When you’re applying for in-home aged care funding through the federally-funded Home Care Package, you will usually need to have an assessment done in your home. This means an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) will visit you personally, to get an understanding of the amount of help you need, and therefore, how much funding you are eligible for. The team will usually include a nurse and one other health care worker.

There’s no need to feel nervous about this assessment – in fact it’s an exciting step in the journey toward gaining access to services that help you to maintain your independence, live your best life, and give you peace of mind. We’ll take you through what to expect during this comprehensive assessment, so you can feel confident and ready.

Preparing For Your Assessment

There are a number of documents you should gather and have ready:

• Medicare card, and another form of ID: such as your driver’s license, DVA card, healthcare card or passport
• Copies of any doctor’s referrals 
• Contact details for your GP and other health care providers

You are welcome to:

• Have a support person with you for the assessment, if you’d like one
• Prepare a list of questions to ask the assessor

At the Assessment

The assessor will start by checking that you give consent: asking if you agree to have the assessment. They may also ask your permission to talk about your needs with other people who support you (family members or carers.)

You may also be asked to fill out an Application for Care form.

The assessor will discuss many things with you, including:

• Any support you currently have available to you
• How well you’re able to handle daily tasks and activities at home
• Whether you have any problems with your memory
• Your lifestyle, health, and any concerns
• Any family or community activities you’re involved in
• The possibility of speaking with your GP and other health care providers

The Outcome of Your Assessment

Your assessor will now take time to review the assessment, and will send you the result, usually within 2 to 6 weeks – either by mail, email, or through your My Aged Care online account. If you are eligible for a Home Care Package, you will also be told which level of care you will have access to. You will also be provided with your Support Plan, which will outline the kinds of supports and services discussed with you at your assessment.

You will now be placed into a national queue to receive your package. Waiting times can vary – from one month, to over a year. But while you are waiting, you can start looking into Home Care Package Providers near you, so you can choose the right one when the time comes.  You’ll need a Home Care Package Provider to ‘host’ your package for you: taking care of administrative and financial tasks such as invoicing and budgeting, creating and implementing your personalised Care Plan, handling background checks on your service providers, and meeting legal and compliance obligations.

Find out more here about Home Care Package Provider services.

For more information about putting your package into action, visit My Aged Care or contact us to discuss your next steps!