the ACAT team may be able to prioritise your case.
To request an urgent assessment:
- Call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 and explain why it’s urgent.
- If you’re in hospital, speak with hospital staff, they can often arrange a priority ACAT assessment.
- Your GP or healthcare provider can also make a referral and indicate that it’s urgent.
While assessments usually take time to schedule, ACAT teams can fast-track urgent cases when there’s a clear and immediate need for aged care support.
Frequently asked questions about ACAT Assessments
Does my ACAT assessment expire after a certain amount of time?
Permanent residential care and Home Care Package approvals do not expire, unless the ACAT approval was granted only for a specific period.
If your health status or care needs have changed, it is a good idea to be reassessed. The support you receive should always be appropriate and adequate for your needs.
If you have been declined subsidised support in the past, you can re-apply and be re-assessed.
Can I have an ACAT assessment if I am in hospital?
Yes. If you are in hospital, you can be assessed for a residential aged care placement, or a Home Care Package to help you when you go home. A social worker at your hospital can organise an assessment for you.
What if I’m unhappy with my ACAT ssessment results?
If you aren’t happy with your assessment, the first step is to contact your assessor, or My Aged Care, to discuss your concerns.
In the event that you cannot come to an agreement, you can appeal the decision and have the assessment reviewed by the Secretary of the Australian Department of Health. A review must be requested in writing within 28 days of your assessment letter arriving.
If you don’t agree with the Secretary’s review, you can escalate the matter by contacting the Administrative Appeals Tribunal.
What if I urgently need care but haven’t had an ACAT assessment yet?
The ACAT assessment process can take weeks to months, however it can be fast-tracked if you or your loved one are in a crisis or are at risk of harm. Contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 to see if this is an option for you.
Importantly, you can access care without an ACAT assessment – however it will potentially cost you more in the short term without the government funding support.
Aged Care Decisions can help you find suitable aged care vacancies and providers at any stage of your aged care journey, as well as provide valuable support and professional advice.
We are a FREE and independent service that helps tens of thousands of Australian families every month.
Aged care providers pay us a set fee – which is the same for every provider – so we have no reason to recommend one provider over another. Our service is 100% independent, completely unbiased, and 100% FREE for families.
Contact Aged Care Decisions now to receive a personalised aged care Options Report – with less stress and hassle, and at zero cost to you.
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The following article answers more questions about the My Aged Care ACAT assessment process:
