If you’re looking to access government-funded aged care services like a Support at Home or residential aged care, the first step is to get assessed.
A new Single Assessment System has replaced the previous Regional Assessment Service (RAS) and Aged Care Assessment Teams (ACAT) assessment organisations. This has allowed for a much simpler assessment process – and that’s good news for everyone!
Now, getting the most out of your assessment is all about being prepared and knowing what to expect. A little planning can make the process smoother and ensure you get the right support to stay independent and comfortable at home.
Here are our top tips to help you make the most of it! Don’t ignore the most important tip we share with everyone we speak to – it’s #6 below.
Tip #1: Get an assessment early.
Getting assessed early is a smart move! Waiting until there’s a crisis means that decisions often have to be made quickly and under pressure, which creates added stress. Planning ahead means you’re prepared, so if things change suddenly, you already have things in place. It’s about staying in charge of your care, reducing stress for you and your loved ones, and ensuring the best support is there when you need it.
The good news is that the assessment is free. It’s quick and easy to apply online or you can complete the application over the phone by calling My Aged Care on 1800 200 422. This is followed by a face-to-face assessment.
Tip #2: See it as an opportunity.
Being assessed can feel confronting but it’s really not scary at all. The assessor is there to understand your unique needs and match you with the services that can make your life easier, safer and more comfortable. Which is a great thing! Assessments take place in the comfort of your own home so there’s no need to travel anywhere.
During the assessment, your assessor will gather details about how you’re managing in areas like social, physical, medical, cognitive and emotional health. They’ll also review home and personal safety, and any specific goals and support needs you might have.
Tip #3: Organise a support person.
You don’t have to go through this process alone. A family member, friend or carer can join you during your assessment for support. If you need a translator, let your assessor know when they call to schedule your appointment, and they’ll arrange one for you. You can also reach out to the Older Persons Advocacy Network for free help and advice about your rights.
Tip #4: Prepare your paperwork.
Before your assessment, make sure you gather together:
- your Medicare card and one other form of ID (e.g. a driver’s license, passport, healthcare card or DVA card)
- any referrals from your doctor
- the contact details for your GP and other health professionals
- information on any support you already receive.
Tip #5: Think about your goals.
Ahead of your assessment, have a think about your strengths, challenges, goals and preferences. It’s a good idea to jot down any questions you’d like to ask during your assessment, such as:
- What services can help me achieve my goals?
- What level of Support at Home Package am I likely to get?
- What’s available locally, and how long will I have to wait for support?
- Will carers be able to speak my language and/or cater to my cultural or religious needs?
- How can I contact you (the assessor) if I have questions later?
Tip #6: Don’t put on a brave face.
This is an important one. Being open and honest about any challenges you’re facing during your assessment is key to getting the right support. If you downplay your difficulties or leave things out, you might not get the level of care you truly need. So, share everything – big and small. This way, the assessor gets a full picture of your situation, ensuring you receive the support that will best suit your needs and goals.
The sorts of things the assessor will discuss with you include:
- the support you currently have and whether it will continue
- your lifestyle and any health concerns
- how you’re managing daily tasks at home
- any issues with your memory
- any home and personal safety concerns
- your family and community activities.
Remember, the assessment is about helping you, so there’s no need to feel embarrassed or hold back. Being honest now sets you up for the best possible care later.
Tip #7: Research service providers.
If you’re approved for a Support at Home Package after your assessment, you might want to start looking into Support at Home providers in your area. Most people we speak to find this process completely overwhelming – there are so many different services and fees to make sense of. It can be mind-boggling trying to work out which provider is right for you.
That’s where we can help!
CareAbout provides a free matching service which has already connected over 130,000 Australian families with home care that’s just right for them. It’s all about peace of mind and ensuring you’re set up to stay safe and comfortable at home for as long as possible.
Our expert Care Advisers truly listen to your needs and preferences before matching you with a care provider you can count on.
Take some time to see what our customers are saying about CareAbout. We’ve got 1000s of 5-star reviews for a reason!
