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In the ACT, accessing government-subsidised aged care services begins with an Aged Care Assessment evaluation. This assessment determines eligibility for services such as residential aged care, home care packages, respite care, and short-term restorative care. Conducted by a multidisciplinary team - including doctors, nurses, and social workers - the assessment ensures that older individuals receive the appropriate level of care tailored to their needs.
To be eligible for an aged care assessment in the ACT, individuals must meet the following criteria:
Be aged 65 years or older, or 50 years or older if of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent.
Require a level of care that cannot be met by other community or aged care services.
Be medically stable at the time of assessment.
To initiate the aged care assessment process in the ACT, follow these steps:
Contact My Aged Care: Call 1800 200 422 between 8 am and 8 pm Monday to Friday, or 10 am to 2 pm on Saturdays.
Online Application: Alternatively, you can apply online through the My Aged Care website. The application process involves:
Checking eligibility.
Providing personal details.
Arranging the assessment.
The online application typically takes 15 to 20 minutes to complete.
Once your application is submitted, an aged care assessor will contact you within 2 to 6 weeks to schedule an appointment. The assessment may take place:
At your home.
In a hospital, if you're being discharged.
During the assessment, the team will evaluate your physical, medical, psychological, and social needs to determine the appropriate level of care and support required.
To ensure a comprehensive evaluation, it's recommended to have the following documents and information available during your assessment:
Medicare card.
Health Care Card and/or concession card (if applicable).
List of current medications, including any over-the-counter supplements.
Correspondence from your General Practitioner.
Details of any recent hospital admissions or treatments.
Following the assessment, you will receive a letter outlining the recommended services and support options. If you're found eligible for government-subsidised aged care services, the ACAT team will assist in coordinating the next steps, which may include:
Referral to appropriate services.
Assistance with service providers.
Information on available support options.
For more information on aged care services and support in the ACT, consider the following resources:
Canberra Health Services – Aged Care Assessment Team: Provides detailed information on the ACAT services available in the ACT.
ADACAS – Services for Older Persons: Offers advocacy and support services for older individuals in the ACT.
If you or a loved one is considering aged care services in the ACT, initiating an ACAT assessment is the first step towards accessing the appropriate support and services tailored to individual needs.
Finding quality home care can be overwhelming, but our Home Care Shortlist makes it easy. Compare local providers, connect directly, and request information or consultations - all in one place. This saves time and ensures informed decisions.
