For most families, the aged care assessment is the single most important step in getting support. It decides whether someone is eligible and, for Support at Home, how much funding they receive. Yet many families walk into it with no idea what to expect, and walk out with a result that doesn’t match daily reality. Here’s the plain-language guide.
The Steps
It starts with registering with My Aged Care, online or on 1800 200 422. If you’re helping a parent, register as their supporter at the same time so you can deal with My Aged Care directly. An assessment organisation then contacts you to arrange a time.
Assessments usually happen at home, which is a good thing, since the assessor can see how the person manages in their own space. You can have a family member, friend or carer present, and a free interpreter if needed.
What the Assessor Asks About
Expect questions about everyday tasks like showering, dressing, cooking, cleaning and getting around, as well as health conditions, memory and thinking, falls, medications, mood, and who currently helps and how much. The assessor records the information in a standardised assessment tool, and that information is used to determine a classification and support plan.
Why Results Sometimes Miss the Mark
Many older people present their best selves to a stranger. They say “I manage fine” about the shower they haven’t had in a week, or forget to mention the falls. The assessment tool can only work with what it’s told, and concerns have been raised that it can under-assess people with memory problems, frailty or mental health conditions.
How to Prepare
Write down what a bad day looks like, not a good one, including falls, near misses, confusion, missed meals and medications. Have someone present who sees the daily reality and can gently add detail. Bring letters or reports from the GP or specialists. Make sure carers explain what they do and how sustainable it is. Our guide to preparing for a dementia care assessment has more detail that applies to most assessments.
After the Assessment
You’ll receive a decision and, for Support at Home, a classification and support plan. If you’re approved but there’s a wait for funding, ask about entry-level help through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme in the meantime.
If the result doesn’t reflect your parent’s needs, you have options. Ask for a reassessment if needs have changed, or ask for the decision to be reviewed. A new escalation pathway for exceptional cases has also passed Parliament, as we explained in our report on the new aged care law. The Older Persons Advocacy Network can help free of charge on 1800 700 600.
The Bottom Line
An aged care assessment usually happens at home, covers everyday tasks, health, memory, falls and carer support, and determines eligibility and funding. Prepare by describing bad days honestly, having someone present who knows the reality, and bringing medical evidence. If the result doesn’t match real needs, ask for a reassessment or review, and get free advocacy help. This is general information, not aged care or medical advice.
Epik Wire covers aged care in plain language for older Australians and their families. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed.
