For many older Australians and their families, the words “ACAT Assessment” can sound complicated or even intimidating. But in reality, it’s simply a conversation designed to help you get the right care and support for your needs.
If you’re applying for government-funded aged care through My Aged Care, your ACAT Assessment (Aged Care Assessment Team) is the first official step. Whether you’re looking for in-home assistance under the upcoming Support at Home Program or considering other long-term options, this assessment determines your eligibility and level of support.
This guide walks you through every step — from understanding what ACAT involves, to preparing your home, questions to ask, and what happens afterward — so you can approach it with confidence and peace of mind.
Understanding What an ACAT Assessment Is
ACAT stands for Aged Care Assessment Team, a government-funded service under My Aged Care that helps older people access the right level of support.
When you apply for aged care assistance, an ACAT assessor — usually a nurse, social worker, or allied health professional — will visit your home to evaluate:
- Your physical health and ability to manage daily activities
- Your emotional and cognitive wellbeing
- Your living environment and level of independence
- The type of support you need to continue living safely and comfortably
The assessment is free, and it’s not a test — it’s a friendly discussion aimed at understanding your life and identifying the right care options.
Under the Support at Home Program (commencing 1 November 2025), the ACAT Assessment remains the key gateway to access in-home care, respite, or residential support services.
Why You Need an ACAT Assessment
An ACAT assessment is required if you want to:
- Access government-funded in-home services under the Support at Home Program
- Receive short-term restorative care after a hospital stay or illness
- Apply for residential aged care when living at home becomes difficult
- Access respite services for carers and families
The main goal is to match your needs with the right kind of help, not to judge your independence. Think of it as a bridge connecting you to services that make daily life easier and safer.
How to Apply for an ACAT Assessment
Applying for an ACAT assessment is simple:
- Call My Aged Care at 1800 200 422
You’ll answer a few questions about your situation and health. - Apply online through the My Aged Care website using their eligibility checker.
- Ask your doctor or health professional to send a referral on your behalf.
Once submitted, you’ll be contacted to schedule an appointment. Wait times are usually two to six weeks, depending on your location.
What to Expect During the ACAT Visit
The ACAT assessor will usually come to your home. The visit takes around 60–90 minutes and focuses on understanding your day-to-day life.
Here’s what typically happens:
- The assessor will introduce themselves and explain the process.
- They’ll ask about your medical conditions, medications, and daily routines.
- They may observe how you move around your home, cook, or manage personal care.
- They’ll ask about your goals — what kind of help would make life easier or safer.
You can have a family member, friend, or carer present for support — and it’s highly recommended.
Preparing for Your ACAT Assessment
Preparation is key to feeling calm and in control. Here’s a practical step-by-step checklist to get ready.
Step 1: Create a Comfortable Setting
Since the assessment usually happens at home, choose a space that’s quiet, well-lit, and easy for you and the assessor to talk. Make sure it’s tidy but don’t stress — your home doesn’t need to look perfect. The goal is to give the assessor a realistic idea of your everyday environment.
Step 2: Invite a Support Person
It’s helpful to have a trusted person with you — a family member, friend, or neighbour — who understands your needs and can take notes, ask questions, or help explain anything you forget.
Sometimes older adults feel shy about speaking up; a support person can make sure your voice is heard.
Step 3: Gather Your Documents
Before the day, collect:
- Medicare card or number
- Photo ID (driver’s licence, passport, or DVA card)
- GP and specialist contact details
- List of medications
- Referral letters from your doctor (if you have any)
- Information about support you already receive, such as cleaning, meals, or help from family
Having everything ready will make the meeting smoother.
Step 4: Make a List of What’s Challenging
Think about what daily tasks are difficult for you. Write down specific examples such as:
- “I can no longer vacuum or mop because of my back pain.”
- “I get tired cooking meals and often skip dinner.”
- “I sometimes forget to take my medication.”
- “I don’t feel steady on stairs.”
The more honest and detailed you are, the better the assessor can match services to your needs.
Step 5: Identify Your Goals
This step is often overlooked — but it’s powerful. The assessor wants to know what matters most to you.
Ask yourself:
- Do I want to stay in my home as long as possible?
