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What's an assessment like?
The steps below will give you an idea of what happens during the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT or ACAS in Victoria) (more information) assessment process.
- A doctor, nurse, or social worker will refer you to an ACAT. Or you can set up an assessment yourself by contacting an ACAT in your local area.
- The ACAT will then make an appointment to see you and come to your home, or if you’re in hospital they’ll come to the hospital. Please note: you may wish to have a carer, friend or family member present at this meeting.
- The ACAT may also talk to your doctor about your medial history, but only if you agree. Your consent will be recorded by the ACAT.
- At the meeting the ACAT member/s will ask you if you wish to apply for approval to receive certain aged care services. If you agree, they will ask you to sign an application form.
- During the interview the ACAT member/s will ask you questions about your daily living activities and the sort of help you need. They’ll also want to talk about your general state of health and specific health conditions. This will help them work out how much and what sort of help you need.
- They will then talk to you about whether they think you need a place in an aged care home, or more support so you can keep living at home.
- At the end of the meeting, they’ll provide information about all the services that may be available in your local area.
- A letter will be sent to you to tell you what type of services you're eligible and approved for. the reasons why the ACAT made their decision, as well as a copy of the completed Aged Care Client Record (ACCR).
- You should keep a copy of the completed ACCR as you will need to show this record to a new services provider to confirm you are eligible for care.
- In case you are not happy with the outcome of the approval process you will also be given written instructions on how to appeal the ACAT decision.
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