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We answer some of the most commonly asked questions about aged care assessments to help you prepare for this crucial step in accessing aged care services that best suit your specific circumstances.
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ACAT stands for Aged Care Assessment Team. They have traditionally been a clinical evaluation to determine eligibility for government-funded aged care services. On 9 December 2024, all My Aged Care assessment (such as ACAT and RAS) transitioned into a Single Assessment System workforce.
An ACAT assessment (Aged Care Assessment Team assessment) has traditionally been a clinical evaluation to determine eligibility for government-funded aged care services, such as residential aged care, home care packages, respite care, or transition care. From 9 December 2024, ACAT assessments are being replaced by a Single Assessment System workforce as part of the Australian Government's aged care reforms. However, the purpose and structure of the assessment remain largely unchanged. The assessment is conducted by a team of health professionals who specialise in aged care. Learn more on 'What is an aged care assessment?'
My Aged Care is a government agency designed to assist individuals and their families in navigating the aged care system in Australia. An ACAT assessment (Aged Care Assessment Team assessment) has traditionally been a clinical evaluation to determine eligibility for government-funded aged care services, such as residential aged care, home care packages, respite care, or transition care. On 9 December 2024, all My Aged Care assessment (such as ACAT and RAS) transitioned into a Single Assessment System workforce. These assessments determine an individual's eligibility and care needs for government-funded aged care services provided through My Aged Care.
The purpose of an aged care assessment is to comprehensively evaluate an individual's care needs and determine their eligibility for government-funded aged care services in Australia. The assessment is person-centred, taking into account their health conditions, mobility, daily living activities, and support requirements. It aims to ensure that individuals receive the most appropriate and tailored care based on their assessed needs, whether it be through Home Care Packages, residential aged care, respite care, or other aged care programs. By identifying the level of care needed, the assessment helps individuals access the right services and support to maintain their independence, improve their well-being, and enhance their quality of life during their aging journey.
On 9 December 2024, all My Aged Care assessment (such as ACAT and RAS) transitioned into a Single Assessment System workforce.
The role of the aged care assessment team is to assess individuals' care needs and determine their eligibility for government-funded aged care services. Assessments play a crucial role in ensuring individuals receive appropriate care and support based on their assessed requirements. On 9 December 2024, all My Aged Care assessment (such as ACAT and RAS) transitioned into a Single Assessment System workforce.
To request an aged care assessment, contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422. They will guide you through the process and, if eligible, they will refer your request to your local assessment organisation . If you prefer to request it online, visit My Aged Care’s Assessment Application tool. It takes approximately 15–20 minutes to complete. Alternatively, your social worker, doctor, or other health professionals can organise this for you on your behalf. On 9 December 2024, all My Aged Care assessment (such as ACAT and RAS) transitioned into a Single Assessment System workforce.
Yes, an aged care assessment is mandatory to access government-funded aged care services in Australia, such as such as residential aged care, home care packages, respite care, or transition care. The assessment determines your care needs and eligibility. For privately funded arrangements, the need for an assessment may not be mandatory. It is advisable to consult with aged care providers or relevant professionals to understand the specific requirements and recommendations based on your specific needs and goals.
On 9 December 2024, all My Aged Care assessment (such as ACAT and RAS) transitioned into a Single Assessment System workforce.
An aged care assessment can assess for various types of aged care services, including but not limited to Home Care Packages (HCP), residential aged care (nursing homes), respite care, transition care, and other government-funded aged care programs. The assessment helps determine the most suitable services based on individual care needs.
Yes, an aged care assessment can assess for residential aged care placement. The assessment helps determine if an individual requires residential care and assesses their care needs to recommend the appropriate level of support. This enables access to government-funded residential aged care services in suitable facilities. From 9 December 2024, all My Aged Care assessment (such as ACAT and RAS) have transitioned into a Single Assessment System workforce.
If your care needs change after the aged care assessment, you have the option to request a review of your current plan. Contact My Aged Care or your local assessment team to inform them of the changes in your circumstances. They will review your updated care needs and, if required, conduct a new assessment to determine if you require a different level of care or additional support services. A review ensures that your care plan remains aligned with your current requirements, enabling you to access the appropriate level of care and support as your needs evolve over time. On 9 December 2024, all My Aged Care assessment (such as ACAT and RAS) transitioned into a Single Assessment System workforce.
No, the aged care assessment is free of charge. It is a government-funded service designed to assess your care needs and determine your eligibility for aged care services without any cost to you. On 9 December 2024, all My Aged Care assessment (such as ACAT and RAS) transitioned into a Single Assessment System workforce.