- Do I want to stay active and social?
- Am I hoping to reduce my carer’s workload?
- Do I want to feel safer when I move around?
Your answers help shape your future care plan.
Step 6: Prepare Questions to Ask
You have every right to ask questions during your ACAT assessment. Here are some good ones:
- What services are available in my area?
- How long will I wait before services start?
- Will I need to contribute financially?
- What happens if my health changes later?
- How can I update my plan or contact you again?
Having these written down helps you feel confident during the meeting.
Step 7: Stay Relaxed
An ACAT assessment isn’t a test — there’s no right or wrong answer. It’s okay to take your time answering questions or ask for clarification. The assessor’s role is to listen, not judge.
If you forget something during the interview, don’t worry — you can contact My Aged Care later to add information.
After the Assessment: What Happens Next
After your assessment, the ACAT team will review your information and send you two key letters:
- Approval Letter: confirms which types of care you are eligible for (e.g. home support, respite, residential care).
- Assignment Letter: arrives later, once your funding becomes available. This means you can now start choosing a care provider.
This waiting period varies depending on demand, but during this time, you can start researching providers that match your budget, location, and preferences.
If You Disagree with the Outcome
If you feel your assessment result doesn’t reflect your actual needs:
- Contact your ACAT assessor or My Aged Care to discuss it.
- Request a reassessment if your condition has changed.
- Lodge a formal review with the Department of Health within 28 days.
If you’re still unsatisfied after review, you can escalate the case to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT).
Understanding the Support at Home Program (from 1 November 2025)
Once your ACAT Assessment is complete, you’ll be ready for the next stage — accessing government-funded services through the Support at Home Program.
This program replaces the old Home Care Packages (HCP) and CHSP systems, simplifying the process. Instead of multiple package levels, you’ll receive a personalised budget based on your ACAT assessment results.
You can use this budget for:
- Personal care and domestic assistance
- Allied health and therapy services
- Home modifications and safety equipment
- Transport and social participation
- Respite or short-term support after hospital discharge
This flexibility means your care plan can evolve with your needs, helping you stay at home longer and live more comfortably.
Common Concerns and Reassurances
“Will I have to move into aged care?”
No. Most ACAT assessments focus on helping you stay at home safely for as long as possible.
“What if I’m nervous?”
That’s completely normal. The assessor is there to help, not to criticise.
“Can my family speak for me?”
Yes, especially if you find it difficult to communicate everything yourself.
“What if my needs change later?”
You can always request a reassessment.
How Families Can Help
Family involvement is one of the best ways to ensure the assessment runs smoothly. Encourage your loved one to speak openly about their struggles, and remind them that needing help is not a weakness — it’s about maintaining independence safely.
Families can:
- Attend the assessment to support communication
- Help prepare documents and notes
- Ask questions on behalf of their loved one
- Stay involved in care planning discussions
Together, you can make the process more positive and less overwhelming.
Planning Ahead with Confidence
Even if you haven’t applied yet, it’s a great idea to learn about the ACAT process early. Understanding how assessments work gives you control and peace of mind.
You can start by:
- Visiting My Aged Care online
- Keeping medical records and notes up to date
- Discussing care preferences as a family
- Contacting a care finding service like SSCA for free guidance
How SSCA Helps Families After an ACAT Assessment
Once your ACAT approval arrives, the next step is choosing the right care provider — and that’s where Support Services Connect Australia (SSCA) can help.
With more than 25 years of experience in the Australian aged care sector, SSCA offers a free care finding service to help older Australians and their families in Melbourne navigate their options.
Our team understands how confusing it can be to compare providers, budgets, and services. We help families:
- Understand their ACAT results and available funding
- Compare local aged care providers
- Match with services that meet their needs and preferences
- Connect quickly and confidently with reliable support
The service is 100% free and obligation-free — our goal is simply to make your aged care journey easier.
Final Thoughts
Your ACAT assessment is not something to fear — it’s the beginning of a path toward greater comfort, safety, and independence.
By preparing thoughtfully and knowing what to expect, you can make the most of the experience. And when you’re ready to choose your provider, SSCA’s free care finding service will be there to help you every step of the way.