Finding out you or a loved one needs an aged care assessment can bring up a lot of questions. What will they ask? What should you say? Is there a “wrong” answer? If you’ve recently completed your My Aged Care registration, or you’re getting ready to, it’s completely normal to feel a little uncertain about what comes next.
The good news is that preparing for a My Aged Care assessment doesn’t need to be complicated. With a little planning, you can walk into your assessment feeling calm, clear and ready to talk about what matters most to you. This guide will walk you through what to expect and how to prepare for an aged care assessment, so you can approach it with confidence rather than worry.
Quick recap: what is a My Aged Care assessment?
Registering for My Aged Care is free, whether you do it online through the website or by calling the My Aged Care phone number on 1800 200 422. Once you’ve registered, you’ll usually be contacted to arrange your My Aged Care assessment.
You may also hear this referred to as an ACAT assessment, an older term for the Aged Care Assessment Team. These days, assessments are delivered nationally through the Single Assessment System, but the purpose remains the same: to understand your needs and determine which government-funded services you may be eligible for.
Your My Aged Care assessor will speak with you about your health, your home, your daily routine and your goals. Depending on your circumstances, this might lead to a Home Care Package assessment, support through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme, or a referral for other Support at Home services. It’s important to remember there’s no pass or fail here. The assessment is simply a conversation designed to understand your life and match you with the right level of care.
Why preparing matters
An aged care assessment usually only happens once every so often, so it’s worth taking the time to prepare properly. Assessors ask thoughtful questions, but they can only work with the information you share with them. If something is left unsaid, whether because it slipped your mind on the day or felt too small to mention, it can be harder to access the right support later on.
Taking a little time beforehand to think about your everyday life, your health and your goals can make a real difference to the outcome of your assessment, and ultimately to your quality of life at home.
Make a list of the everyday tasks you find difficult
One of the most useful things you can do before your assessment is sit down and honestly think through your day-to-day routine. Try to note down anything you’re finding harder to manage on your own, including:
- Changing bed linen
- Vacuuming, mopping or other household cleaning
- Grocery shopping
- Transport to appointments or social outings
- Meal preparation
- Managing laundry
- Carrying heavy items, such as shopping bags
- Showering or personal care
- Getting dressed
- Moving safely around your home
- Climbing stairs
- Pain in your back, hips, knees or other joints that affects daily activities
- Memory or cognitive concerns
- Continence issues or managing incontinence products
You don’t need to have a perfect list. Even a few notes jotted down in the days before your appointment can help you remember details on the day, and give your assessor a clearer, more complete picture of your needs.
Gather the right information
Before your My Aged Care application moves to assessment, it’s worth having some key documents and details on hand. Having these ready can help the conversation flow more naturally and means you’re less likely to be caught off guard by a question. Consider preparing:
- Your Medicare card
- A list of your current medications
- Details of any medical conditions or diagnoses
- Information about support services you already receive, whether from family, friends or a provider
- Contact details for your GP
- Any questions you’d like to ask your assessor
If you’d find it useful, Elder Folks also has a free Guide to Getting an Aged Care Assessment, which walks through what to expect before, during and after your appointment.
Think about your goals, not just your challenges
It’s easy to focus purely on the things you’re struggling with, but your assessment is also a chance to talk about what matters to you. Do you want to stay connected to your community? Keep gardening? Continue living independently at home for as long as possible? Sharing your goals, not just your challenges, helps your assessor understand the full picture and recommend support that genuinely supports the life you want to live.
This is also a good time to mention if you’ve noticed changes to your memory, mood or mobility, even if they feel minor. Being open and honest, without judgement, helps ensure your assessment reflects your real, everyday circumstances.
Consider having someone with you
Assessments can bring up a lot of information at once, and it’s easy to forget details or questions once the appointment is underway. If possible, ask a trusted family member, friend or carer to be with you. They can help you remember important points, ask questions on your behalf and provide additional context about your daily life, always with your permission.
Most assessments take place in your home, where your assessor can see your living environment and get a genuine sense of your day-to-day routine. Assessments can also be completed by telehealth, over the phone, or at another suitable location if that works better for you.
What happens after your assessment?
Once your assessment is complete, you’ll receive an outcome that outlines the government-funded services you may be eligible for. Depending on your needs, this could include support through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme, a Home Care Package, or other Support at Home services. You’ll also be given information about your next steps, including how to connect with approved providers.
Every person’s path through the aged care system looks a little different, and that’s exactly why the assessment process exists: to make sure the support you receive is tailored to you, not a one-size-fits-all approach.
Read our guides on CHSP and Support at Home to learn more.
Getting extra support along the way
For some older Australians, additional support such as occupational therapy can play a valuable role, both before and after an assessment. An occupational therapist can help identify practical changes at home, from small modifications to equipment recommendations, that make daily tasks safer and easier. This kind of support can complement your aged care assessment and contribute to a better quality of life at home over the long term.
Know that you don’t have to navigate this alone
Preparing for a My Aged Care assessment can feel like one more thing on an already long list, especially if you’re also caring for a loved one or managing your own health. At Elder Folks, we understand how overwhelming the aged care system can feel, and we’re here to walk alongside you.
Whether you’re just starting to explore your My Aged Care eligibility, preparing for your upcoming assessment, or trying to understand what happens next, our team is here to help. Contact Elder Folks today, and let’s take the next step together – at a pace that feels right for you.
