Caring for yourself around the house may become more of a challenge as you age. Whether you need assistance around the house, more support for an aging relative, or moving to an aged care home, these areas are where Australian government-funded programs can assist.
Applying for an assessment with an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) is the initial step in getting government-funded care. The prospect of being evaluated may be scary, but you shouldn’t be too worried. This assessment won’t try to “test” you but only want to learn about your circumstances to tailor the support they can provide you or your loved one.
In this article, you will learn about essential information to help you better understand the acat assessment process.
What is an ACAT Assessment?
Anyone seeking government-funded assistance for the elderly must complete an aged care assessment, also known as an ACAT. The Aged Care Assessment Team is in charge of coordinating these evaluations. They help doctors figure out what kind of treatment a patient could require.
ACAT evaluations qualify people for home care, residential aged care, transition care, respite care, and aged care institutions.
- Home Care: Daily life help is included in-home care. Personal care, eating, bathing, clothing, and more. It may also include overnight care.
- Residential Aged Care: Seniors who can no longer live at home are placed in residential care. This can house persons with continuous needs.
- Respite Care: Short-term respite care includes nursing, daily living help, and more.
Aged Care Assessment Teams utilize the results to establish the best course of treatment for the elderly individual.
How to Arrange an ACAT Assessment?
An ACAT evaluation can be scheduled by calling the My Aged Care customer support center. Another option is to use the online form to request one. You can also ask a trusted friend, family member, or medical professional to arrange for an evaluation on your behalf. On the other hand, friends and family can set up an ACAT evaluation.
The average turnaround time for an ACAT result is six weeks. But in extreme circumstances, these can take precedence. You can have access to aged care before an ACAT if you feel that you need it urgently.
ACAT Assessment Preparation
You should keep in mind that the ACAT is not a test that you should be scared, worried, or stressed about. Simply put, it’s an evaluation of your needs and capabilities.
Also, you are welcome to bring a friend or family member with you for the examination if you feel more comfortable doing so. But, the following items must be carried by you:
- Medicare card
- Identification cards or IDs like driver’s license, passport, DVA card, or healthcare card
- A copy of the doctor’s referral
- Names and contact numbers of the medical experts you see daily, including your doctor
- Any relevant health and medical records
- Detailed information regarding the assistance you are currently receiving
ACAT Assessment Process
The ACAT assessment procedure consists of four stages:
- ACAT Assessment Application: It often takes anywhere from two to six weeks, depending on demand, before you hear back about an interview after applying.
- Actual Assessment: During the evaluation, a member of the Aged Care Assessment Team will spend around one to three hours with you.
- Approval: It may take a few weeks to a few months after your assessment for the approval to be granted. Depending on where you live and how much care you need, you may have to wait three months to a year for subsidized care.
- Allocation: After receiving cash, you can receive government-subsidized services from an aged care center or a home care provider, depending on your needs.
Common Questions Asked in an ACAT Assessment
To fully grasp your requirements, the assessors will inquire with any specific questions. When they ask questions, there are usually a few key points.
Current Level of Support
You may be asked about the level of support and assistance you currently receive, the people who give it to you, and whether or not you think it’s enough. The level of your social support from loved ones and the community at large will be a factor in the evaluation.
Additionally, they will inquire as to who you can reach in an emergency and whether there is somebody nearby who can assist.
Day-to-Day Life
The evaluators will learn about your routines in general, including housekeeping, eating, bathing, shopping, recreational pursuits, and more. Every day, they may inquire as to whether you have any trouble with certain chores or if you need any further assistance. Mobility and your experience navigating your home and the surrounding area will also be discussed.
Goals
What matters is your ambitions and what you wish to accomplish. For your care, the assessors are interested in hearing your preferences. Their questions will focus on your goals, such as whether you want to keep doing something or become more self-reliant.
You should be prepared to answer questions about your preferences for residential aged care unlike staying in your own home.
Health
Although the assessors will typically seek your doctor’s advice regarding your general health, they will also inquire as to your thoughts and feelings about your medical treatment. They will discuss your injuries, illnesses, or ailments in detail and inquire as to if you have any worries.
Also, the evaluators will inquire as to whether you are taking any medications and whether you need help with their administration.
Memory
Loss of memory is a typical symptom of aging. To gauge whether you are experiencing memory loss, the evaluators will inquire about your memory. Perhaps your loved ones can shed some light on the matter.
Get Ready for an ACAT Assessment
Although taking an ACAT assessment could seem nerve-wracking at first, it’s possible to feel prepared and ready for the test. Have someone by your side the whole way through, and don’t be shy about voicing your opinions or asking questions.
Remember that the purpose of the assessors’ visit is to assist; they will not impose anything against your will. There are procedures you can follow to lodge a complaint or appeal an ACAT judgment if you are dissatisfied with any part of it.