Yes, aged care assessments are available for individuals living in rural or remote areas. Aged care assessors are present throughout Australia, including rural and remote regions. These teams are committed to providing equitable access to aged care services, ensuring that people in all areas can receive a comprehensive assessment of their care needs. Whether you reside in a city, regional town, or a remote community, you can reach out to My Aged Care to request an assessment and access aged care services. On 9 December 2024, all My Aged Care assessment (such as ACAT and RAS) transitioned into a Single Assessment System workforce.
A RAS assessment used to be the Regional Assessment Service that determines eligibility for the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP). On 9 December 2024, all My Aged Care assessment (such as RAS and ACAT) transitioned into a Single Assessment System workforce. To determine whether you need an aged care assessment, and to initiate the process, contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422. They will guide you through the appropriate assessment based on your care requirements.
Yes, after the assessment the aged care assessor will discuss possible accommodation options that are suitable for the person with dementia. Depending on your circumstances, they may suggest facilities that would be appropriate for providing dementia care. On 9 December 2024, all My Aged Care assessment (such as ACAT and RAS) transitioned into a Single Assessment System workforce.
An aged care assessment typically takes place in the following locations:
The assessment location is often chosen based on your preferences, convenience, and individual circumstances. It aims to ensure a comfortable and accessible environment for the assessment process.
On 9 December 2024, all My Aged Care assessment (such as ACAT and RAS) transitioned into a Single Assessment System workforce.
To prepare for an aged care assessment, follow these steps:
By preparing for the assessment, you can contribute to a comprehensive evaluation of your care needs, making it easier for the assessors to recommend the most suitable aged care services for you.
On 9 December 2024, all My Aged Care assessment (such as ACAT and RAS) transitioned into a Single Assessment System workforce.
An aged care assessment typically takes around 45min to 2 hours. The duration may vary based on individual circumstances and the complexity of care needs. The assessors ensure a thorough evaluation to determine the appropriate level of care and support for the individual. On 9 December 2024, all My Aged Care assessment (such as ACAT and RAS) transitioned into a Single Assessment System workforce.
Aged care assessments are conducted by a team of qualified health professionals. The team may include nurses, social workers, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, or other relevant specialists. They possess the expertise and training to assess aged care needs and determine eligibility for aged care services. On 9 December 2024, all My Aged Care assessment (such as ACAT and RAS) transitioned into a Single Assessment System workforce.
During the aged care assessment, a team of qualified health professionals will review your health conditions, daily living activities, and support requirements. The assessors may ask questions, conduct interviews, and observe your functional abilities. It is essential to be honest and open during the assessment to ensure accurate evaluation. The outcome will determine the level of care you are eligible for, such as Home Care Packages (HCP) or residential aged care, based on your assessed needs.
During the ACAT assessment, the following steps typically occur:
An aged care assessor might ask you about:
Yes, you can have a family member, friend, or carer present during the aged care assessment (previously ACAT) if you wish. Having a supportive companion with you can provide comfort and help share valuable insights about your care needs. The assessors welcome the presence of a trusted individual during the assessment process.
No. During the aged care assessment (previously ACAT), the focus is on evaluating your care needs to determine your eligibility for aged care services. The income and assets assessment will be conducted at a later stage to determine the level of government subsidy you may be eligible for and the fees you may need to pay for the aged care services you receive.
While you may discuss your financial circumstances with the ACAT assessors during the assessment, you do not need to present a detailed income and assets list on the day of the assessment.
Yes, you will receive a copy of the ACAT assessment outcome and recommendations. The assessors provide a written report that outlines the assessment findings, your eligibility for aged care services and the level of care recommended. This report helps you understand the outcome of the assessment and guides your access to appropriate aged care services.
The timing of receiving your aged care assessment (previously ACAT) report can vary based on several factors, including the complexity of your assessment and the workload of the ACAT team. In general, you can expect to receive your ACAT assessment report within a few weeks after the assessment takes place. The report will be sent to you by mail or email, depending on your preferences and the practices of the ACAT team in your area. If there are any delays or if you have not received the report within a reasonable timeframe, you can contact the ACAT team or My Aged Care for an update on the status of your assessment report.
Once deemed eligible through an ACAT assessment, you will be placed on the government’s national waiting list until you are assigned a package. To find information on your place on the national waitlist and your expected wait time:
For most people, the expected wait times for approved Home Care Package levels are as follows:
If you are not eligible for a Home Care Package (HCP), there are other support options available to meet your care needs. You can consider the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP), which offers basic and entry-level support services to help you maintain independence and stay at home. Additionally, you can explore community-based programs, social support groups, and private care services that provide various levels of assistance tailored to your requirements. Self-funded respite care is another option that offers short-term support for you and your carer, providing them with a break while ensuring you receive the care you need. By exploring these alternative options, you can find suitable support services that address your specific circumstances and preferences.
