Assessment decision: Transition care
Following your assessment, your assessor will contact you on your eligibility while you are still in hospital. It’s important to note approval for transition care does not guarantee a place in the program.
You will also receive a letter regarding your eligibility for transition care. The letter will contain:
- the assessment decision – confirming whether you are eligible for transition care
- the reasons and evidence supporting the decision
- a copy of your support plan developed during your assessment
I’m eligible - what’s next?
If you are eligible, your assessor will also help you find a service provider. They will refer you to services that are both available and appropriate to your needs. Once you’ve found a suitable service provider, they will contact you and arrange for you to leave hospital and enter care.
Can I choose a provider?
Yes. Depending on your location and availability, you may have some choice in providers. You will be given a referral code which potential service providers can use to view your record, accept referrals, and start organising services for you.
You can use the Find a provider tool to look for providers in your area. At times, there may not be an immediate vacancy, but places can become available at short notice.
When will it start?
Once you find a provider that offers the services you need, you will move into care after being discharged from hospital.
If you receive care in an aged care home or another community setting, you must begin care within 24 hours of discharge.
If your care is to be delivered in your home, you have 48 hours from your date of discharge, to enter care.
Please note: You should only delay starting your care if:
- your health service provider is confident of your safe discharge, and
- you have adequate support in place while you wait for your care to begin.
Remember, there may not be an immediate vacancy. Your approval is valid for 28 days, after which you will need to be reassessed if you are still in hospital and waiting for a place to become available.
Do I have to accept the provider or the services offered?
Contacting or being referred to providers doesn’t mean you have to 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 their services. ACAT assessors are encouraged to work closely with service providers to support a smooth referral process and find successful matches.
I’m not eligible - what now?
If you are not approved for transition care, you may still be eligible for other care and services. If so, your assessor will assist you with accessing these services.
Why am I not eligible?
You won’t be eligible for transition care if you:
- are not in hospital
- are unable to benefit from the restorative program
- are receiving respite care.
What alternatives are available to me?
Alternative aged care services that may be available include:
- residential aged care
- residential respite care
- help at home services offered under a Home Care Package or the Commonwealth Home Support Programme.
