What is an Aged Care Assessment? (And How to Use it to Get Help at Home)

It’s not a doorway to aged care homes. It’s a bridge to more freedom, at home. 

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

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.

How to get the most out of your assessment

1. Make sure you and your family are on the same page (if you’re doing it with them)

Talking with family about getting an assessment can be difficult part, but it’s also the most important.

Consider the following when having that chat:

• Assessments are not scary at all and they’re usually only an hour long
• If, as a son or daughter, you’re not coping with your parent’s care, be direct and honest about it
• Agree and work as a team to get the best outcome in the assessment by being clear and honest with each other about where you’re at and how you’re feeling
   
   

2. Prepare for the assessment in advance

The next part of the process is to prepare for the day of the assessment itself:

• You can bring along anyone you like to the assessment including friends and family – whatever feels most comfortable!
• Bring along your Medicare card and a form of photo ID (Drivers license, Passport etc.)
• Ask plenty of questions like:
  1. What services can I use that will help me reach my goals?
  2. How can my carer be supported too?
  3. What are the wait times on services?
  4. What happens if my health or circumstances change?

3. Be upfront and completely honest with the assessment team

Downplaying problems helps no one. It’s important to make sure that you and your family are open and honest about what you can and can’t do when you meet with an assessment team for your support needs. 

• Imagine life without carers or support and how they would cope. That will help to understand the level of support that’s needed.
• Talk about every detail including mobility, diet, house cleanliness etc.
• Discuss your problems as if it’s on your worst day, not even an average day. This means that you’ll be approved for support that will help prevent those bad days altogether!

What Happens Next?

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 (only if you want it)

The ACAT 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.

Real-World Examples

Marie’s Story: Marie, 83, was hesitant about being assessed. Her daughter encouraged her to go through their GP. Today, Marie gets help with meals, laundry, and shopping — and has rediscovered her love of gardening.

Darren’s Story: After his father had a fall, Darren pushed for an ACAT assessment. It helped them access a cleaner, physio, and short-term respite care. Darren says, “I can breathe again. I know Dad’s safe, and I can actually rest.”

FAQs About Assessments

How long does the assessment take?

Usually about an hour. You can have someone with you.

Is an assessment the same as Support at Home?

No — the assessment helps determine what kinds of support you may need to stay at home safely and independently.

Do I have to get services after the assessment?

No. Getting assessed doesn't mean you have to use services right away.

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.