What is an Aged Care Assessment? [Common Objections & More]

What is an Aged Care Assessment?

An Aged Care Assessment is a free service that determines what government-funded aged care support someone is eligible for. The assessment team is usually made up of a nurse, physiotherapist, occupational therapist or social worker.

Think of it as a care blueprint. The assessment looks at:

• How someone moves around (indoors and out)
• Their memory and cognition
• Diet and nutrition
• Social connections and mental wellbeing
• Spiritual or cultural needs
• Personal goals and independence

Understanding the word 'assessment'

Let’s be honest — the word “assessment” can make people nervous. It sounds like a test, or something that might lead to judgment. But in this case, it’s simply a conversation.

Think of it like meeting a new GP or care worker. They’re not there to decide your worth — they’re there to learn what would make life better for you.

It’s not:

• A test you can fail
• A fast-track to residential care
• A loss of autonomy

It is:

• A practical, respectful chat
• A way to understand your day-to-day challenges

An assessment is like getting a passport. You might not book a trip immediately, but having it means you're ready when the time comes.

How to Get an Aged Care Assessment

You can apply for an assessment in one of three ways:

• Online through My Aged Care (Apply here)
• Through your GP (recommended for smoother coordination)
• While in hospital, if health needs change suddenly

📝 You don’t need a referral to apply — but a GP can help.

Tip: Going through your GP can reduce red tape and offer advocacy, especially helpful if you're navigating this solo.

When do you need an Aged Care Assessment?

If you're starting to notice that everyday activities are getting harder, or if you're supporting someone who is, that's the time to start the process. You don’t need to wait for a crisis or hospital visit.

You’ll need one if:

• You're hoping to access services like help with showering, cleaning, or meals
• You want short-term support after a hospital stay
• You're seeking respite options so a carer can take a break
• You're planning for the future and want to get things in place

Getting assessed now doesn’t mean you need to start services straight away. It just keeps the door open.

Why you need an aged care assessment

1. If you don't go any further in the process, you're ready and prepared already

“If nothing comes of it, we’ve only lost an hour. But if something helps, it’s worth it.”

This quiet statement has been a turning point for many families. It captures the truth: this one hour of an assessment might bring practical help, emotional relief, or just peace of mind. And if not? At least you’ll know.

Why this mindset matters:

It reduces pressure — one small step instead of a big leap

It validates hesitation — you're not overreacting by asking

It empowers action — doing something, even small, is better than waiting for a crisis

2. It can help unlock support for now (and the future)

An assessment is the key to accessing a wide range of in-home services, many of which are significantly subsidised by the government. Without it, you may be paying out-of-pocket rates that add up fast.

Present support

You might be approved for help with:

• Daily activities like showering, dressing, and meal prep
• Domestic support including cleaning, laundry, and shopping
• In-home nursing for wound care, medications, or chronic health support
• Transport to appointments or community activities
• Physiotherapy or allied health to support mobility and wellbeing
• Short-term respite if your regular carer needs a break

Future flexibility

Even if you don’t need much support now, an Aged Care Assessment gets your foot in the door. That means:

• You're already approved if things change suddenly
• You avoid long wait times during a crisis
• You or your family won’t have to scramble to organise support under pressure
• A step toward support — on your terms

Common hesitations — and reasons to reconsider

“We’re managing fine for now.”

And that’s great. But having the assessment now means you’re ready when ‘fine’ becomes ‘not quite.’

“I don’t want strangers in the house.”

Fair enough. But you’re always in control of who visits and when — and you can stop or change services at any time.

“It feels like admitting we’re not coping.”

It’s not. It’s about being wise enough to plan ahead, and strong enough to ask for backup when it’s needed.

How to best prepare for an aged care assessment

1. If You’re a Carer, Talk Honestly with Your Loved One First

This is the emotional hurdle. Before the paperwork, before the questions, there needs to be a conversation. If you're supporting someone through this process, chances are you're juggling a lot: work, kids, emotional labour, and maybe even your own health. It's normal to feel stretched thin.

But here's the truth: if you're constantly "just managing," it's time to stop holding it all together on your own.

