An aged-care assessment is not a test that you have to pass.
It is a conversation about how you are managing, what is becoming difficult, what support you already have, what matters to you and what could help you continue living well and safely.
My Aged Care says assessments consider health, daily activities, safety, existing support, lifestyle, family and community involvement, and the person's goals and preferences. My Aged Care
Before your assessment, think about an ordinary week
One of the most useful things you can do is think about what actually happens at home.
Ask yourself:
Is showering or dressing becoming difficult?
Do I feel safe getting in and out of the shower?
Have I fallen or nearly fallen?
Is cooking becoming difficult or tiring?
Can I keep the house reasonably clean?
Can I shop independently?
Am I remembering and managing my medicines?
Can I get to medical appointments?
Do I have wounds or other health issues that need care?
Am I becoming less confident leaving the house?
Am I relying increasingly on my partner, children, friends or neighbours?
Is my carer becoming tired or struggling?
What would make everyday life easier or safer?
Don't focus only on your best day. Explain what happens on the difficult days as well.
Think about your goals
Support is not only about identifying problems.
Consider what you want to continue doing.
For example:
- “I want to keep showering safely.”
- “I want to continue living in my own home.”
- “I want to get back to my community group.”
- “I want to be able to prepare meals again.”
- “I want my daughter to be my daughter, rather than having to do everything for me.”
Your goals and preferences form an important part of the assessment and resulting support plan. My Aged Care
What should I have ready?
My Aged Care recommends having:
your Medicare card
another form of identification, such as a driver's licence, healthcare card, passport or DVA card
any referrals from your doctor
contact details for your GP and other health professionals
information about the support you already receive
information about aged-care services you want to discuss. My Aged Care
It can also help to write down your medications, recent hospital admissions, falls or health changes, and what family or carers currently help you with.
Can someone be with me?
Yes.
You can choose to have a family member, friend, carer, registered supporter or another appropriate support person present. You can also request an interpreter if you need one. My Aged Care
Having someone who knows your situation can be useful, particularly if they help you regularly.
Questions worth asking
Consider asking:
- What services have I been approved for?
- How will these services help with my goals?
- What happens next?
- Are there waiting times?
- What support is available for my carer?
- Who do I contact if my needs change?
What happens afterwards?
After the assessment you will receive a Notice of Decision explaining the outcome and a copy of your support plan. Your support plan records matters such as your strengths, difficulties, goals, preferences and the services identified to support you. My Aged Care
When speaking with a potential Support at Home provider later, My Aged Care recommends having your Notice of Decision and support plan available, together with your financial-assessment outcome if applicable and any questions you want to ask. My Aged Care
Need help understanding what happens next?
Office: 08 6388 0982 Dial # 2
Clinical Care Manager: 0494 722 663