If you’re just starting out on your aged care journey, then this section is for you.
Here we aim to answer all your questions and help guide you through the government aged care process.
If you would prefer to meet in person, get in touch to request an appointment.
Before you can receive Home Care, move into a Residential Aged Care community or access Respite Care, you’ll need to apply for what’s known as an ACAT assessment.
This is arranged by My Aged Care, an online and phone information service run by the Australian Government.
The first step to access government-funded aged care services is to call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422. The My Aged Care team will talk with you about your needs and circumstances. The call takes at least 10 minutes, so make sure you have a little time to spare.
You will be asked about:
If they think My Aged Care services can help, they’ll refer you for a face-to-face assessment. The assessor will contact you within three weeks to arrange a time.
A family member, friend, or carer can be with you during the call. With your permission, they can also talk on your behalf.
After your call to My Aged Care, you may be referred for a face-to-face assessment to better understand your needs. Assessments are done in person, at your own home. The assessor will call you to arrange a time to visit.
There are two types of assessments that work out a persons’s needs and the types of care they are eligible for.
A home support assessment with a Regional Assessment Service (RAS)
If it sounds like you need basic support to stay independent at home, you may be referred for a home support assessment with your local Regional Assessment Service. This type of support is provided through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme.
A comprehensive assessment with an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT)
If it sounds like you have higher care needs, a comprehensive assessment with an ACAT assessor will be recommended. The types of care an ACAT can assess you for include Support at Home services, short-term Respite Care and Residential Aged Care.
For any face-to-face assessment, you should:
Before starting, your assessor will ask if you agree to have the assessment. They may also ask for your permission to talk to people who support you, such as family or your carer. The assessor will have a copy of the information you gave to My Aged Care. This gives them an idea of what support you might need to help you return to, or keep the level of independence needed to manage your day-to-day life.
They’ll also ask about:
The assessment also provides a good opportunity for you to ask the ACAT assessor about aged care services in your local area – including what services are available to support you and your carer, who provides them, and how much they cost.
It’s a good idea to have a family member, carer or friend with you during your assessment, so they can support you and clarify things you may not understand.
My Aged Care will write to you after your ACAT assessment to let you know the outcome. What happens next will depend on the type of aged care support you need.
If your assessment shows you need Residential Aged Care, you’ll receive an approval letter and support plan outlining the care you’re eligible to receive. Your support plan will include a unique referral code that you’ll need to give to your Residential Aged Care home.
If you’re not approved for Residential Aged Care, your letter will explain why and outline what other aged care services you’re eligible to receive.
If you’re eligible for Home Care services, your letter will outline what funding and services you’re approved to receive. Eight levels of support are offered through the Support at Home program, with Level 8 providing up to $78,000 annually.
If you’re approved, you’ll join the national queue or waitlist. My Aged Care will write to you with your unique referral code when the funding becomes available. You’ll then have 56 days to choose your aged care service provider and enter a Home Care Agreement.
There are a few options you can explore to get help earlier.
Interim funding
You may be able to get help sooner by choosing to receiving an interim allocation (60%) of your Support at Home budget, while you wait to receive your full funding.
Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP)
Another option is to seek help through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme. If you need Home Care services while you’re on the waitlist, you can use the CHSP to pay for them. The CHSP is designed to give you immediate access to basic services, such as:
If you haven’t already, contact us to discuss your aged care needs and find out how we can help.
If you’re interested in choosing us for some or all of your aged care services, we’ll work with you to find the right Residential Aged Care community or Home Care services for your needs.
Here at UnitingSA, we offer lifestyle choices, companionship and care for every stage of your ageing journey. Explore our services below.
Retirement is a time to do more of what you love, while maintaining your Independence.
Retirement CommunitiesAccess extra support so you can continue to do the things you love from your own home.
Home CareShare in meaningful daily experiences with others your age in one of our welcoming communities.
Permanent and Respite“I would still be on the streets if it wasn’t for the support of UnitingSA. It means the world to me to have a house for my whole family and to be able to tuck my children in at night.”
William,
Received support from UnitingSA Homelessness Services
