To prepare for an aged care assessment in Australia, gather your identification and relevant information, note where you need help, and write down your goals and questions. You can also arrange for someone you trust to be with you.

The assessment helps identify your care needs and eligibility for government-funded aged care services. Most assessments take place where you live. Confirm the appointment details with your assessment organisation and explain any communication or access needs beforehand.

What the assessment covers

An aged care assessment considers how you manage daily life, what support you already receive and what matters to you. A trained assessor uses the Integrated Assessment Tool to gather information about your circumstances.

The discussion can cover:

• Physical health, medical conditions and wellbeing.
• Thinking, memory and communication.
• Everyday activities, including tasks around the home.
• Home and personal safety.
• Help from family, carers and existing services.
• Your preferences, relationships and community or cultural activities.

Prepare a few examples from an ordinary week. Describe what you can do independently, what takes extra effort and where another person helps.

For example, rather than simply saying shopping is difficult, explain whether transport, carrying bags or moving around the supermarket is the problem. Include how often you need help and whether that help is reliably available.

Write down goals in your own words. These might include preparing meals safely, getting to appointments or continuing a community activity.

Before the assessment begins, the assessor will seek your agreement. They may also ask permission to speak with people who support you or your health professionals. Ask them to explain unfamiliar questions and correct any information that has been misunderstood.

Documents to bring

Because the assessment usually happens at home, think of this as information to have ready in one place. Check whether your assessment organisation has requested anything specific.

My Aged Care’s preparation guidance lists the following:

Alongside these documents, keep your own notes about daily difficulties, recent changes and questions. A short list can make it easier to remember what you wanted to explain.

If something requested is unavailable, contact the assessment organisation and ask what to do. Check what is needed before paying for new reports or collecting additional paperwork.

You can have a family member, friend, carer or registered supporter with you. Tell them which issues you would like help discussing while making space for your own preferences.

If you need an interpreter, request one in advance. You can also ask about culturally appropriate support, including Elder Care Support for older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Financial information may involve a separate process. For example, Support at Home contributions can require an income and assets assessment, depending on information already held by Services Australia or DVA. Ask which financial steps apply to you and what documents they require.

Questions to ask

Prepare questions that connect the assessment with your everyday priorities. You do not need to cover everything at once; highlight the matters you most want explained.

Useful questions include:

• What support could help me achieve the goals we discussed?
• Have we recorded all the help I currently receive, including whether it can continue?
• What services are available locally?
• What happens between approval and services starting?
• What support could be available for my carer?
• Can my language, cultural or other service preferences be included?
• Who should I contact if I remember something important afterwards?
• What should I do if my needs change while I am waiting?
• Where can I get information about contributions and provider charges?

If Support at Home is discussed, ask what any classification and priority decision will mean for your next steps. Approval, funding allocation and arranging a provider are separate stages.

Before the appointment finishes, ask the assessor to explain what happens next and how you will receive the outcome. Keep their organisation’s contact details with your notes.

After the assessment

You will receive an assessment outcome letter, sometimes called a Notice of Decision. If you are eligible for services, you will also receive a support plan outlining the support available to you.

Read these documents carefully, with help if you want it. Check that the recorded goals, circumstances and approved services reflect what was discussed. Keep a copy somewhere accessible.

Your next steps depend on the program or services approved. You may receive referral information to share with a chosen provider. Ask whether you are waiting for an outcome, a funding allocation or a service to become available.

For ongoing Support at Home, eligible people may need to wait for funding allocation. Once funding is allocated, there are time limits for arranging an agreement and starting services. Read the allocation letter promptly and ask My Aged Care about the deadline and any available extension.

If you disagree with the assessment decision, contact the assessment organisation and read the review instructions in your letter. My Aged Care states that an internal review must be requested within 28 days of receiving the outcome letter. Keep a copy of anything you submit.

If your needs change, contact My Aged Care or your provider to discuss a support plan review or reassessment. Explain the changes rather than assuming your original information has been updated.

You can check assessment progress and documents through your My Aged Care Online Account, or call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422.

Conclusion

Preparing for an aged care assessment means making your daily situation, goals and support needs easier to explain. Gather the requested documents, note practical examples and arrange support with the conversation if you want it.

Afterwards, read the outcome and support plan, clarify the next steps and keep track of any deadlines. Let My Aged Care know if your circumstances change.

FAQs

Is an aged care assessment free?

Yes. The aged care assessment is free. Services you later receive may involve fees or contributions, so ask about costs before agreeing to care arrangements.

Do I need a GP referral to apply?

You can apply directly through My Aged Care online, by phone or with help from an Aged Care Specialist Officer. A health professional can also refer you with your consent. If your GP has already provided a referral, have a copy ready for the assessment.

Sources

• My Aged Care: Preparing for your assessment — Documents, support people, interpreters and questions to prepare.
• My Aged Care: How the assessment process works — Assessment topics, consent, the Integrated Assessment Tool and support planning.
• My Aged Care: Receiving your assessment outcome — Outcome letters, next steps, review requests and changes in care needs.
• Department of Health, Disability and Ageing: How the Support at Home program works — Funding allocation and the steps before services begin.
• My Aged Care: Income and assets assessments for Support at Home — Financial assessment arrangements for participant contributions.
• My Aged Care: Frequently asked questions — Confirmation that the assessment is free.
• My Aged Care: How to apply for an assessment — Application options, including applying directly and getting assistance.