My Aged Care Assessment (ACAT)

Navigating the Aged Care system can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to assessments. The Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) plays a crucial role in determining your eligibility for government-funded Aged Care services like Home Care Packages or Residential Aged Care. Understanding the process, requirements, and outcomes can ease your anxieties and ensure you get the support you need.

What Is an ACAT Assessment?

An ACAT assessment is a comprehensive evaluation of your physical, social, emotional, and cognitive needs as an older Australian for government-funded My Aged Care packages. A team of healthcare professionals assesses your ability to perform daily activities like washing, dressing, cooking, and managing medications. They’ll also consider your social supports, living environment, and any health conditions you may have before providing any Aged Care Services.

Once you have registered with My Aged Care, either via their website or over the phone, and have been determined eligible for aged care services, an assessment will be arranged for you, this is called an ACAT assessment.

Who Needs an ACAT Assessment?

If you or someone you know needs help with daily living and are seeking government-funded Aged Care services, an ACAT assessment is typically required. This includes:

Seniors over 65 experiencing ongoing difficulty with daily tasks.
People with disabilities impacting their daily living activities.
Individuals requiring respite care or short-term residential care.

Preparing For Your Assessment

Before the ACAT assessor is due to arrive at your home, start to have a think about your current circumstances and write a list the things you are starting to find difficult around the home. If you have any health problems, make sure you know what these are (some can have tricky medical names, so it might be a good idea to write these down too!).

You can have a family member or a friend with you during your assessment, so make sure you organise this with them beforehand.

If you require a translator or somebody to help you to communicate, the assessor can organise this for you – just make you let them know in advance.

What questions will I get asked during my ACAT Assessment?

Questions may vary depending on each assessor, but the general questions covered during your assessment will be:

Why do you need aged care support?
What are your health concerns?
What can you do?
What can’t you do?
What is your mobility capability?

Things to have with you

You will need your Medicare card and one other form of ID, such as your passport or driver’s licence.
Any relevant medical information, such as referrals from your doctor
Have your doctor’s contact details available in case the assessor wants to ask them any questions
Write down a list of questions you would like to ask the assessor (examples below).

Some questions you might like to ask the assessor

How long will I have to wait before I can receive some support?
What level Home Care Package am I likely to get?
What are the different types of support services available to me?
What is the difference between Commonwealth Home Support (CHSP) and a Home Care Package?
Can I access CHSP while I wait for my Home Care Package?
How easy is it to find support services in my area?
If I have a carer, what support services are available to them?
Do the service providers in my area speak my language and cater to different religious and cultural beliefs?
If I have forgotten to mention something, how do I contact the assessor after my assessment?

For further advice on how to prepare for your ACAT assessment, contact CareAbout Today!

Possible Outcomes of ACAT Assessment

Based on the assessment, the ACAT team may recommend:

Home care packages (Levels 1-4) : Provide varying levels of in-home support services.
Residential Aged Care Home or Nursing Home : Permanent or respite care in a Nursing Home or assisted living facility.
Community-based services: Alternative supportive services within your community.
No services: If your needs can be met through existing personal or community support.

Remember:

You have the right to appeal an ACAT decision if you disagree with the outcome.
There are other options for support, like private aged care services or community-based programs, if you are ineligible for government-funded services.

The ACAT assessment is a critical step in the Aged Care journey in Australia, as it helps determine the type and level of government-funded support and services that an individual is eligible for. It ensures that older Australians receive the appropriate care and assistance tailored to their specific needs and circumstances.

How CareAbout Can Help You?

If you’ve been granted a Home Care Package through an ACAT assessment and are looking for a Home Care Package provider near you, you’re in the right place. CareAbout is Australia’s Leading Home Care Placement Service, we’ve helped 120,000+ families on their Aged Care journey. Let us guide you in connecting with a quality Home Care providers in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Canberra, Adelaide, and across Australia.

Reach out to us today to begin your journey to quality care. Our guidance is free for you and your family and can save you hours of time researching options.