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What does assessment mean?
Some people shy away from the idea of an assessment, but you’ll find that there’s nothing to fear. It’s just a process you need to go through to help work out your needs and find out about the services that may be able to help. For some government programs, such as the Home and Community Care program (more information) and the National Respite for Carers Program (more information), the service provider may conduct the assessment. If an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT or ACAS in Victoria (more information)) assessment is required then a professional from an ACAT – usually a doctor, nurse, social worker or other health care professional – will come and talk to you about how well you’re coping in your day-to-day life. They’ll also ask you about your general health, and after working out your needs they’ll tell you about the services available in your area that can help.
What is an ACAT and how does it work?
An ACAT provides a free assessment service to older Australians with complex needs to work out their eligibility for the many aged care services available around the country.Read more: What is an ACAT and how does it work?
How an ACAT can help
An assessment can help you access services that you’re eligible for. It can also help you work out the level of assistance you require to manage daily living activities.Read more: How an ACAT can help
How long does an ACAT approval last?
An assessment and approval for care services provided by an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT or ACAS in Victoria (more information)) will remain valid indefinitely if you have been approved for high level care in an aged care home, (including respite care) or an EACH or EACHD package of care. Approval for low level residential respite care will also remain valid unless the person's care needs change or the approval was time-limited.You will need to be reassessed by the ACAT if you have been approved but have not received care for the following services:
- Community Aged Care Packages (CACP) - within 12 months
- Low level residential care - within 12 months
- Transition Care Program - within 4 weeks
Read more: How long does an ACAT approval last?
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