Aged Care Process

1. Complete ACAT assessment

When its time for you or a loved one to move into care an assessment should be arranged via My Aged Care by calling 1800 200 422. They will refer you for a free assessment with a member of your local Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT). If approved, you will receive an approval letter and support plan. This includes a unique referral code that you must give to your chosen provider.

You may also be eligible for short term stay if your carers at home are unable to care for you for some reason. This is called ‘residential respite care’. If you need to organize respite care, including emergency respite care, call 1800 422 737.

2. Estimate Costs

The next step is to estimate the living and care costs for your move. Complete a financial assessment with Services Australia and submit the income and assets assessment using the SA457 form. Services Australia will send you a letter confirming your expected ongoing costs.

3. Find a bed

The next step will be to find an available bed, hopefully in your preferred location. Short list and contact Aged Care homes to arrange a tour of their facility and to discuss what they offer and their costs.

4. Complete application.

Complete an application at your preferred facility to apply for an available bed. When you have accepted a place in an Aged Care service you will be asked to sign a Resident Agreement. This will detail the services provided and fees payable.

If you receive Centrelink or Veterans Affairs payments, you must notify them of your change of living arrangements as well as any changes to income and assets. You have 28 days after moving into care to decide how you would like to pay for your accommodation.

5. Moving into care

The day you move into residential aged care home may be unsettling for you and your family. You will be leaving behind, not only your home, but potentially a spouse and certainly a lot of personal items and treasured memories. You’ll need to get used a whole new routine. The food may be different, the mealtimes may be different and you may need to change the time you get up and go to bed to fit in the staff availability.

Check with the provider about what pieces of furniture equipment will be provided for you in the room. If you’re coming in from an in-home care arrangement and you have access to decent funding, stock up on customised and important equipment such as walkers before the move.

What you can take with you depends on the terms of your resident agreement so read it closely.

And finally, don’t forget to notify your friends and family of your new address and all other organisations that need to contact you.