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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, community 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.
- At the meeting 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 may also talk to your doctor about your medical history, but only if you agree.
- Your ACAT member/s 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, they’ll explain their decisions and may give you a copy of their completed assessment (if not they will post this to you). This assessment tells you what type of services you’re eligible and approved for, as well as leaving you with information about all the services that may be available in your local area.
- You should keep a copy of the assessment and any approval that has been granted for you to access services. If you’re not approved for aged care services you’ll get a letter explaining how to appeal the recomendations.
Read more: Rights and responsibilities
