The journey that leads to aged care is a life-changing experience, one that requires you and your loved ones receive the necessary care and support. If you are embarking on this process, you have no doubt heard about an aged care assessment, a process designed to help determine the best type of care for your individual needs. Navigating this process can often seem confusing, especially if it is your first time considering aged care.
At Catholic Healthcare, we are dedicated to ensuring older Australians receive the support they need to lead fulfilling lives. We have put together this guide to help you understand, prepare, and complete an aged care assessment with confidence and peace.
In Australia, aged care assessments are conducted by the government’s Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) or Regional Assessment Service (RAS). These assessments are crucial in determining the level of government-funded care services an individual qualifies for, whether it be in-home support, respite care, or residential aged care.
The assessments are comprehensive, focusing on the medical, physical, psychological, and social needs of the individual to ensure the services are meet their specific needs.
Read more: Guide to transitioning into aged care
To ensure that the assessment process goes smoothly for both you and the team, it is best to prepare the proper documentation prior to the meeting. This may include:
Read more: Why you should consider respite care
The assessment is usually conducted within the comfort of your own home during a time that suits you best. Before the assessment, the ACAT or RAS team member will ask if you agree to have this interview and may also request permission to talk to people who support you such as family, or your carer. If you choose, these people can also be with you during the process. Here is what typically happens during an aged care assessment:
Depending on the level of services required such as residential care, home care, and flexible care, the assessor will ask you to complete an Application for Care Form.
While the assessor will have the information submitted by you in My Aged Care, they will also ask questions about your daily routine, your health, and how you manage in your current living situation. This is also the chance to talk about any concerns that you may have as well as information on service providers.
The support plan records what is discussed and agreed during your assessment such as strengths, difficulties, goals, and service preferences. It will lay out the care and services that will best help you, including aged care providers, community services or other things to help you regain the independence to perform daily activities.
Read more: Deciding between Home Care Services and Residential Aged Care
Once the assessment is complete, the assessor will process the information and make a recommendation for the type of care services that are most suitable. Here is what happens next:
If you have received a support plan during the assessment, this usually means that you were deemed eligible for the Commonwealth Home Support Programme. This covers entry-level support services to help you live independently at home. For more in-depth care options, the assessor will need more time to review the information collected. A letter will then be sent within two-to-six weeks, detailing the outcome and the type of services that you qualify for. This could include home care packages, residential care, short-term care options, or other services.
If you are found to be eligible, your assessor can help you to find services in your area and connect with providers. My Aged Care’s Find A Provider tool can help get you started with researching these options. As a registered aged care provider, our team at Catholic Healthcare is also ready to assist you in interpreting these results and discussing how our services can meet your needs.
You can now start considering your aged care options and planning the next steps. This might involve choosing a service provider, like Catholic Healthcare, and discussing how to begin the transition. We recommend booking a tour of the facilities near you to get a more concrete idea of whether the provider meets your needs.
Read more: Tips for personalising home care
Preparing for an aged care assessment might seem daunting, but with the right information and support, it can be a smooth and positive experience. Remember, this assessment is about ensuring you receive the care you need to continue living a fulfilling life. At Catholic Healthcare, we are committed to providing compassionate, individualised care that respects the dignity of each person we serve. We are here to help you and your family at every step of this journey.
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