Aged Care is complicated and can be a daunting experience for families. We have prepared this quick 6 step guide to help you prepare for your ACAT Assessment and know what to expect.
What is an ACAT assessment?
ACAT stands for Aged Care Assessment Team, which is part of My Aged Care – the government organisation that looks after aged care funding in Australia.
When you apply for subsidised aged care services, your ACAT assessment will determine what types of aged care services you are eligible for, and the amount of support you receive.
During an ACAT assessment a nurse, social worker or other government representative will visit your home to check on your physical and mental health. They will also look at the way you manage day-to-day activities, and ask you questions about what aged care services will best assist you.
* An ACAT assessment is the first step towards receiving government-funded home care, residential aged care and respite care services.
How to apply for an ACAT assessment:
1. Check your eligibility using My Aged Care’s eligibility checker.
Australians aged 65+ years (50+ years for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander seniors) can apply to have an ACAT assessment.
2. Book your assessment by calling My Aged Care on 1800 200 422.
You can also quickly apply online here: Apply for an aged care assessment | My Aged Care
Alternatively, a doctor or social worker can organise an ACAT assessment for you.
The wait time between applying for an assessment, and completing the interview, is usually about 2-6 weeks, depending on demand in your area.
Read more: ACAT Assessment Guide – how to apply for aged care funding (agedcaredecisions.com.au)
How to prepare for an ACAT assessment
There are 6 things you should do to prepare for your ACAT assessment:
1. Choose a comfortable spot
Your ACAT assessment will most likely be conducted in your home. This way your assessor gets a clear understanding of your day-to-day living situation, health and wellbeing needs.
Choose a quiet spot where you, and your assessor, will be comfortable and able to have a constructive discussion.
Allow 60-90 minutes for the interview to be completed.
2. Stay calm
There is no need to feel stressed. An ACAT assessment isn’t like an exam or an interrogation. There are no forms to fill out, and ideally you should approach the interview as a friendly conversation with someone who is keen to help you live your best life as you age.
3. Recruit a support person
Many people invite a family member or trusted friend to join them for their assessment. This is helpful if you tend to get overwhelmed by lots of information.
A support person can also help you prepare for your ACAT Assessment, ask questions, take notes, make sure all discussion points are covered, and provide emotional support. It’s great to have a cheerleader!
4. Gather personal information & documents
Some personal information and documents will be required by the ACAT assessor. Before the interview you should gather:
- Your Medicare card or number
- Some personal identification – such as your Driver’s License, passport or DVA card
- Contact details for your GP and other health professionals
- Any referrals from your doctor or specialist
- A list of medications
- Details of services you have previously received, such as Meals on Wheels
- Details about the kind of support you currently receive from family and friends
5. Make a list of discussion points and questions
The ACAT assessment isn’t one-sided. You will get a chance to ask questions too. It’s a great idea to pre-prepare by writing down:
| Your health concerns: | eg. diabetes, back pain, poor eyesight |
| Activities you struggle with: | eg. vacuuming, getting to the shops |
| Your health & wellbeing goals: | eg. being more social, maintaining mobility |
| The services and supports you’d like to receive: | eg. help with household tasks, home modifications, managing a health condition |
| Safety issues in your home: | eg. staircases, trip hazards, overgrown gardens |
Some questions you might ask your ACAT assessor:
- What services are available in my area?
- What are the waiting times for specific services?
- What support can I get for my current carer?
- What dollar contribution will I need to make?
- How can I contact you if I have any questions?
6. Be prepared to talk about YOU!!
Don’t be reluctant to speak up. Your ACAT assessment presents an opportunity for you to focus on your wellbeing – and what supports you need to live your best life as you age.
At Aged Care Decisions our focus is to match you with the aged care provider that best suits your care needs. Our 100% FREE service assists tens of thousands of Australian families each month to find aged care providers they love.
Here’s how our FREE service works:
Frequently asked questions about ACAT Assessments
What happens after the assessment?
After your assessment you may wait from 3-12 months to find out whether you are approved to receive government-funded aged care services.
An APPROVAL letter will be mailed to you when your application has been successful.
You will then need to wait for your approved funds to be ALLOCATED. An ASSIGNED letter will be mailed to you when your funds are allocated. This is when you can start receiving subsidised aged care services.
If you require care while you’re waiting, there are several options available.
Read more: Waiting for a Home Care Package? What comes next? (agedcaredecisions.com.au)
What if I disagree with the result of my ACAT assessment?
If you are unhappy with your assessment results you should first contact your assessor, or My Aged Care.
You may lodge an appeal with the Secretary of the Australian Department of Health. An assessment review request must be made within 28 days of your assessment letter arriving.
If you don’t agree with the Secretary’s review, you can contact the Administrative Appeals Tribunal to escalate the matter.
When do I start looking for aged care providers?
Once a Home Care Package is allocated, you have 56 days to engage a provider before you risk having your package withdrawn. It’s a great idea to start looking for providers as soon as your package is approved – so you have a good idea about what providers are in your area.
Where do I start to look for aged care providers?
This is where Aged Care Decisions can assist.
We are a FREE and independent service that can help you find home care providers and aged care vacancies 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.