For the person you love, the idea of needing an assessment can stir up pride, fear, or resistance. That's normal too. They might be thinking,  "I don't want strangers in my house." The key is to frame this not as a loss of freedom, but a way to gain support.

Reassure them:

• This is not about being forced into something they don't want
• It's about accessing services that help them stay at home longer.
• You're doing this together, with their needs front and centre.

Remember: The assessor’s job is to understand your circumstances, not judge them. Everything they record is used only to build a support plan that fits your life.

Read on:

• Understanding Your Aged Care Assessment Approval Letter
• How Long Do I Wait For Home Care?
• Got Your Funding? Here’s What’s Next.
• What Happens After You Pick a Provider?

2. Prepare the Practicalities

Before the assessment, a little preparation goes a long way.

Call or make an appointment:

• You can book an assessment yourself, or ask a health professional like a GP or hospital social worker to refer you.

They’ll ask your permission to start the process:

• This gives them authority to speak to your GP or medical specialists about your health and needs.
• You'll need to sign an application form to create your aged care client record.

Gather essential documents:

• Medicare card
• Driver's licence or passport

Write down concerns you've noticed:

• Frequent falls or near misses
• Memory issues or confusion
• Struggles with daily tasks like cooking, bathing, or dressing
• Feelings of isolation or low mood

Think about goals:

• Do you want to keep gardening?
• Would you love to cook again?
• Are you missing outings or community groups?

Invite someone you trust: Having a calm, supportive person present can make a world of difference—especially if your loved one is nervous or forgetful under pressure.

Bring this checklist to the assessment:

• What services could help me stay independent?
• Can I get support for my carer too?
• What happens if my health changes?
• How long does it take to receive support?
• What modifications could help at home (e.g., grab rails, ramps, better lighting)?

3. Ask the Right Questions

The assessor will guide the conversation, but you can (and should) steer it too. Think of yourself as a partner in planning, not a passive participant.

Bring a short list of the supports you think might help. If you already have ideas, for example, “I’d like someone to help with showering twice a week” or “I’d feel safer with a rail near the back steps”, say so up front. The assessor can record these goals and preferences in the assessment so they’re considered in the recommendations.

Here are useful, realistic questions for the assessor:

• “What types of services could be recommended for someone with my needs?”
• “Can my carer also be assessed for respite or support?”
• “If my health changes, how do I request a review or another assessment?”
• “What happens next after today — when and how will we be notified of the outcome?”
• “Are there local or short-term supports you can link us with while we wait?”

Come prepared with specifics

You can also bring examples of support you think would help. Instead of saying “we might need help,” describe what a normal day looks like and where you’re struggling. Here are some common support areas and how you might frame them:

• Personal care: “I need help showering on days when my knees are too sore to stand,” or “I can dress myself but need help with buttons and shoes.”
• Domestic support: “I can keep the kitchen tidy but can’t manage vacuuming or changing bed sheets,” or “I struggle to cook dinner because lifting pots aggravates my arthritis.”
• Transport: “I can drive locally but not to the hospital across town,” or “I’d love to get back to my knitting group but can’t manage the bus anymore.”
• Social connection: “I miss chatting with people and would like to join a day program once a week,” or “I’d like a volunteer visitor for companionship.”
• Equipment: “I feel unsteady getting in and out of bed and could use a bed rail,” or “I need a lightweight walker for shopping trips.”
• Home modifications: “I’ve nearly slipped in the bathroom — could a grab rail or non-slip flooring be installed?” or “The front steps are hard to climb; would a small ramp help?”

These specifics give the assessor a much clearer picture of what would make the biggest difference day to day.

Tip: For questions about exact funding amounts, waiting times, or choosing a provider, contact My Aged Care directly on 1800 200 422 or visit myagedcare.gov.au. The assessor’s role is to understand your needs and recommend appropriate supports — not to set budgets or allocate packages.

What to expect during an aged care assessment

An assessor, usually a nurse, occupational therapist, or social worker, will visit your home. They’ll ask questions about:

• What you’re managing well, and what’s getting harder
• Your health conditions, medications, and daily routine
• Your home setup — stairs, safety, and equipment
• How you’re feeling emotionally and socially

They’ll listen. They’ll take notes. And they’ll make sure you get a copy of the recommendations.

