Prepare for your assessment

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Based on the information you give during your call to My Aged Care, you may be referred for an assessment to better understand your support needs.

Assessments are done in person, at your own home. You don’t need to go anywhere. The assessor will call you to arrange a time to visit.

What kind of assessment will I get?

There are two types of assessment that work out your care needs and what types of care you may be eligible for.  

A home support assessment with a Regional Assessment Service (RAS)

If, from the information you've provided during the call, it sounds like you need low-level support to stay independent in your home, the contact centre may recommend a home support assessment with a RAS assessor. This type of support is provided through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme. 

A comprehensive assessment with an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT)

If it sounds like you have care needs that are greater than what the Commonwealth Home Support Programme can support, a comprehensive assessment with an ACAT assessor may be recommended. 

The types of care an ACAT can assess you for include: 

  • Home Care Packages
  • Short-term care options
  • Aged care homes

How should I prepare for my assessment?

For an assessment, you should:

  • have your Medicare card and one other form of ID proof - such as DVA card, driver's license, healthcare card, or passport 
  • have a copy of any referrals from your doctor
  • consider if you would like a support person present
  • have any information you already have about aged care services that you may want to discuss
  • have contact details for your GP or other health professionals
  • consider if you need special assistance to communicate, such as a translator or Auslan interpreter
  • have information on any support you receive.

What will happen at the assessment?

Before starting, your assessor will ask if you agree to have the assessment. They may also ask for your permission to talk to people who support you, such as family, or your carer.

If you’re receiving a comprehensive assessment for some services such as residential care, home care, and flexible care, the assessor will ask you to complete an Application for Care Form.

The assessor will have a copy of the information you gave to the My Aged Care contact centre. This gives them an idea of what support you might need to help you return to, or keep the level of independence needed to manage your day-to-day life. They’ll also ask about:

  • what support you already have, and if it will continue
  • your health, lifestyle and any health concerns
  • how you’re going with completing daily tasks and activities around the home
  • if you have problems with your memory
  • any issues relating to home and personal safety
  • family and community activities
  • speaking to your GP or other health professionals.

Your assessor may give you information about service providers that can offer the care you need in your area. If you receive a home support assessment, your assessor may also provide you with referral codes for services. They may also talk to you about the possible costs of your services and where you can find more information.
 

The support plan records what you discussed and agreed during your assessment such as:

  • your strengths
  • your difficulties
  • your goals
  • what you would like to achieve
  • what preferences you have for your services

Your support plan sets out the care and services that will best help you. This support may be available from service providers, or it may already be available to access in your community. It may also be things that help you regain confidence and ability to resume daily activities.

Questions to ask the assessor

You may also like to prepare any questions that you have, for example: 

  • What services are available to help me reach my goals?
  • What services are available locally, and what are the waiting times?
  • What supports are there for my carer?
  • Are there service providers that speak my language or represent my religious or cultural beliefs?
  • How can I contact the assessor if I have any questions after the assessment?

Can I have someone with me?

Yes. You never have to be alone in this process. If you choose, a family member, friend or carer can be with you during your assessment.

If you need a translator, your assessor can arrange one. Let them know that you need a translator when they call to book your assessment.

The Older Persons Advocacy Network can also help you and give you information about your rights. Advocates are available to all Australians seeking or receiving aged care services. This is a free service. 

Call the National Aged Care Advocacy Line on 1800 700 600 (freecall) or visit the Older Persons Advocacy Network website.

What else do people ask at this step?

How long does it take to find out if I’m eligible for services?

For Commonwealth Home Support Programme services, you will usually find out if you’re eligible at your assessment.

For Home Care Packages, short-term care options, and/or aged care homes, your assessor will need some time to review the information collected at your assessment. Then they will make a recommendation to their decision-maker who will decide on the outcome. You or your representative will receive a letter to let you know if you’re eligible for services. This  is usually sent within two to six weeks after your assessment.

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What happens once I’m assessed as eligible for services?

If eligible, your assessor can help you to find services in your area and connect with service providers. For entry-level services, they can refer you directly to local providers so you can discuss your care needs and arrange services. Alternatively, they can provide you with a referral code and you can choose to find services yourself. Our Find a provider tool can help you look for services in your area.

If you need any support after your assessment, call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422.

Read more about what happens after an assessment

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