Getting assessed

The aged care assessment will help decide what level of support you require. Your assessor will best be able to help you if you provide lots of information about yourself and what day-to-day tasks you struggle with.

The assessment will be done by a social worker, nurse, doctor or other health professional and can take an hour or so.

If the My Aged Care contact centre believes that you are eligible for basic home support you will be assessed by a professional from the Regional Assessment Service (RAS).

If you require higher care support, a member of an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) will visit you at home to assess you for a higher level of support at home to meet your needs or a place in a residential care home.

The assessor will ask you a number of questions about any supports you receive, your current lifestyle, any health concerns or chronic illnesses, how you deal with tasks at home, if you struggling with any cognitive issues or memory loss, whether you are struggling at home or have concerns about personal safety, and any activities you engage in with family or in the community.

Topics that might be covered, or that you may want to bring up, during your assessment include:

Medical history

Living arrangements

Your support network

Current services and supports you are receiving

Cognitive and behavioural functions

How you deal with daily tasks around the home

Any health and lifestyle concerns you have

Be open and transparent about your wishes and what you believe will be of assistance around the home. They might also ask your permission to talk with your doctor or specialist about the impact of any health conditions on your day-to-day life.

The assessment is also an opportunity for you to ask questions. If you don’t understand something, make sure you clarify with your assessor. You shouldn’t be leaving your assessment confused or stressed.

Some if the questions you may want to ask are:

What are my rights and responsibilities during this assessment process?

What services are available in my area?

Are there support options available for my carer?

What financial assistance am I eligible to receive?

Are there culturally appropriate services in the area?

Who can I contact if I have any questions after the assessment?

Following your assessment, you will receive a letter from the Government letting you know if you have been approved for aged care services and what supports are funded.