What Assessors Do During the Assessment

Your assessor is often a qualified health professional—typically a nurse, social worker, or occupational therapist—who has a clinical background in aged care. They’re trained to understand not only your health status but also your living environment and overall wellbeing.

Before they begin, they’ll ask for your formal consent to start the assessment. This allows them to:

• Speak with your GP or specialists if needed
• Access your aged care records
• Recommend appropriate services

The assessment usually takes place in your home, and it often starts with a calm conversation at the kitchen table or in the lounge. 

Here’s how the conversation might flow:

1. Introductions and consent

The assessor will introduce themselves and explain their role. They’ll confirm your identity and ask for your consent to speak with your GP or share information with services.

2. What brought you here today?

They’ll ask: “What’s been happening that made you (or your family) ask for help?” This is your chance to talk about your recent health, challenges at home, or carer stress.

3. Exploring your environment

Expect questions like:

• “How do you get around your home?”
• “Any trouble with stairs or floors?”
• “Do you feel safe moving around?”

4. Medical background

They’ll ask about:

• Diagnosed conditions
• Recent hospitalisations or falls
• Whether you're managing your medication

5. Mental health and wellbeing

You might be asked:

• “Have you been feeling low or isolated?”
• “Do you find yourself forgetting things or getting confused?”

6. Daily tasks and risks

They’ll go through how you manage:

• Showering, dressing, using the toilet
• Cooking, shopping, and cleaning
• Managing appointments or transport

7. Carer input (if present)

They'll ask your carer how they're coping, whether they get breaks, and what their limits are.

8. Summary and next steps

They’ll summarise what you’ve discussed and let you know what types of support they plan to recommend. This might include:

• Reablement (short-term help to regain function)
• Home modifications
• Linking to community services
• Requesting a comprehensive Home Care Package assessment

Bonus tip: If your loved one tends to downplay their struggles, talk to them beforehand about the importance of being honest during the assessment. It’s not about complaining—it’s about painting a true picture of what daily life is like.

Downplaying vs. describing reality during an assessment

Many people minimise their difficulties—especially in front of professionals. But assessors need to understand how challenging things can really get. Here’s how to help frame answers honestly:

Share the hardest days, not just the manageable ones. It’s the only way to ensure the support provided will truly meet their needs.

Think of the assessment like a needs snapshot. The assessor wants to understand:

• What daily tasks you/your loved one finds hard
• How much support you (or others) are already providing
• What risks might exist at home (e.g., stairs, poor lighting, social isolation)

They’ll ask a mix of questions about health, mobility, memory, mood, and the ability to manage everyday tasks. The assessor isn’t there to catch you out—they’re trying to build a clear picture so they can recommend the right supports.

If you're exhausted as a carer, say that. This isn’t complaining—it’s clarity. The goal is to make sure the support package reflects reality, not the highlight reel.

What Happens After the Assessment

How Assessors Prioritise Your Case

After gathering all the information, the assessor will use national guidelines to decide how urgently support is needed. This is called assigning a priority level, and it's based on:

• The level of risk if support isn't provided soon
• The urgency of care needs (e.g. recent falls, carer burnout)
• Whether there's an existing support network in place
• How stable or unpredictable the person's health is

There are typically three priority levels:

• High Priority — services are needed quickly to avoid crisis
• Medium Priority — needs are real but not urgent
• Low Priority — current supports are mostly working, but more may b
• e needed in future

Knowing this can help you understand why someone with similar needs might receive support sooner—it often comes down to risk, timing, and safety.

After the interview

Once the interview is complete, the assessor will make one or more of the following:

• A service recommendation — for specific services like home help or meal delivery
• A general recommendation — if formal support isn't yet required but future planning is needed
• Linking support — to connect you with local programs or interim help
• A reablement recommendation — short-term help to regain function after illness or hospital

They may also recommend a comprehensive assessment for Support at Home.

If they recommend services, they’ll decide:

• What service is needed
• How often you should receive it
• The priority level of your need

After the assessment:

• You’ll receive a letter explaining what you’ve been approved for.
• If you’re not happy with the outcome, you can appeal.
• If still unresolved, you can appeal through your state or territory government.
• The letter will include full instructions for how to do this.

