If you are trying to organise support for an ageing parent or partner, you have probably already come across the terms ACAT and My Aged Care and wondered how they fit together. The terminology can feel confusing, especially since the system behind the scenes has changed in recent years, even though most families still refer to the process as “getting an ACAT assessment.”
This guide explains what this assessment actually involves today, how My Aged Care fits into the picture, and what to expect from the process.
What Is an ACAT Assessment?
ACAT stands for Aged Care Assessment Team, and for many years this was the name of the group who assessed whether someone was eligible for higher-level government-funded aged care, such as a Home Care Package or entry into residential care. Since late 2024, ACAT and the separate Regional Assessment Service (RAS) have been brought together into one national Single Assessment System.
In practice, this means there is now one workforce handling assessments instead of several separate ones, though most people, including many aged care providers, still use the old ACAT name out of habit. Whatever it is called, the purpose remains the same: to work out what support someone actually needs, and to make sure that support matches their real day-to-day life rather than a general assumption about their age or diagnosis.
What Is My Aged Care, and How Does It Fit In?
My Aged Care is the Australian Government’s main entry point for aged care information, referrals, and services. It is not the assessment itself, but the system you go through to arrange one.
A My Aged Care assessment begins with registering online at myagedcare.gov.au or by calling 1800 200 422. From there, you will usually receive a short screening call to understand your situation before an assessor is arranged. Think of My Aged Care as the front door, and the ACAT-style assessment as what happens once you are through it.
You can register on behalf of someone else, such as a parent, as long as you have their consent, which is often a relief for adult children juggling this alongside work and their own family.
How to Get an Aged Care Assessment: Step by Step
Knowing how to get an aged care assessment can save families a lot of frustration, since the process has a fairly predictable shape.
- Register with My Aged Care, either online or by phone, providing basic details about the person needing support.
- A screening call, usually within around two weeks, to understand whether simpler home support or a more detailed assessment is needed.
- An assessor is arranged, typically visiting in person at home, though telehealth is sometimes used in regional areas.
- The assessment itself, followed by a written outcome and support plan outlining what has been approved.
Each step can take longer than families expect, particularly for higher-level care, so it is worth starting the process earlier rather than waiting until a crisis point. If a situation is urgent, such as after a hospital stay, let My Aged Care know, since faster pathways can sometimes be arranged.
What Happens at an ACAT Assessment?
Families often ask what happens at an ACAT assessment, since it can feel intimidating not knowing what to prepare for. In reality, it is generally a conversation rather than a test, usually lasting somewhere between one and three hours.
The assessor will ask about physical health, memory and thinking, ability to manage daily tasks like showering, cooking, and medication, current support from family, and the safety of the home environment. They are trying to build a full picture of the person’s life, not just tick boxes. By the end, you and the assessor will usually discuss goals and priorities together before a support plan is finalised.
You will not usually get a decision on the spot. Instead, an outcome letter is sent afterwards, setting out what has been approved and any next steps needed to start using that support.
Understanding the Aged Care Eligibility Assessment Outcome
The aged care eligibility assessment outcome determines what level of government-funded support someone can access, whether that is entry-level home support, a higher Support at Home category, or residential aged care.
It is worth knowing that being approved for a certain level of care does not always mean support starts immediately. Higher-level packages in particular can involve a waiting period, so it helps to plan ahead where possible rather than assuming support will begin straight away.
Our guide to Aged Care Categories 1-6 explains what each level actually covers in more detail.
Tips to Prepare for Your Assessment
Preparing before your aged care assessment can make the process smoother and help ensure the assessor has an accurate understanding of your needs. Here are a few simple ways to get ready:
- Write down your current medications and any existing medical conditions or diagnoses.
- List the support you already receive, whether from family, friends, or care providers.
- Describe what a difficult day looks like, not just your best days, so the assessor can recommend the right level of support.
- Have a family member or trusted person attend the assessment for support and to help provide important details you may forget or overlook.
Learn about aged care funding in advance so you understand what costs may be means-tested and what financial assistance may be available.
Being prepared helps your assessment reflect your everyday needs, making it easier to access the right services and level of care. A clear and honest assessment can lead to more appropriate support, both now and as your needs change over time.
How My Evervale Can Help
At My Evervale, we regularly help families make sense of the assessment process and what comes after it, whether that means organising in-home support or planning for residential care. We are not able to complete your assessment for you, but we can help you understand your outcome letter and get the right supports moving quickly once it arrives.
If you have recently had an assessment, or are not sure where to start, make a referral and one of our care coordinators will talk you through your options.