What happens during an aged care assessment at home?
An assessor discusses your health, daily activities, safety, support network and the help you may need.
Search plain-English answers to common aged care questions. You do not need to learn the whole system first. Find the issue in front of you and start there.
Describe what is happening and Liz can help work out which information or next step is most useful.
Ask Liz →Try everyday wording such as “Mum is waiting for funding”, “can CHSP pay for gardening?” or “how much does personal care cost?”
An assessor discusses your health, daily activities, safety, support network and the help you may need.
Useful information can include medication lists, diagnoses, hospital letters, falls history and examples of tasks that have become difficult or unsafe.
A trusted family member can attend if you want support, help remembering details or assistance explaining your needs.
Ask about interim funding, CHSP, private services, community support and whether your priority should be reviewed.
Some people may receive part of their approved funding while waiting for their full allocation.
Some people may receive entry-level CHSP services while waiting, depending on eligibility, referrals and local availability.
Do not simply remain on the waiting list. Contact My Aged Care or the assessment organisation immediately and explain exactly what has changed. They may arrange urgent support, reassess the person’s needs or review their priority.
Yes. Ask My Aged Care or the assessor about a review if needs have worsened or important information was missed.
Hospital staff can help identify immediate needs and connect you with discharge, transition or community services.
You can apply for an aged care assessment online, by phone or in person through My Aged Care. An assessment is usually the first step to accessing government-funded aged care services such as CHSP, Support at Home, respite care or residential aged care. The application generally takes around 15 to 20 minutes.