If you’re starting to search for aged care or respite care for yourself or a loved one, you may have come across the term “ACAT Assessment”.
ACAT stands for The Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT), which assesses the needs of older people. It can then make recommendations for government-funded care and support including aged care homes, short-term or respite care options.
Who is eligible to apply?
To be eligible to apply for an ACAT assessment, you must be 65 years or older. That lowers to 50 years and older if you are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.
If you do not meet the above criteria, but feel you need care and assistance, you may still be eligible. If you’re living with a disability, dementia, have a low income or are at risk of becoming homeless, you can speak with My Aged Care to discuss your situation.
Do I apply in person or online?
You apply online via the My Aged Care government website. The whole application should only take you about 15 to 20 minutes to complete. You can complete it by yourself, have a family member or friend assist, or they can submit it on your behalf. If preferred, you can nominate them to act as your ongoing representative.
The online form covers all types of care and support available. This includes aged care, respite or short term care or help at home.
What types of questions will the online application include?
Eligibility is based on need. The first questions will look at your current situation and how you manage everyday tasks.
Ensure you have your medicare card on hand. You’ll also need to include some details and information about yourself. It’s important to note that if a family member is submitting the application on your behalf, they will also need to include their details and have their medicare card handy.
Finally, you’ll need to nominate who the assessor should contact to arrange your assessment. Is that yourself? Or maybe a family member or friend? It’s a good idea to have the best contact details ready to enter to complete the online form.
What happens next?
An assessor will be in touch within 2-6 weeks to arrange your ACAT assessment. But in the meantime, you can track your application online. Log into your My Aged Care Online account with mygov . You may also call free of charge to the My Aged Care Contact Centre on 1800 200 422.
From there, assessments are completed in person, at your own home or residence. Ensure you have your medicare and ID available, any doctor referrals and any questions or information about aged care services you might have. There’s no need to go through the process alone, and you may like to have a family member or friend there with you on the day.
Through the assessment, you’ll be asked about your needs and your assessor will work with you to develop your support plan and find services or aged care homes in your area.
Would you like to know more about Evergreen Life Care and the ACAT assessment?
At Evergreen Life Care, we are here to help. If you’d like to know more information about the ACAT assessment, our care options or to arrange a tour, contact our friendly team.
Don’t feel like you have to go through this process alone. Whether for yourself or a loved one, we can provide guidance and answer any questions you have about moving into care, or the available assessments.