If your parent has been referred for an aged care assessment, you might be feeling nervous about what's involved. Will it feel like an exam? Will they ask intrusive questions? What if your parent downplays their needs (which many elderly people do)?
The assessment is one of the most important steps in accessing government-funded home care — it determines what level of support your loved one is eligible for. But it doesn't need to be stressful. Understanding what to expect and how to prepare makes the whole experience smoother for everyone.
A note on terminology: you may see references to "ACAT assessment" (Aged Care Assessment Team) or "ACAS" (Aged Care Assessment Service, as it's known in Victoria). Under the current system, the assessment uses the Integrated Assessment Tool as part of the Single Assessment System. The process is similar regardless of what it's called — and this guide covers everything you need to know.
The comprehensive assessment determines your parent's care needs and assigns them a classification under the Support at Home program. The eight classifications range from minimal support needs through to intensive care needs. Your parent's classification determines how much government funding they'll receive for home care services.
The assessment is not a test to pass or fail. It's a conversation designed to understand what your parent needs to live safely and comfortably at home. The more accurate the picture, the better the outcome — so honesty is the most important thing.
The process starts with My Aged Care. You can register your parent by calling 1800 200 422 or online at myagedcare.gov.au. Their GP can also lodge a referral directly through an electronic referral system.
After registration, My Aged Care will conduct an initial screening over the phone. If your parent's needs indicate they may benefit from the Support at Home program, they'll be referred for a comprehensive in-home assessment.
The average time from application to assessment is approximately 22 days, though it can vary. If your parent's situation is urgent — after a hospital discharge or a serious fall — let My Aged Care know and request prioritisation.
Good preparation makes a real difference to the assessment outcome. Here's what we suggest.
Gather medical information. Have a list of your parent's current medications, medical conditions, recent hospital visits, and the contact details of their GP and any specialists. The assessor will want to understand their health picture.
Note their daily challenges. In the days before the assessment, pay attention to what your parent struggles with. Do they have difficulty showering? Have they stopped cooking because it's too tiring? Are they unsteady on their feet? Do they forget to take medication? Write these observations down — they'll be helpful during the conversation.
Be honest about the bad days. Many elderly people minimise their difficulties, especially when speaking with someone they want to impress. If your parent tends to put on a brave face, it's important that you (or another family member) are present to provide an honest perspective. The assessment should reflect their worst days, not just their best.
Think about their home environment. The assessor will look at safety factors — are there trip hazards? Is the bathroom safe? Can your parent get in and out of the house easily? Can they reach the kitchen, the toilet, and their bedroom without difficulty?
Consider their social and emotional wellbeing. The assessment covers more than physical health. It will explore whether your parent is socially isolated, experiencing depression or anxiety, or struggling with loneliness. These factors are just as important as physical needs in determining the right level of support.
List what help they currently receive. Document any support your parent already has — from family members, friends, existing services, or community programs. This helps the assessor understand the full picture.
The assessment is conducted in your parent's home by a qualified assessor. It typically takes one to three hours, depending on the complexity of your parent's situation.
The assessor will talk with your parent about their daily life — what they can do independently, where they need help, and what's important to them. They'll ask about physical health, mobility, cognition, mental health, social connections, and their home environment. They may also conduct some simple functional assessments (like observing how your parent moves around their home).
As a family member, you can and should be present. You can provide additional context, share observations about changes you've noticed, and ensure the assessor gets an accurate picture. If your parent speaks limited English, you can request an interpreter, or have a family member translate. If your parent feels more comfortable speaking in their first language, mention this when booking the assessment.
The assessor is not there to judge. They're there to understand. Be open, be specific, and don't downplay the difficulties.
After the assessment, your parent will be assigned a Support at Home classification (1 through 8). You'll receive a letter from My Aged Care confirming the outcome.
Depending on demand, there may be a waiting period before funding is allocated. During this wait, you can begin researching providers, and you can access private home care services immediately if your parent needs support right away.
Once funding is confirmed, you'll have 56 days (with a possible 28-day extension) to choose a provider and begin receiving services. Our guide on how to choose a home care provider can help you make that decision with confidence.
Families who've been through the assessment process often share the same advice: Don't clean the house before the assessment — let the assessor see the reality. If your parent has good days and bad days, try to schedule the assessment for a typical or difficult day. Have someone present who can speak candidly about the challenges — sometimes the person being assessed needs an advocate. Write down questions in advance so you don't forget to ask them. Take notes during the assessment for your own records.
The assessment process can feel bureaucratic and impersonal, but it's a necessary step toward getting your parent the support they need. And you don't have to navigate it alone.
If you have questions about the assessment process, or if your parent has already been assessed and you're ready to choose a provider, we're here to help.
Call J.PEER Health on 0469 371 121 for a free, no-obligation conversation. We're available 24/7 and happy to answer any questions about the process.
Yes, and it's recommended. Having a family member present ensures the assessor gets an accurate and complete picture of your parent's needs. You can provide context and share observations that your parent may not mention themselves.
If you believe the assessment doesn't reflect your parent's actual needs, you can request a review. Providing additional medical evidence or documented observations of their daily challenges may support a reassessment.
Yes. If your parent's health declines or their needs increase significantly, you or your provider can request a reassessment through My Aged Care. This may result in a higher classification and more funding.
Yes. You can request an interpreter through My Aged Care when booking the assessment. Alternatively, a family member can assist with translation.
Private home care is available immediately, with no government assessment required. Many families access private personal care or domestic assistance while waiting for their assessment and funding. You can transition to government-funded care once approved.
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