Blog

For many older Australians and their families, an aged care assessment is the first major step towards accessing government-funded support.

It can also feel a little overwhelming.

You may have heard terms like ACAT, My Aged Care or the Single Assessment System and wondered what they all mean. The good news is that the assessment process is designed to help identify the support a person needs — not to catch anyone out or make life more difficult.

Understanding what to expect can help you feel more confident and prepared when the time comes.

What Is an Aged Care Assessment?

Many people still refer to an aged care assessment as an “ACAT assessment” — ACAT standing for Aged Care Assessment Team, a term used across Australia for many years.

Since 9 December 2024, the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) and Regional Assessment Service (RAS) have been replaced by a unified national system called the Single Assessment System. Everything is now coordinated through My Aged Care, and one workforce handles assessments regardless of the level of care you need.

The purpose of the assessment remains the same: to determine whether a person is eligible for government-funded aged care services and what level of support may be appropriate.

Depending on a person’s circumstances, this could include support at home, respite care, residential aged care or other aged care services.

Most importantly, the assessment is not a test. It is simply a conversation about daily living, health and support needs.

When Might Someone Need an Assessment?

An aged care assessment is often recommended when everyday tasks start becoming more difficult.

This might happen because of age, illness, reduced mobility, memory concerns or a change in health.

Families often seek an assessment when they notice a loved one struggling with household tasks, personal care, meal preparation or getting to appointments.

In some cases, the assessment is also the first step when considering a move into residential aged care.

How to Get Started

To request an aged care assessment, contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 (free call) or visit myagedcare.gov.au. The initial call is free and typically takes 15 to 20 minutes.

Following your referral, a member of the assessment team will contact you within two weeks to determine what type of assessment is required before an assessor is assigned.

What Happens During the Assessment?

Under the Single Assessment System, there are two main types of assessment:

Home support assessment — for people with lower-level needs who may benefit from some help at home

Comprehensive assessment — for people with higher-level or more complex needs, including those considering residential aged care

Both types of assessment use a standardised national tool to ensure assessments are consistent across Australia. Assessors look at a broad range of areas including physical health, cognition, emotional wellbeing, daily living activities, home environment, social circumstances and carer capacity.

Most assessments are conducted in the person’s home, though some may take place by phone or through other arrangements when appropriate. The visit typically takes between one and three hours.

During the assessment, a qualified professional such as a nurse, social worker or allied health practitioner will ask questions about daily life and current support needs.

Topics may include:

• Personal care and hygiene
• Mobility and safety around the home
• Memory and cognitive health
• Medical conditions
• Current support from family members or carers
• The home environment

The assessor may also observe how certain tasks are completed to gain a better understanding of the person’s circumstances.

The goal is to build an accurate picture of everyday life so appropriate support can be recommended.

What Are the Possible Outcomes?

Following the assessment, recommendations are made regarding the types of aged care services a person may be eligible to receive.

Depending on individual circumstances, this may include:

• Support at Home services (which replaced Home Care Packages from 1 November 2025)
• Respite care
• Short-term care programs
• Residential aged care

If approved, you’ll receive an outcome letter and a support plan explaining what you are approved for and the next steps involved.

How Long Does the Process Take?

From the time you first contact My Aged Care to receiving your written outcome, expect the process to take approximately two to six weeks in most cases. Urgent assessments — for example, following a hospital discharge or where there are immediate safety concerns — can often be arranged within days.

Once approved, how quickly services begin will depend on the type of support approved and availability in your area. Waiting periods for some services, particularly home support, can be significant (see Common Misunderstandings below).

How to Prepare for an Aged Care Assessment

A little preparation can make the process smoother and help ensure the assessor receives an accurate picture of daily life.

Be Honest About Current Challenges

One of the most common mistakes people make is downplaying their difficulties.

Many older Australians are independent by nature and don’t like admitting they need help. However, the assessment can only be based on the information provided.

Being honest about challenges with mobility, personal care, household tasks or memory concerns can help ensure the right level of support is recommended.

Think About Typical Difficult Days

When answering questions, it can help to think about an average day or even a difficult day rather than focusing on your very best day.

Support needs are usually based on what assistance is required most of the time, not on occasional good days.

Have Important Information Available

Before the assessment, it can be useful to gather:

• Current medications
• Medical information and diagnoses
• Details of existing support services
• Emergency contact information

Having this information readily available can save time and help avoid important details being overlooked.

Consider Having Someone With You

Many people find it helpful to have a family member, friend or carer present during the assessment.

They may be able to provide additional information, clarify concerns or help explain challenges that may not immediately come to mind during the conversation.

Write Down Questions

It’s easy to forget questions during an assessment.

Consider writing down anything you’d like clarified beforehand, such as waiting times, available services or what happens after approval.

What Happens After the Assessment?

Once the assessment is complete, you’ll receive an outcome letter and support plan explaining what you have been approved for.

The next steps will depend on the outcome and the level of support required. In some cases, you’ll also need to choose a provider to deliver approved services.

It’s important to understand that approval for support does not always mean services will begin immediately.

Common Misunderstandings

Waiting times can be significant

One of the biggest surprises for many families is how long the aged care process can take.

As of early 2026, wait times for some home support services have grown considerably. Waiting periods are most pronounced for higher levels of ongoing support at home. Being informed about this early can help set realistic expectations and prompt families to plan ahead rather than waiting until a crisis occurs.

Approval is not the same as receiving services

Another common misunderstanding is assuming the assessment automatically results in immediate assistance. While approval is an important step, service availability and funding arrangements can affect when support actually begins.

Home Care Packages no longer exist for new entrants

From 1 November 2025, the Support at Home program replaced Home Care Packages under the new Aged Care Act. People entering the system now are assessed and funded under Support at Home, which uses eight classification levels rather than the previous four package levels. If you were already receiving a Home Care Package before this date, you will have been transitioned across to the new system.

Final Thoughts

An aged care assessment is not something to fear.

Its purpose is to identify the support a person needs and help connect them with appropriate services.

The more open and prepared you are during the assessment, the easier it is for assessors to understand your circumstances and recommend suitable support.

If you or a loved one are preparing for an aged care assessment, taking the time to understand the process beforehand can make the experience far less stressful and help you feel more confident about the next steps.

If you need help navigating the aged care system or understanding your options, the team at JNJ Community is here to help guide you through the process.

References

• My Aged Care – Assessment Process
• Australian Government – About the Single Assessment System
• Australian Government – Support at Home Program
• Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission

Disclaimer

This article is provided for general information only and should not be considered legal, financial, medical or aged care advice. Assessment processes, eligibility requirements and government programs may change over time. Please refer to official government resources or seek professional advice regarding your individual circumstances.