Important: Sometimes, your assessment will be reviewed internally without needing another visit. You might receive a follow-up call to clarify details before being approved for services.

What is an Aged Care Assessment approval letter?

This letter confirms you’ve been assessed by an assessment team and found eligible for government-funded aged care services through the Support at Home program. That might include:

• Personal care (like help with showering or dressing)
• Help with cleaning, cooking, and daily tasks
• Social support and transport
• Allied health or nursing care

But here’s the key: approval doesn’t mean services will start right away. It means you’ve been recognised as needing support, and your name has been added to the National Priority System.

What this letter is (and isn’t)

This letter is:

• Proof that you are eligible for government-subsidised support through Support at Home

This letter is NOT:

• A confirmation that services will start immediately
• An instruction manual—many people are left unsure what to do next

Think of it like this: you’ve been approved to join a gym, but you’re still waiting for your membership card to arrive. This letter says “yes, you qualify”—but the rest starts later.

What the approval letter includes

Getting your aged care approval letter can bring a mix of emotions — relief that help is coming, and confusion about what to do next. It confirms you're eligible for government-funded support at home, but the fine print can feel overwhelming.

Let’s walk through what’s in the letter — and what to pay close attention to.

Here’s what to look for:

“You are approved as eligible…”
This phrase confirms the outcome of your assessment. It means the government agrees that you need help to stay safe and independent at home — and you’re now eligible to access services through Support at Home funding.

Think of this like a green light — it means you're now in the system and eligible for funded care services.

What else to look for

Your support plan

This is   linked in your My Aged Care account.   Your support plan is a record of what supports & services the assessor has documented you’ll need as a part of your ongoing support. and what kind of help can make life at home safer, easier, and more manageable.

Created during your assessment, it includes:

• The types of care you’ve been approved for
• The goals you discussed with your assessor (like staying mobile or keeping connected)
• Any personal, cultural, or religious preferences that should be respected
• Priority levels for the services you need
• Notes about what’s already working — and what might need to change

You can view your support plan anytime through your My Aged Care account. It’s also something you can show to potential providers, so they understand your situation and what kind of support will actually help.

What to do next (Checklist)

• ✅ Store your letter and take a photo of it
• ✅ Save your referral code in a safe place
• ✅ Register with My Aged Care online portal
• ✅ Start shortlisting providers
• ✅ Consider using private services if needed
• ✅ Call My Aged Care every few months for updates

How long do I have to wait to hear back?

You’ll usually get your results within two weeks. The outcome will outline what kind of support is approved like:

• Support at home (such as help with cleaning, shopping, personal care, and home modifications)
• Respite care (temporary support when carers need a break)
• Residential aged care approval

The assessment team can connect you with providers, but it’s up to you to choose what feels right. You don’t have to accept everything offered, or anything at all.

Remember: You Don’t Have to Be Rude to Be Heard

One of the biggest hurdles for older people and carers? Feeling like they have to “fight” for help.

Let’s clear that up: you can be kind and still be direct. You don’t need to yell, threaten, or panic. But you do need to be clear, honest, and firm about what’s not working.

When you call My Aged Care, there’s a real person on the other end of the line. Someone trained to listen. Someone who hears stories like yours every day. And while they can’t wave a magic wand, they can trigger the process that gets things moving.

Here’s what helps:

• Speak plainly. “We’re not coping with the current level of support.”
• Use examples. “Dad’s fallen twice this month. We can’t leave him alone anymore.”
• Be respectful—but don’t minimise. If it’s urgent, say so.

You’re not being a nuisance. You’re advocating for safety, dignity, and care. And that’s never the wrong thing to do.

Parting Thoughts

An assessment isn’t a loss of independence. It’s an act of care for yourself, your parent, or your family.

Be honest, be prepared, and above all, be kind to yourself in the process. You’re not failing. You’re finding a safer, saner way forward.

➡️ If you're unsure where to start, talk to your GP or visit My Aged Care. The sooner you plan, the more control you'll have.