What is the difference between an RAS assessment and an ACAT assessment?
RAS and ACAT were the former names for different assessment pathways. Australia now uses a Single Assessment System, although people may still hear the older terms. The assessment you receive depends on the level and type of support you may need.
Key points
- RAS and ACAT are legacy terms still commonly used.
- My Aged Care now arranges assessments through the Single Assessment System.
- The depth of assessment depends on your needs.
RAS and ACAT were the names previously used for two different levels of aged care assessment.
At a high level:
an RAS assessment was generally for people needing entry-level support through the Commonwealth Home Support Program
an ACAT assessment was generally for people with more substantial, complex or ongoing care needs.
The assessment system has since changed. Australia now uses the Single Assessment System, so people are no longer expected to work out whether they need an RAS or ACAT assessment before applying.
My Aged Care reviews the person’s circumstances and arranges the appropriate type and depth of assessment.
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01Guide sectionWhat was an RAS assessment?
RAS stood for Regional Assessment Service.
An RAS assessment was generally used when someone needed a relatively small amount of practical help to remain independent at home.
This could include help with:
cleaning
gardening
meals
transport
shopping
social support
minor home maintenance
basic personal care
some allied health or short-term support.
An RAS assessment commonly resulted in approval for individual services through the Commonwealth Home Support Program, rather than an ongoing individual care budget.
For example, an older person who is mostly independent but can no longer safely clean the bathroom, mow the lawn or drive to appointments may be suited to this level of assessment.
02Guide sectionWhat was an ACAT assessment?
ACAT stood for Aged Care Assessment Team. In Victoria, these teams were often called the Aged Care Assessment Service, or ACAS.
An ACAT assessment was a more comprehensive assessment for people with greater, more complex or ongoing care needs.
It could assess eligibility for:
ongoing funded support at home
residential respite care
permanent residential aged care
transition or restorative care programs
more complex combinations of clinical, personal and practical support.
An ACAT assessment was generally completed by a clinician or multidisciplinary team and considered areas such as:
physical health
mobility and falls
personal care
cognition and dementia
medication and clinical needs
safety at home
carer stress
the person’s ability to remain living independently.
For example, a person experiencing falls, memory changes, difficulty showering, medication problems and increasing dependence on family may require a comprehensive assessment.
03Guide sectionWhat happens under the current system?
Under the Single Assessment System, assessors use one Integrated Assessment Tool for both home-support assessments and comprehensive assessments.
A home-support assessment is generally appropriate where the person needs limited or entry-level assistance.
A comprehensive assessment is used where needs are more substantial, complex or may involve:
Support at Home funding
residential respite
permanent residential aged care
complex clinical or safety concerns.
The assessor can explore issues in greater depth when the person’s responses indicate that a clinical assessment is required.
04Guide sectionDo I need to request a particular assessment?
No. You do not need to decide whether to request an RAS, ACAT, home-support or comprehensive assessment.
Apply through My Aged Care and describe what is happening in practical terms, including:
which daily activities have become difficult
any falls, hospital admissions or health changes
memory or judgement concerns
personal-care or medication difficulties
how much assistance family members currently provide
whether the person’s carer is becoming overwhelmed
any immediate safety concerns.
My Aged Care and the assessment organisation will determine the appropriate assessment pathway.
05Guide sectionCan the assessment change if more serious needs are identified?
Yes. The Single Assessment System is intended to reduce the need for people to repeat their story or move between separate assessment organisations.
If more complex needs become apparent, the assessment can be expanded or involve an appropriately qualified clinical assessor.
Similarly, if someone was originally approved for limited help but their health or circumstances have since changed, they can request a reassessment or support plan review.
The simplest way to understand the difference is:
RAS generally meant entry-level home help. ACAT generally meant a comprehensive assessment for ongoing or more complex care. Today, both sit within one assessment system, and the person is directed to the appropriate assessment based on their actual needs.
06Guide sectionWhat should I do next?
Apply through My Aged Care and describe honestly what is becoming difficult, including any safety concerns, carer strain or recent health changes.
07Guide sectionHelpful Local Home Help resources
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