An ACAT assessment is one of the first steps you need to take to access some government funded aged care support in Australia. Let’s look at how ACAT assessments work, and how you can apply to be assessed.
What is an ACAT assessment?
ACAT stands for Aged Care Assessment Team. ACAT assessments are coordinated by Australian government organisation, My Aged Care.
ACAT assessments are used to evaluate the care needs of senior Australians and to determine which individuals can access government subsidised aged care services. In Victoria, the term used is ACAS, or Aged Care Assessment Service.
Here is more information about the fees and charges that apply to residential aged care in Australia:
All about fees and charges for residential aged care (agedcarereviews.com.au)
Why do I need an ACAT assessment?
An ACAT assessment is the first step you need to take to access some government-funded aged care services.
ACAT assessments are used to determine eligibility and allocate funding for:
- Residential aged care placements
- Home Care Packages across four levels
- Respite and transitional care, both residential and home care based.
Government funded home care services can also be accessed via the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP). The CHSP which has a separate assessment process – here is some information about the CHSP and how you can apply for this program: All about CHSP – the Commonwealth Home Support Program (agedcaredecisions.com.au)
Who is eligible for an ACAT assessment?
Australians aged 65 years and older, or 50 years and older for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, can apply for government-subsidised aged care services.
My Aged Care have an eligibility checker on their website, which lets you quickly check whether you meet the requirements for an ACAT assessment before you apply.
Five steps to completing an ACAT assessment:
Step 1: Apply for an ACAT assessment via My Aged Care
You can apply for an ACAT assessment online here: Apply for an aged care assessment | My Aged Care or you can call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422.
A GP or other health professional can also refer you to My Aged Care for an ACAT assessment.
The wait time between your application and your interview is usually between 2 to 6 weeks. depending on demand.
You do not need to pay for an ACAT assessment, it is covered by the government.
Step 2: Complete the ACAT assessment.
An ACAT assessment involves an interview – usually conducted in your home – with a member of the Aged Care Assessment Team, usually a nurse, social worker, or health care professional.
It can take between 1-3 hours, depending on the complexity of your care needs.
During the assessment, your assessor will interview you to check your physical and mental health, including your general health, mobility, functional abilities, and the current level of support you are receiving.
They’ll ask about how you manage day-to-day activities and discuss which aged care services would be best to help you.
Step 3: Complete an income and assets assessment.
This assessment considers your assets and income to determine the level of fees and charges that will apply to your aged care. It will determine whether you need to pay a Means Tested Care Fee and whether, and at what level, the Australian Government will contribute to your aged care costs.
The Assets and Income Test is coordinated by Centrelink or the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA), and assesses detailed information about your income, assets, liabilities, and other payments such as the pension.
The assessment form can be completed digitally or on paper and can be found here: Calculation of your cost of care form (SA486) – Services Australia
Step 4: Be approved for subsidised aged care.
Once you’ve been assessed, the wait time for approval can be several weeks to several months. Once you are approved, you go into the queue to have funds allocated to you for your care.
Step 5: Funds are allocated for your care.
From the time of your approval, you may wait for 3 to 12 months before funds are allocated to you, depending on your location and the level of care you require.
When funds have been assigned to you, depending upon the support you were approved for, you can choose an aged care facility, or home care provider, and start receiving government subsidised services.
How do I find a provider once I’ve been assessed?
This is where Aged Care Decisions can help. We are a FREE and independent service that can help you find aged care vacancies and providers that suit your unique needs.
We use custom-built software that takes your location, budget, specific care needs and personal preferences, and creates a tailored aged care Options Report for you. This report narrows your search down to only include vacancies and available providers that match your needs.
We do all the running around for you.
Our service is 100% free for Australian families. Providers pay us a set fee on placement – and every provider pays the same fee, so we are completely independent and unbiased.
Contact us here. We’re ready to help you at any stage of your aged care journey.