After the aged care assessment (previously ACAT), finding and choosing an aged care service provider is made easy through My Aged Care. Their website offers a provider finder tool that allows you to search for approved service providers in your area. You can browse through the list, compare the services they offer, read reviews from other clients, and find providers that match your specific care needs and preferences. Once you've identified potential providers, you can contact them directly to discuss your requirements, ask questions, and arrange visits to their facilities if needed. Taking the time to research and communicate with different providers will help you make an informed decision and choose the one that best meets your care and lifestyle needs.
Yes, you can request a review or appeal of the aged care assessment (previously ACAT) outcome if you disagree with the decision. Contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 to initiate the review process, and they will guide you through the steps to ensure your concerns are considered and addressed.
You can provide feedback or raise concerns about the aged care assessment process (previously ACAT) through My Aged by calling 1800 200 422. They offer channels to express your feedback, discuss any issues, or seek clarification. Your input is valuable and helps improve the assessment experience for others. They will guide you on how to express your concerns and provide necessary support and assistance.
You’ve been assigned a Home Care Package and now it’s time to find a provider. It’s natural to think that choosing a home care provider is a piece of cake. In reality, it’s overwhelming. With so many providers out there, it’s hard to feel confident picking ‘the one’.
My audiologist looked at all providers, she went through it all with her mum and dad, and she said, ‘you need to go with Wesley Mission Queensland’. But I decided to have a look myself. It was a minefield! There's a lot out there, but there's a lot of confusion too. So, I decided to go with Wesley Mission Queensland, and it’s been amazing, absolutely amazing! Exceeds our expectations. They always go the extra mile.
– Keith, Home Care client on the Gold Coast.
Choosing the right home care package provider ensures you make the most out of your allocated budget. In this article, we highlight some key points for before and during your research.
You need to consider not only the credibility of the organisation but also ensure that their services and plan management are a good fit for your specific needs.
Your HCP outlines the amount of funding you have available each financial year and all the services you can access. Be familiar with the number of subsidised hours for some specific types of services.
Managing your HCP budget involves planning and monitoring each financial year. When calling home care providers, ask about the costs of those services so you have a baseline for managing your budget.
Before searching for providers:
Ask your GP or other healthcare professional. Reach out to friends, family members and community organisations for recommendations based on their experiences – as well as those ‘stay-away-from’ type of providers.
Remember, Home Care Packages can only be delivered by approved service providers on behalf of your state government.
You might want to call only those recommended providers. If you still need or want to do your own research, this is how to do it online:
You can ensure a home care provider is accredited and licensed by searching for them on My Aged Care website.
Get your list of services required, with frequency and times. Write down any specific questions you have. Call them and make sure you ask:
A face-to-face no obligation meeting is a great opportunity for you to evaluate any possible cultural and even personality compatibility. Make sure you:
Before your sign anything, carefully review the terms and conditions in the contract. Pay attention to the services covered, fees, cancellation policies, and any additional charges that may apply. If you engage a home care provider you are not happy with, you have the freedom to change providers.
- Level 1 (basic care needs) $10,588.65 per year
- Level 2 (low care needs) $18,622.30 per year
- Level 3 (intermediate care needs) $40,529.60 per year
- Level 4 (high care needs): $61,440.45 per year
You can take temporary leave from your Home Care Package services if you need to take leave to go into hospital, receive transition care or residential respite, or for social reasons such as going on a holiday. Simply call your provider to let them know and your services will be temporarily put on hold.
Your home care provider cannot deliver or charge you for any services, including care. However, there might be other fees you will be asked to pay while on leave. Ask them what these fees are. Depending on the type of leave and how long the leave is, your fees may be reduced.
For example, if you move house or if you are looking for a better fit. Check your current Home Care Agreement so you know about any conditions such as notice periods. From 1 January 2023, providers are not allowed to charge you an exit amount.
Any fees paid in advance must be refunded by your old provider. There are some legal requirements to follow, so head to our article “Checklist for changing home care package providers”.
Experience compassionate and personalised home care services with Wesley Mission Queensland. Our dedicated team of healthcare professionals provides support for daily activities, companionship, and tailored care plans to ensure wellbeing in the comfort of home.
At Wesley Mission Queensland, we pride ourselves on care that is tailored around you and your needs. Experience the difference today. Explore our website or call 1800 448 448.
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