What is a Home Care Package ACAT assessment?
13 Dec 2023

When you start looking at home care packages and how they help elderly Australians, you may start wondering ‘What is an ACAT assessment?’. There is a lot to know about the purpose of an ACAT assessment, what it involves, how to organise one, and how you can prepare. Read on to find out everything you need to know about ACAT assessments.
Back to Knowledge HubWhat is an ACAT assessment?
An ACAT assessment is conducted by the Aged Care Assessment Team on eligible senior Australians to determine whether, and at what level and priority, senior Australians require subsidised aged care services. This is a comprehensive assessment of a person’s situation, lifestyle, and health, to identify where they need help with daily tasks, and to recommend which services will meet those care needs. This assessment whether you are suitable to receive a home care package, or if a nursing home or retirement home is more suitable. During the COVID-19 pandemic, most ACAT assessments are conducted over the phone or through video.Why do I need an ACAT assessment?
An ACAT assessment is required to gain a comprehensive understanding of your situation, lifestyle, and health. An ACAT assessment is required as home care package funds can only be used to meet a person’s genuine care needs. The result of your ACAT assessment will be a factor in your placement within the National Priority System. This is the first step in the process of getting a home care package.What does an ACAT assessment involve?
An ACAT assessment involves a comprehensive assessment of your situation, lifestyle, and health, to determine your care needs. Your assessor will first ask you if you agree to have the assessment conducted, and will ask you to fill out an official application form. Your assessor will then ask you a range of questions about your needs and day-to-day life. This will involve questions about:- What support services you already use
- Your health, safety and lifestyle concerns
- How much assistance you need with day-to-day tasks
- If you have issues with your memory
- Family, social, and community activities
- Advice from your GP and health professionals
Questions to ask your ACAT assessor
Make sure you also have some questions prepared to ask your assessor. Make sure you get a full understanding of what services are available to help you in your unique situation. Some example questions are:- What services are available in my area?
- What are the waiting times for these services?
- What services will help me reach my lifestyle goals?
- What services can my carer access?
- What services meet my religious and cultural needs?
Who is eligible for an ACAT assessment?
To be eligible to receive subsidised aged care services, you must be:- 65 years or older
- 50 years or older (for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people)
- 50 years or older, and homeless, at risk of being homeless, or on a low income
- 45 years or older, and homeless, at risk of being homeless, or on a low income (for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people)