What should I prepare before an ACAT assessment?
Before your ACAT assessment, gather your Medicare card, another form of ID (like a driver's licence or pension card), doctor referrals, and a list of current medications. Note any support you currently receive, and think about your specific needs, daily challenges, and personal goals for maintaining independence. A little preparation goes a long way to ensure the assessor gets a complete picture of your situation.
Key points
- Individual eligibility, availability and outcomes can vary.
- Ask questions early and seek independent help if anything feels unclear or unsafe.
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01Guide sectionWhat should I prepare for an ACAT assessment?
An ACAT assessment-now generally called a comprehensive aged care assessment-looks at how you are managing day to day and what support may help you remain safe and independent.
You do not need to prepare a large folder of paperwork. The most important thing is to give the assessor an honest picture of what is becoming difficult, including the help currently provided by family or friends.
02Guide sectionDocuments and information to have ready
Where available, prepare:
your Medicare card
one other form of identification, such as a driver’s licence, healthcare card, passport or DVA card
copies of any relevant referrals from your doctor
contact details for your GP and other regular health professionals
a current medication list
relevant hospital discharge summaries or medical information
details of any support you already receive.
Medical records and referrals can be useful, but you do not need to delay the assessment if you do not have every document available.
03Guide sectionThink about what is becoming difficult
Before the assessment, consider which parts of daily life are becoming harder, unsafe or more tiring.
This may include:
showering, dressing or using the toilet
preparing meals and eating properly
cleaning, laundry and household maintenance
shopping and transport
walking, using stairs or getting in and out of chairs
taking medication correctly
remembering appointments or completing familiar tasks
recovering after illness, surgery or a hospital stay
remaining socially connected.
Try not to describe only what happens on a particularly good day. Explain what happens on difficult days, how often problems occur and whether family members have started doing more.
04Guide sectionExplain the help already being provided
Make a note of support currently provided by:
family members
friends or neighbours
community organisations
privately paid workers
health professionals
existing aged care services.
Include tasks that may seem informal, such as a daughter doing the shopping, a neighbour taking out bins or a partner supervising medication.
This helps the assessor understand the person’s real level of need. It also shows what could happen if that unpaid support became unavailable.
05Guide sectionThink about your goals
The assessment is not only about listing difficulties. The assessor will also ask what the person wants to achieve.
Goals might include:
continuing to live at home
showering more safely
regaining strength after hospital
returning to social activities
giving a family carer regular respite
preparing meals more independently
reducing the risk of falls.
The support plan should record the person’s strengths, difficulties, preferences and goals.
06Guide sectionHave someone with you if helpful
You can ask a trusted family member, friend, carer or registered supporter to attend.
They can:
help explain what has been happening
remember details the person may overlook
take notes
ask questions
provide reassurance.
The person being assessed should still be included in the conversation and supported to express their own views.
07Guide sectionArrange communication support in advance
Tell the assessment organisation before the appointment if you need:
a language interpreter
an Auslan interpreter
cultural support
advocacy assistance
another communication adjustment.
You can request an interpreter at any stage of the assessment process.
08Practical actionQuestions you may want to ask
Useful questions include:
What services could help with my assessed needs?
What services are available locally?
Are there waiting times?
What support is available for my carer?
What happens after the assessment?
When will I receive the outcome and support plan?
What can I do if my needs change?
How can I request a review if I disagree with the decision?
09Guide sectionPractical tip
Do not minimise difficulties because you feel embarrassed or do not want to complain.
Instead of saying:
“I manage reasonably well.”
Give a practical explanation:
“I can shower by myself, but I have nearly fallen twice and now wait until my daughter is in the house.”
Specific examples help the assessor understand the level of support and risk more accurately.
The aim is not to prove that the person cannot cope. It is to give a complete picture of what they can do, what has become difficult and what assistance may help them remain independent.
10Guide sectionWhat should I do next?
Confirm the details with My Aged Care or the relevant provider, write down your questions and ask for important information in writing before making a decision.
11Guide sectionHelpful Local Home Help resources
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