Accessing Commonwealth-Funded Aged Care Services: Where to Start
At Simplified Aged Care Solutions, we want to assist people to understand the aged care system in order to reduce the stress when trying to access services for yourself or your loved one.
In order to achieve this, we believe it is helpful to talk through the aged care journey from the very beginning.
One of the most common questions families ask is: “How do I start the aged care process for my loved one?”
The first step is an ACAT assessment.
An ACAT assessment determines a person’s eligibility for Commonwealth-funded aged care services, including support at home, respite care and permanent residential aged care.
Without this assessment, you will not be able to access Commonwealth funding to subsidise aged care services, meaning services may need to be funded privately.
Ways to apply for an assessment
There are several ways to apply for an assessment:
Apply online through My Aged Care
You will need consent from the person you are applying for, as well as their Medicare number and personal details, including date of birth and home address.
Call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422
It is best to do this with the person present, so they can provide verbal consent. You will also need their Medicare number and personal details.
Ask a trusted health professional to assist
This may include a GP, practice nurse, allied health professional, CHSP provider or care coordinator. This can also be helpful if someone is already receiving services but needs reassessment for additional support or a different level of care.
Once the referral has been submitted, My Aged Care will provide a reference number. Keep this number safe. You will need it if you call My Aged Care to follow up, update information or check which assessment organisation the referral has been sent to.
The referral will then be triaged by an assessment team. In many cases, families can expect to hear from the assessment team within approximately 6–12 weeks, although this can vary depending on urgency and local demand.
Two important tips
Firstly, keep your reference number. If you have not heard anything within the expected timeframe, call My Aged Care to follow up.
Secondly, if your loved one’s circumstances change, or the situation becomes more urgent, call My Aged Care and update the referral. This may assist with triaging the assessment.
Aged care assessments are not always immediate, and waiting times can be lengthy. It is always better to be proactive rather than waiting until a crisis occurs.
Should I proactively register with My Aged Care?
Another question I am often asked is: “Should I proactively register with My Aged Care, just in case?”
My general view is no, not unless you are ready to access services.
If you are an Australian resident with a Medicare card, your details are already linked within government systems. When you contact My Aged Care, an aged care record can be created and linked to your Medicare details.
While some people feel reassured by registering early, there is usually no need to do this unless you are ready to commence the assessment process or access services.
At Simplified Aged Care Solutions, we encourage families to be informed, prepared and timely — but also mindful that the system is already under significant demand. Starting the process when support is genuinely needed helps ensure assessment pathways remain focused on those requiring services now.
We look forward to sharing more practical information and tips throughout the aged care journey.
If you or your loved one would like support at the beginning of the aged care process, or at any stage along the way, please reach out to Simplified Aged Care Solutions, and contact us.
