An aged care assessment is a conversation about how you manage at home. It is not a test you pass or fail. The assessor is trying to understand the gap between what you can do and what you need, so the support matches the reality.
The short version
- Start with My Aged Care on 1800 200 422, or ask your GP to refer you.
- The assessment usually happens at home, with a trained assessor.
- You can have a family member or friend with you.
- Describe your worst days, not your best ones.
The first call
My Aged Care will ask about your circumstances, your health, who helps you now and what you are finding difficult. They will also ask for consent to share information with the assessor. Have your Medicare card, GP details and a list of medicines nearby.
Which assessment?
A regional assessment service usually handles lower-level support. An aged care assessment team handles more complex needs and packages. In Victoria, the team is often called ACAT. You do not have to know which one you need. My Aged Care will route you.
What the visit covers
The assessor asks about daily tasks: showering, dressing, cooking, cleaning, shopping, transport, medication and money. They may ask about memory, mood, falls, continence, sleep and safety at home. They are not there to catch you out.
They may also ask who helps you and whether that person can keep helping. Carer stress is part of the assessment, not a side issue.
How to prepare
- Write down what a bad day looks like, not just a good one.
- List the tasks you have stopped doing or now do with difficulty.
- Bring your medication list and any recent hospital discharge summary.
- Ask someone who knows your routine to be there.
- Write your questions down, because it is easy to forget them in the moment.
Do not exaggerate, and do not minimise. Both lead to a plan that does not fit.
After the assessment
You receive an outcome letter with the approved support and a referral code. If you are approved for a package, you may need to wait. If you are approved for a lower level of support, services can start sooner.
If you disagree with the outcome, ask for the decision in writing and how to request a review. If your needs change, ask for a reassessment.
One honest sentence
If you only prepare one thing, prepare this: "On my worst day this week, I could not..." It gives the assessor a concrete picture and it is hard to argue with.
Common questions
Do I need a GP referral?
No. You can call My Aged Care yourself. A GP can also refer you, and a discharge planner can help if you are in hospital.
How long does the assessment take?
The visit is usually a conversation of about an hour, but it varies. Ask when you book.
Can my family be there?
Yes. A family member or friend can help you remember details and ask questions. Tell the assessor who will be with you.
What if my needs change afterwards?
Ask for a reassessment. Needs can change after a fall, a hospital stay or a decline in memory.
Does an assessment mean I have to leave home?
No. The assessment is about what support would help you stay at home safely. It is not a decision to move you.
Sources and further reading
This guide is general information, not medical, legal or financial advice. If you are worried about your health, call your GP. In an emergency, call 000.