What happens during an aged care assessment for Support at Home?

When you are considering Support at Home, you will likely have plenty of questions, and one of the first is often how the assessment process works.

Before you can access government-funded Support at Home services, you need to complete an aged care assessment arranged through My Aged Care.

This assessment helps determine your care needs and what level of support may help you remain living safely and independently at home. If you are eligible, the outcome of the assessment may lead to services being approved under the Support at Home program.

Although it may sound formal, the assessment is designed to be a supportive conversation focused on understanding your health, daily needs and personal goals.

How do I arrange an aged care assessment for Support at Home?

To arrange an aged care assessment for Support at Home services, you need to contact My Aged Care.

There are several ways to request an assessment:

• Apply online through the My Aged Care website (make sure you have your Medicare card with you)

• Call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422, where staff can help you complete the application over the phone

• Book a face-to-face appointment with an Aged Care Specialist Officer at selected Services Australia centres

Once your request is submitted, My Aged Care will review your information and refer you to an assessment organisation. An assessor will then contact you to arrange a suitable time to complete your aged care assessment.  

Anyone can request an assessment themselves, and a referral from a doctor is not required. Family members, carers or health professionals can also help arrange the assessment if needed.

Where does the aged care assessment take place?       

In most cases, the aged care assessment takes place in your home. This allows the assessor to better understand your living arrangements and how you manage everyday activities.

You can choose to have a family member, carer, or trusted person present during the assessment if you would like support during the conversation.

Before the assessment begins, your assessor will ask for your consent to proceed. They may also ask if they can speak with people who support you, such as family members, carers or health professionals involved in your care.

What questions are asked during the aged care assessment?

During your aged care assessment for Support at Home services, the assessor will talk with you in more detail about your current circumstances and what support may help you maintain independence at home.

This discussion may include questions about:

• Your health and any concerns you may have

• The support you currently receive and whether it will continue

• Your lifestyle and daily routine

• Your involvement in family, community or cultural activities

• Any concerns about memory or cognitive health

• Your safety at home and in daily activities

This may also include a discussion about how you are managing daily tasks and activities around the home.

The information gathered during this conversation helps the assessor understand your needs and recommend the types of support that may best suit your situation.

What is a support plan?

After gathering this information, the assessor will work with you to develop a support plan.

Your support plan records what was discussed and agreed during the assessment, including:

• Your strengths

• Areas where you may need support

• Your goals

• What you would like to achieve

• Your preferences for services

The support plan outlines the types of care and services that may help you remain living independently at home. It may also include supports designed to help you regain confidence and maintain your ability to complete daily activities.

What happens after the aged care assessment?

After the assessment is completed, the assessor will review the information gathered.

You will then receive a Notice of Decision letter, which outlines the outcome of your assessment and confirms whether you are eligible for government-funded aged care services.

You will also receive a copy of your support plan, which summarises the supports discussed during the assessment. This information is usually provided shortly after the assessment by post or email, and you can also view your support plan by logging into your My Aged Care online account.

If you are approved for Support at Home services, the next step is choosing a provider to help deliver the services outlined in your plan.

If you have questions about the aged care assessment process, understanding your support plan or what happens next, our team is here to help. Contact Trilogy Care on 1300 459 190 or email [email protected] for clear advice and friendly support.