Even if you’re familiar with government-funded care, there are several steps to confirm your eligibility and the level of help you can receive. Under Support at Home, you’ll first complete screening with My Aged Care and may then be referred for an aged care assessment to understand your needs and pathway to services.
The purpose
Your assessment is completed by an aged care needs assessor using the Integrated Assessment Tool (IAT). The goal is to determine the services and supports that help you live safely and independently at home. The assessor considers your strengths, areas where you need help, and works with you on a support plan that reflects your goals and preferred service types.
Getting ready
Start with My Aged Care. Register and complete screening online or by calling 1800 200 422; you can also be referred by your GP/hospital or book an Aged Care Specialist Officer (ACSO).
Bring a supporter if you like. You can register a family member/friend as a registered supporter through My Aged Care to help you through the process.
Think ahead about your care and goals. Your support plan will summarise needs, goals, recommended services, your funding classification and priority category, and any short-term pathways (Assistive Technology & Home Modifications, Restorative Care, End-of-Life).
Consider your contributions early. Participant contributions under Support at Home are assessed by Services Australia using your income/assets (for pensioners they use existing records; non-pensioners may need to complete a form). If you don’t complete an assessment, the maximum contribution rate applies. You can optionally complete the assessment before you sign with a provider; the result letter is valid for 120 days.
On the day of your assessment
You’ll discuss what you can manage independently, what’s becoming difficult, your health concerns, safety at home, and the goals you want to work toward. The assessor uses the IAT and develops a person-centred plan with you. Be honest about today and about what may soon become harder. This helps set the right level of support.
After the assessment
You’ll receive:
A Notice of Decision explaining eligibility and the approved services, classification level, and reasons for the decision, plus your review rights.
Your support plan (goals, recommendations, approved services, and if relevant - short-term pathways).
Waiting for funding
If you’re approved, you enter the Support at Home Priority System in one of four categories: urgent, high, medium, standard. Your wait time depends on this category and your date of approval. You’ll be set as seeking services (if you’re ready now) or not seeking services (if you’re not ready yet), and you’ll be notified by letter when funding is allocated.
If demand is high, you may receive interim funding called the Minimum Service Offer at 60% of your budget so essential services can start while you wait for the remainder. People with urgent priority and those approved for Restorative Care or End of Life pathways receive full funding immediately.
When talking to the assessor
To ensure you receive the right level of government support through your assessment:
Answer the questions your assessor asks honestly, particularly about your current situation and the challenges you face.
Think about the future in your answers and what you may need more help with as time goes on.
Know your rights. Your Notice of Decision includes review options. You can also speak with a free independent aged care advocate via the Aged Care Advocacy Line on 1800 700 600.
If you’d like to know more about how we can help you, get in touch with us at Five Good Friends.