5 quick facts about the Aged Care Assessment in Australia

Australia’s Aged Care Assessment is the first step in accessing government-funded aged care services and helping your loved ones transition into residential aged care. The Aged Care Assessment ensures older adults receive the appropriate level of care and support that is tailored to their personal needs. 

As a premium aged care home on the Gold Coast, HillView Care is committed to helping you navigate the Aged Care Assessment process. We realise it can be quite daunting if you haven’t experienced the system before. To help you, here are five quick facts about the Aged Care Assessment:

It’s the gateway to aged care services

The Aged Care Assessment is conducted by ACAT, the Aged Care Assessment Team. It’s the first step into accessing care at HillView Care, whether it’s residential care, dementia care or respite care on the Gold Coast. 

It provides a comprehensive evaluation

The assessment is a thorough evaluation of your loved one’s physical, medical, psychological, cultural and social needs. It’s a great way to determine the most appropriate level of care and services that are needed to take care of their well-being. 

You need an ACAT Assessment for eligibility and approval

The ACAT Assessment is what your loved one needs to determine eligibility for various aged care services in Australia. Once your loved one is assessed, they will receive approval for specific services that can then be tailored to their needs. 

It’s free of charge

There is no charge for the ACAT Assessment as it is provided by the Australian Government. It allows eligible older Australians to have access to the care and support they need without being challenged by financial barriers. 

Your loved one will receive a personalised care plan

After the ACAT Assessment, a personalised care plan is created. Your loved one will have a plan that describes the types of services and care that is most suitable for them, ensuring they receive the support they need in their later years. 

How to organise an ACAT Assessment: 

This is one of the most important steps as it enables you to begin the process. The ACAT assessment will assess their needs and is an easy process from beginning to end. The ACAT assessment will check if they are eligible for subsidised aged care. 

It’s a two-part process and will help determine the level of care they need. The first part of the ACAT assessment can be done online, or over the phone, then a face-to-face meeting will be conducted with the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT). 

Visit My Aged Care for more information.

What happens during an ACAT assessment? 

While the ACAT assessment is a straightforward process designed to help your loved one access the care needed. It’s a formal assessment, but you are encouraged to ask questions and speak openly throughout.

The assessment can take place wherever your loved one is, whether at home or in the hospital. If you need support, a friend or family member can be with your loved one during the assessment. For non-English speakers, an interpreter can be arranged to ensure clear communication.

Before the assessment, it’s helpful to gather your medical records and have details like your GP’s information, any current care arrangements, referrals from specialists, and any questions you might have about ACAT.

During the assessment, the team member will discuss your medical history and assess your physical function to determine the level of care required. This involves simple tests to evaluate your independence and mobility. 

The team will need to know about:

• Any health concerns you may have.
• Any support you currently receive.
• How you manage self-care.
• How you handle tasks around your home.

If you’re eligible for aged care services, you can start exploring aged care homes immediately. If you’re looking for an aged care home on the Gold Coast, book a tour of HillView Care Merrimac or Ashmore; we’ll be happy to show you around and answer any questions you have.