Navigating Aged Care: Understanding the ACAS Assessment Process
Starting the aged care journey can feel a bit daunting — and that’s completely normal. Maybe you’re starting to notice changes in your day-to-day routines, or perhaps a family member or your GP has suggested you might benefit from some extra support. Maybe you’ve noticed these changes in your Mum or Dad. Your weekends are becoming overrun with being a taxi service to various kids sporting events and also fitting in more and more hours helping (and worrying about) your parents. You’re not alone in feeling unsure about what happens next.
One of the first steps in accessing government-funded aged care services in Australia is something called an ACAS (Aged Care Assessment Service) assessment. It might sound a little formal or intimidating, but I promise — it’s simply a process to help figure out what kind of care or support could help you live more comfortably, safely, and independently.
As a nurse who’s supported many people through this process, I’ve seen how the right care at the right time can make a world of difference. So, let’s break it all down together — no jargon, no overwhelm — just clear, helpful information to guide you through.
So… What Is an ACAS Assessment, Anyway?
Great question!
An ACAS, (or ACAT if you’re outside Victoria- same thing, just a different name. Even the name can’t be straightforward!) assessment is simply a free meeting with a health professional to chat about how you're managing at home and what kinds of support might help. Think of it as a friendly check-in rather than a test.
They’ll ask you about things like:
✔️ How you’re coping with daily tasks like showering, cooking, or getting around
✔️ Any health conditions or mobility issues
✔️ Who’s around to help (family, friends, pets that think they’re nurses…)
✔️ What kinds of support you’d like to receive
Who Needs an ACAS Assessment?
Short answer? More people than you might think.
If things like vacuuming, cooking, or even just keeping up with appointments are starting to feel like Olympic-level tasks — it might be time. You don’t need to be in crisis mode, and you definitely don’t need to be “ready for a nursing home” (whatever that means!) to get assessed.
You might need an ACAS assessment if:
You’re over 65 (or 50+ for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people) and things are getting harder at home
You’re considering residential aged care, even just to explore your options
You want some extra help to stay independent, like cleaning, meals, or personal care
You’re caring for someone else and need support or a break
Basically, it’s for older Aussies who could use a hand — and want to know what help is out there.
No shame, no judgment. Just support to make life easier.
How Do You Get One?
Getting an ACAS assessment isn’t complicated, but there are a couple of steps to follow — and a little patience will go a long way (ok maybe a lot of patience).
In short: you (or someone you trust) can start the process by calling My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 or applying online.
https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/assessment/apply-online
Remember, patience. There are many departments that your name needs to pass through before you will be called to book in an assessment. The system is completely overwhelmed and unfortunately having to wait starts as early as here.
What Happens During the Assessment?
Good news — there’s no test, no ticking clock, and definitely no pop quiz at the end.
A trained assessor — usually a nurse, social worker, or another health professional — comes to your home (or sometimes a hospital, if you're there already). Their job? To understand you — how you’re managing day to day, what’s getting tricky, and what support could make things easier.
They’ll ask questions about:
Your health conditions and medications
How you’re managing daily tasks (like showering, cooking, or shopping)
Your home set-up — any stairs, slippery tiles, or rogue laundry baskets. Don’t be surprised if an OT suggests the rugs must go at this point! (love ya, OT’s!)
What kind of support you have (or need) from family, friends, or carers
You can also ask them questions — it’s a two-way conversation. The goal is to figure out what services could help you live safely and comfortably, whether that’s at home or in a care facility down the track.
There’s no pressure to make big decisions on the spot. They’re just helping you map out your options — and putting you in the driver’s seat. I always use the analogy that an ACAS assessment is like being given a key- you can choose to use the key or not to unlock help.
What Happens After the Assessment?
Once the ACAS team has visited and had a good chat with you (and maybe a cuppa!), they’ll go away and consider everything you discussed — your health, your support needs, and your personal preferences. A decision is made if you're eligible for government-funded aged care services.
If you are, you’ll receive:
An approval letter in the mail outlining what services you're approved for and a support plan tailored to your needs.
It’s important to know — approval doesn’t mean you get a package right away. You might need to wait until one becomes available (patience- especially important here). But once you’re approved, you’re officially in the system and ready to take the next step.
I hope that this has helped demystify the process a little.
If you’ve made it this far in the process and you need help understanding your approvals or what to do next?
Reach out — that’s what we’re here for.
