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Applying to a home
Before you enter an aged care home, you usually complete an application form. There is a standard form that asks for the essential information that an aged care home needs. Your Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT or ACAS in Victoria) (more information) can provide you with a form, or you can call 1800 200 422 and ask for one. It is not compulsory for you to use the standard form. You can choose, or be asked to, fill in a form provided by the home. You can also download a copy from the Health and Ageing website.
For the home to receive government funding on your behalf, so that you pay reduced fees, you need a current and approved ACAT assessment (more information) that says you are eligible for ‘residential aged care (more information)’ (in an aged care home). If you are applying to several homes, each will need a copy of your assessment and approval.
You only need to fill out the application form once – then you can make copies for sending to each aged care home you wish to apply to. Leave the signature section unsigned until you have all the copies you need, then sign each of them and forward one to each of the homes, with a copy of the assessment. Keep the original form.
Read more: Finding an aged care home
If you are unable to sign the form and a family member or carer signs it for you, you will need to attach a copy of a document authorising that person to act for you. A power of attorney (more information) or guardianship papers (more information) are examples of such a document.
The standard application form has two parts:
- Part A is the application form for permanent or respite care (more information) applicants.
- Part B asks questions about your care needs. You can leave this part blank if you like, and complete it after you move into a home.
- when it has a vacancy
- if it can meet your care needs, and
- if its business requirements allow it to make the offer.
Even so, it might be some time before a vacancy occurs and one or more homes can offer you a place.
If you need help at home while you are waiting to move into an aged care home, there may be services available in your area that can assist you with day-to-day living. Please call 1800 200 422 if you would like more information. Your ACAT or doctor also can provide advice.
Read more: Help staying at home
During this time it’s a good idea to get ready for your move, if you can. Sometimes it can take a long time to pack and make all the necessary arrangements. It is also a good time to find out how much you may be asked to pay for your accommodation costs.
Read more: Assets assessments
Read more: Concessional, assisted and supported residents
Your ACAT will give you a Request for an Assets Assessment form at the same time that you are being assessed for entry into an aged care home. The form accompanies the 5 Steps to Entry into Residential Aged Care booklet. Forms are also available by calling 1800 200 422.
Common questions on this topic:
- Once I enter into care can I still have holidays with my family and friends?
- How long will my ACAT assessment last?
See all common questions