If you are considering moving into an Aged Care home, you will first need an assessment with a member of an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT, or ACAS in Victoria). A member of an ACAT will talk to you about your current situation and help you work out what your options are. ACAT assessments are funded by the Australian Government to provide free assessments to determine eligibility for Australian Government Subsidised Care Services.
Getting an ACAT appointment may take several weeks and the search for an appropriate care service may also take a while, so starting the process sooner may reduce some time pressure on you and your family. You are also welcome to have someone else—perhaps a friend, family member or your carer— accompany you for extra support. ACATs assess and approve older people for Australian Government-subsidised Aged Care, including residential Aged Care facilities, home care packages and respite care.
An ACAT can, with your consent:
• assess eligibility for entry into an Aged Care home
• give you information about Aged Care homes and home care services in your area
• help you access the care you require
• help you arrange residential respite care if this is what you require
• assess your eligibility for home care to help you continue living at home or refer you to other services that will help you to continue living at home.
You can arrange an appointment with the ACAT closest to you by accessing the Government’s Aged Care portal ‘My Aged Care’ at www.myagedcare.gov.au or calling 1800 200 422. Alternatively, you may wish to make an appointment with your doctor who can arrange an appointment with the ACAT in your area. Once you have completed the ACAT assessment, you will receive a letter to let you know if you have been approved as eligible for Australian Government-subsidised Aged Care services. Your letter will tell you what type of services you’re eligible for and approved to receive, as well as the reasons why. You should keep a copy of your letter because you will need to present this record.
