Single Assessment System – How are aged care assessments changing?

The landscape of aged care in Australia is evolving with the introduction of the Single Assessment System (SAS), set to launch on 9 December 2024. This transformation follows the rollout of the Integrated Assessment Tool (IAT) in July and aims to improve the efficiency of home care assessments.

With the SAS workforce stepping in, the process for accessing government-funded in-home care will become more streamlined and standardised.

It’s important to note that current Home Care Package recipients awaiting re-assessment will not be impacted by these changes.

What is the Single Assessment System?

The SAS is designed to simplify aged care assessments by creating a unified pathway for all government-funded in-home care programs. This system replaces the existing ACAT and RAS frameworks, offering a more efficient and user-friendly experience.

What are the benefits of the Single Assessment System?

The SAS introduces several significant improvements over the former ACAT system, including:

  • Simplicity: Designed to be easier to navigate than the ACAT system
  • No repetition: Clients will only need to share their story once, removing repetitive questioning
  • Adaptability: Flexible enough to accommodate changing care needs without switching providers
  • Accessibility: Available in regional, rural, and remote areas, ensuring equitable access
  • Efficiency: Shorter wait times for assessments and quicker support

 

What does this mean for ACAT and RAS assessments?

The SAS is built to provide end-to-end support, covering both home support assessments (for the Commonwealth Home Support Program) and comprehensive assessments (for Home Care Packages). This means it will be used wherever possible instead of ACAT and RAS assessments.

What are the changes to assessments?

The introduction of the SAS will bring flexibility to how and where assessments are conducted. Key updates include:

  • Customised options: Assessments can be completed in-person, at home, or in a hospital setting
  • Continuity of care: You’ll be supported by the same organisation throughout the process, even as your care needs evolve
  • Streamlined reassessments: If reassessment is required, a new organisation may complete your first reassessment. However, all future reassessments will remain with the provider that completed your first assessment

Trilogy Care will guide you through the process

Navigating these changes can feel overwhelming, but Trilogy Care is here to help. We provide clear guidance and support to ensure you transition seamlessly into the Single Assessment System. If you have any questions about the SAS or concerns about the assessment process, our team is available to assist.

Learn more about the SAS on the Department of Health and Aged Care’s website, or contact us directly by calling 1300 459 190. You can also connect with us through our online contact form.

Diet tips for care recipients

diet tips care recipients

As we grow older, maintaining a healthy and well-rounded diet becomes even more essential. At Trilogy Care, we understand that various factors can influence your ability to maintain good eating habits. In our role of supporting you as our care recipients, we’ve prepared some simple nutrition tips to help you stay healthy.

Dietary guidelines

A great starting point for a healthy diet is following the Australian Dietary Guidelines:

  • Enjoy a variety of foods from the five food groups
  • Drink plenty of water—aim for eight cups daily
  • Limit foods high in saturated fats
  • Choose foods with mostly polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats
  • Reduce foods and drinks with added salt and sugar
  • Minimise alcohol intake
  • Keep ‘extras’ or ‘sometimes foods’ to a minimum
  • Stay physically active

Why a healthy diet matters

Age-related health changes can make it harder to eat or enjoy meals. However, providing your body with essential vitamins, minerals, and fibre is vital for staying strong and energetic.

More than 65% of adults over 50 are affected by bone health issues like osteoporosis or osteopenia, according to Nutrition Australia. Ensuring adequate calcium intake is especially important to maintain healthy bones.

Other health issues related to diet

Good nutrition can help reduce or manage various health conditions, including those listed below:

  • Arthritis: Managing your weight and including fish oil in your diet can help alleviate symptoms
  • Vitamin D deficiency: Vitamin D supports bone health. If sun exposure is limited, foods like milk, sardines, tuna, yoghurt, and cheese can help
  • Constipation: Fibre-rich foods, such as fruits, beans, lentils, wholemeal bread, and wholegrain cereals, promote regularity
  • Calcium deficiency: Dairy products like milk, cheese, and yoghurt, along with canned salmon, are excellent sources of calcium
  • Teeth problems: If chewing is difficult, opt for soft foods like fish, eggs, cheese, and soft fruits

Healthy diet examples

Everyone’s nutritional needs are different, but here are some general recommendations:

  • Meat and/or protein: 3 to 4 serves daily
  • Vegetables: 5 cups daily
  • Fruit: 2 serves daily
  • Dairy: 3 to 4 serves daily
  • Grains (bread, pasta, rice, potatoes): 3 to 5 serves daily

A daily diet might include:

  • Breakfast: Cereal or muesli with milk or yoghurt, eggs on toast, or a smoothie
  • Lunch: A sandwich with protein, a salad with protein, or soup with cheese and crackers
  • Dinner: Meals such as fish with pasta, stir-fry, soup, wraps, risotto, lamb and potatoes, chicken casserole, or spaghetti

Can Trilogy Care help me improve my diet?

If you’re looking to improve your diet, Trilogy Care can connect you with dietitians and nutritionists, arrange transport for grocery shopping, and provide access to meal services. Our partnership with Plena Healthcare means you can access allied health services, including dieticians, with a discount.

Additionally, we partner with Cookaborough, which offers meals from over 150 high-quality food provider services across Australia. Their program is designed specifically for Home Care Package recipients, providing a convenient way to enjoy ready-made, nutritious meals.

By partnering with Trilogy Care, you can take simple steps toward better nutrition and healthier living. Connect with us today on 1300 459 190 or visit our website.