Following your ACAT assessment, you will find out if you’re eligible for short-term restorative care by letter.
The letter will contain:
- the reasons and evidence supporting the decision
- a copy of your support plan developed during your assessment.
I’m eligible - what’s next?
The next step is to find a suitable provider. Your assessor will contact you to discuss what’s available in your area. With your consent, they will match you with a provider based on your preferred location and preferences. Alternatively, you can advise them that you wish to search for providers yourself with your unique referral code.
The referral code
The referral code is your key to receiving services. You give the referral code to your chosen service provider. With the code they can view your client record, accept the referral, and start organising services for you. You can find providers by using the Find a provider tool or calling My Aged Care.
How much time do I have to find a provider?
You will have six months starting from the day after the date of your approval letter to find a service provider and start receiving services.
Will services start immediately?
It depends on vacancies in your local area. Some services aren’t always available straight away. If this happens, you might be placed on a waitlist.
Alternatively, if your preferred provider is unable to accept your referral immediately, there may be other providers that have vacancies. You should discuss with your service provider what options are available to you. Your provider has a responsibility to find you care after they have accepted your referral.
What if there are no short-term restorative care providers in my area?
Even though a provider may be based in a particular area, they can still travel to deliver care and services where needed. You should discuss with My Aged Care (or look at the service finder) to find the providers closest to you, then contact the providers to talk through your situation.
Do I have to accept the provider or the services offered?
Contacting or being referred to providers doesn’t mean you have agree to their services. You can talk with them, ask questions, and make sure you’re comfortable first. Once you’re ready, you can agree to services.
Read more about talking with service providers and what to ask them.
I’m not eligible - what now?
If you’re not eligible for short-term restorative care, your letter will tell you why, and who to contact for help. If you don’t agree with the assessment decision, you can contact the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT).
You might be eligible for other care services. There are a few options. If your needs are greater or you require longer term support than short-term restorative care can provide, you may be eligible for:
- support services through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme, or
- care and support services with a Home Care Package.
You could also consider paying for private services. Information about these options will be in your letter.
If your care needs change at any time, you can request a new assessment by contacting My Aged Care.