Prepare

There are a few things to organise before being ready for aged care services. Make a list of what support you’re currently getting, what you feel you need help with and key areas that are important to you in a provider that best align with your wishes and interests.

If you’re wanting to access Government funded supports, the first step in starting your aged care journey is to register with My Aged Care. This can be done online or via a phone call to the My Aged Care contact centre on 1800 200 422.

An operator will ask you a number of questions about your personal circumstances and care needs and set up a central client record.

Examples of the questions you may be asked are:

Are you currently receiving aged care services?

Are you getting support from a carer or family member?

Can you prepare your own meals and do housework?

Do you need assistance taking a shower or bath and do you need help getting dressed?

Are there any health concerns or did you have a recent fall?

Do you feel lonely or isolated?

Are there any safety risks in the home?

The aim of this screening is to figure out what needs and support you require and whether you are eligible for a further assessment in person.

Following this conversation you will be contacted by someone from either the Regional Assessment Service (RAS) or a local Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) for an assessment to determine your abilities and what level of care you require.

Here is a list of documents and information you should prepare for the assessment:

Medicare card and a form of identification, for instance, Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) card, driver’s license, passport, or healthcare card

Notes or referrals from your doctor

Information about previous home or aged care services you have received

Details about support you receive from family, friends, or the community

Prepared questions and information about aged care that you wish to discuss with the assessor so you have a better understanding about services

Contact details for your doctor and any other health professionals you see regularly

Have a translator or Auslan interpreter pre-organised if you require it

Ask a support person to be present for the assessment if you want

Other factors in preparing ahead of starting aged care services include organising your finances and getting advice about how you can pay for any support at home or a place in an aged care facility. It’s also worth making sure you collect medical records, have details about medication handy, have an Advanced Care Directive in place and ensure your Will is up to date.