Accessing aged care services in Australia begins with a crucial first step: the ACAT assessment. Understand how the process works can help you or your loved ones receive the right support at the right time. This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about ACAT assessments, including what they involve, how to prepare, what to expect, and how to follow up.
What is an ACAT Assessment?
An ACAT assessment (Aged Care Assessment Team) is a free, government-funded evaluation that helps older Australians access appropriate aged care services. The assessment determines eligibility for services such as Home Care Packages, residential aged care, respite care, and transition care.
ACAT assessments are carried out by multidisciplinary teams that may include nurses, social workers, and occupational therapists. They evaluate a person’s health, functional abilities, social needs, and care requirements to recommend the level of care and support that best suits their situation.
The ACAT Assessment Process
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for an ACAT assessment, the person being assessed must usually be aged 65 or older (or 50 or older for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people) and require help with daily living tasks.
Steps Involved in the Aged Care Assessment
- Initial screening through My Aged Care (online or by calling 1800 200 422).
- Referral to ACAT for a face-to-face or virtual assessment.
- The assessment itself, where a qualified assessor visits to discuss your needs and abilities.
- Receiving your support plan, outlining your approved services and ACAT assessment level.
Regional Differences
- ACAT assessment NSW: Administered by Local Health Districts. You can also contact your ACAT assessment NSW contact via My Aged Care.
- ACAT assessment QLD and ACAT assessment Queensland: Provided through Queensland Health and local hospitals.
- ACAT assessment SA (South Australia) and ACAT assessment Adelaide: Coordinated through SA Health and regional hospitals.
- ACAT assessment WA (Western Australia) and ACAT assessment Perth: Managed through the WA Department of Health.
Preparing for Your ACAT Assessment
What to Bring
Gather documents such as:
- Medicare card
- GP referrals or health summaries
- List of medications
Personal Reflection
Before the assessment:
- Reflect on your care goals
- Identify tasks you struggle with (e.g. cooking, cleaning, mobility)
- Prepare a list of ACAT assessment questions to ask the assessor
Support Person: Can I have someone with me?
It is highly recommended to have a family member or support person present. They can help you express your needs clearly and provide context.
During the Assessment
The assessment typically takes 1 to 2 hours. During this time, the assessor will ask about:
- Physical and mental health
- Daily routines and lifestyle
- Ability to manage personal care and household tasks - ability to perform daily activities
- Emotional and social wellbeing
The assessor uses this information to recommend an ACAT assessment level, which determines the types of care you’re eligible for.
After the Assessment
Receiving Your Support Plan
Following the assessment, you’ll receive a support plan outlining:
- Approved services (e.g. Home Care Package Level 1–4)
- Eligibility for residential care or short-term restorative care
Service Navigation
Once approved, you can choose a provider that suits your needs. For example, if you are based in WA, you can look for home care providers, with tools like Aged Care Choices Finder.
Timeline and Costs
Expected Timeline
- My Aged Care referral to ACAT: 2–6 weeks (depending on urgency and location)
- Assessment to approval: Within 2 weeks
- Waiting for funding and services (e.g. Home Care Package): May take months, depending on priority level
Cost Involved
The ACAT assessment is free of charge. However, once care services begin, consumer contributions may apply based on income and assets.
Handling Outcomes and Next Steps
Understanding the Results
If your assessment finds you ineligible for aged care, you may still be referred to other community supports. If you are approved:
- Review your ACAT assessment level
- Choose a provider (you can switch later if needed)
- Start services or join a waiting list
Proactive Planning
Don’t wait until a crisis occurs. Knowing how to get an ACAT assessment early helps families make informed decisions. Search how do I get an ACAT assessment or how to get ACAT assessment on the My Aged Care website to begin.
Final Thoughts
An ACAT assessment is the gateway to accessing essential aged care services across Australia. Whether you're in NSW, QLD, WA, Adelaide, or beyond, understanding the process empowers you to plan confidently for the future. If you’re wondering where to begin, start with My Aged Care ACAT assessment referrals and don’t hesitate to ask for help. The sooner you get assessed, the sooner you or your loved one can receive the support needed to live independently and comfortably at home.
Note on Aged Care Reforms:
The Australian Government is introducing the Support at Home program, which will replace the current Home Care Package (HCP) and Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP). This change is part of broader aged care reforms aimed at simplifying access and improving flexibility. While ACAT assessments still play a key role in determining eligibility, the new system will unify services under a single, streamlined model. You can stay update via subscribing to our Newsletter subscription.
FAQs on Aged Care Assessment Team(ACAT)
Q: What does an ACAT assessment involve?
A: An ACAT assessment is a face-to-face evaluation conducted by a team of healthcare professionals. They will talk to you about your daily life, health needs, and your goals for aged care. This includes evaluating how you manage daily activities such as personal care (dressing, showering, toileting), mobility, meal preparation, household tasks, and managing medications. This helps them understand the level of support you might require, ranging from help at home to residential care.
Q: Who is ACAT eligible?
A: Eligibility for an ACAT assessment generally applies to older Australians who may need government-funded aged care services. The assessment determines if you are eligible for these services based on your care needs.
Q: What questions are asked in an ACAT assessment?
A: During the ACAT assessment, questions will cover various aspects of your life, including your health and medical history, how you manage daily activities, your social support network, and your preferences for care.
Q: What is the purpose of the ACAT?
A: The primary purpose of the ACAT (Aged Care Assessment Team) is to assess an individual's needs to determine their eligibility for government-funded aged care services. This ensures that people receive the appropriate level of care to support their independence and well-being.
Q: How do I arrange an ACAT assessment?
A: You can arrange an ACAT assessment by contacting My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 or through their website. Your GP or another healthcare professional can also refer you.
Q: Does an ACAT assessment cost me anything?
A: No, the ACAT assessment itself is free. It is funded by the Australian Government.
Q: What is the difference between an ACAT and RAS assessment?
A: The RAS (Regional Assessment Service) assessment is generally for individuals who need entry-level support services, often accessed through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP). It's typically for those who are still relatively independent.
The ACAT (Aged Care Assessment Team) assessment is more comprehensive and is for individuals with more complex care needs, potentially requiring Home Care Packages (all levels), residential aged care, respite care, or transition care. ACAT assessments are usually conducted by a team of healthcare professionals.
In simpler terms, RAS is often the first step for lower-level needs, while ACAT is for more significant or complex care requirements.
(Please note: As of 9 December 2024, ACAT and RAS assessments are being replaced by a Single Assessment System workforce as part of Australian Government aged care reforms.)
